How to Prime Wood Paneling

Priming wood paneling prepares it for paint.

Priming wood paneling is the key to getting a great finish when you paint. Painting primer will help the paint to stick to your paneling. Oil-based primer also does an excellent job at blocking stains from showing through the final paint job. Know how to prime your paneling before painting it with latex paint.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloth
• Water
• Household degreaser
• Putty knife
• Drywall compound
• Sanding block
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Vacuum
• Tackcloth
• Dropcloth
• Oil-based primer
• Paint roller

Instructions

1. Clean the paneling with water and a damp cloth. A common household degreaser will help remove grease or stains.

2. Fill any nail holes in the paneling, using a putty knife and drywall compound. Smooth the surface of the compound to make sure it is flush with the paneling. Allow the paneling to dry.

3. Roughen the glossy surface of the wood paneling with a sanding block and fine-grit sandpaper. Do not completely sand the wood paneling to the bare wood, just sand the glossy finish from the paneling.

4. Vacuum the walls. Wipe the walls with a tackcloth to remove the sanding dust.

5. Place a dropcloth on the floor below the paneling to protect the from the primer.

6. Apply the oil-based primer with a painting roller. One thick coat should be sufficient.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: How to Paint Wood Paneling
• Young House Love: How to Paint Wood Paneling