Wood Paneling - Painting?

Question

Can you paint over wood paneling and if so what do you have to do to it first?

Thanks

Answer 1

I moved into a house that had paneling with very deep grooves. It was ugly I couldnt stand it. I bought bead board in a wainscott style. I just took off the moulding attached to wall and put the moulding back on. It looks beautiful.

Answer 2

You have to use the right prep materials to ensure that your paints are going to stick and stay stuck.  The process also depends on the thickness of this paneling; is it 1/8-3/16" or 1/4-5/16"?  That's going todetermine the process and how you fill the grooves.

I have done this alot in 70's homes and with great success have walls come out looking like new.  Now if this is more than a thought and you want to actually do this let me know and I'll walk you through the steps.

MIke Lonergan

TradesProfessional, Inc.

http://www.tradesprofessional.com

Answer 3

wash it first and let it dry thoroughly next use a good primer/sealer  then just paint away i've even used spakle to fill in all the panel lines for a smooth surface!

Answer 4

If it has been polished, you will have to use an appropriate cleaner to remove the polish.  After that paint it with a good quality primer then paint your favorite color.

Answer 5

I like Ami45's answer. Bought a house with painted panelling and the wood grain is starting to bleed/show through. Spackle is nicer too, but the sanding after is a chore, and you usually have to fill the lines and sand twice. . . I think it's worth it --really hate the panelling--but that's just me. Just painting is still a huge improvement over seeing that ugly ol' fake wood grain.