Is a paint roller enough to cover paneling when painting or do I need a ladder and a brush?

Question

I need to lighten a room with paneling covering one side of wall in living room. Need tips to brighten a room.

Answer 1

To get a clean edge where the wall meets the ceiling, you'll need to "cut in" with a brush (you can't get all the way into the corner with just the roller).

It'll depend on how deep the grooves are on the paneling to determine if you will need to brush them before rolling. When I did our panneled room, I just used a deeper nap roller - 3/8" - and had no problems.

You can also paint the ceiling flat white or eggshell white (I prefer flat white) to help lighten the room, too.

What about the furniture? Can you use slip covers made of light colored fabrics & light colored curtains/drapes?

Good luck with your redocorating!

Answer 2

I have done that once with success.  We used a hand sander to rough up the finish on the paneling so the kiltz and paint would adhere better, then wiped it down good.  Put on the primer.  The hardest part of painting was the grove.  Had to push the roller into the groove.  I am going to do the same in a second house soon and I think I will cut the grooves in with a brush before rolling the paint on.  

Answer 3

you need to put on a coat of sealer or primer on the paneling before yu paint it.

Answer 4

Yes I agree with the 3/8 nap roller.  I had to paint my living room, dining room and hallway because it was dark paneling. You just have to push the roller a little harder to get the paint into the grooves.  And yes use 2 coats of primer first and one coat of good paint, although i used good paint on my livingroom and wished I had done a second coat. You can cut in with a really good paint brush like Rubbermaid 1 1/2 inch angled brush.  To me they really are the best in allowing you to cut in straight doing it free handed.  I never used tape, to me it was just a waste of time to use tape. Word of CAUTION if you do alot of painting at one time.  Be sure to take breaks!  It will save your shoulders and wrist.  I ruined mine cause i never took breaks. Worked all day long into the night to get it done. Now having many problems.

Answer 5

If he's so cheap that he won't spring for primer, ask him how he feels about springing for new paint every three months as the paint chips off.

Answer 6

You will need to clean the paneling with TSP(paint dept)and then prime with water based KILZ-IT. You can have the primer tinted close to your paint color. You might need 2 coats of primer and maybe 1 coat of good paint. Use a step ladder or chair if you don't have a ladder and use a brush for cutting in all the edges. Don't forget to tape off the ceiling and other walls. You can use a roller but I find the mini sponge rollers much easier to use. When waiting to put on a second coat place the roller and brush and even the paint tray in a trash bag and place in the refridgerator to use again but clean after the primer to use your paint color.