Should I Paint Over Wood Paneling?

Wood paneling can make a home feel warm and comfortable. However, if your house is full of paneling that is dated, damaged, or made of an inferior veneer, it's worth considering an upgrade. Since removing it could be costly, consider

a coat of paint

.

Can you paint over old wood paneling?

Painting wood paneling is a simple way to change the look of a room. A fresh coat of

paint

quickly updates old wood paneling or wainscoting for less than the cost of replacing the walls. … It lists paint tools you'll need, tells you the best paint for paneling and gives tips on choosing a primer for wood paneling.

Do you have to Degloss paneling before painting?

You Can Easily Paint Over Wood Paneling. … Contrary to many popular methods that you might have found on the internet,

you do NOT need to sand or de-gloss the paneling

(unless it's like a super mirror finish – but most are not). Also, this can be done in only 2 coats total, including the primer!

How can I paint over paneling without sanding?

1. Step 1: Degrease the Surface. If you have the wood treated with a sealant or the good ol' “fake” wood panels, this part is easy. …
2. Step 2: Prime Your Surface. Primer is a special type of paint that goes on before the actual paint. …
3. Step 3: Painting Your Surface.

Can you paint over glossy wood paneling?

Since most paneling has a glossy finish, you will probably have to apply a second and thicker coat of primer to hold the paint. Let the second coat dry for 12 hours. Again, due to the glossy finish, a good quality primer is necessary. … Usually

three coats of paint are necessary

to completely cover the paneling.

Is wood paneling outdated?

If you wanted an updated home, the first thing to go was the wood paneling on the walls. … But now wood paneling is

back

. People are finding clever ways to use it in a variety of modern styles. With some sleek geometry, creative stylings and light colors, wood paneling fits well into the updated, modern space.

What do you paint wood paneling with?

What kind of paint do you use on paneling? Once you have primed your wood paneling, you can use

any kind of good quality latex paint

to paint it. I tend to use Sherwin Williams Super Paint for most of my wall painting projects. I like the coverage it gives and it acts just like paint should.

Can you use Kilz on wood paneling?

Kilz offers stain-blocking primers to both prime and seal paneling.

Oil-based and water-based priming products are suitable

to use on paneling. Steer clear of certain specialty finishes available from Kilz; they are not recommended for paneling.

What is the best primer to use on paneling?

1. Zinsser Cover Stain Interior & Exterior Primer-Sealer & Stain Killer. …
2. KILZ 2 All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer. …
3. INSL-X STIX Waterborne Bonding Primer. …
4. Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer. …
5. KILZ Restoration Interior Primer. …
6. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Premium Latex Primer.

What can I use to cover paneling?

“

Plaster In

A Roll is a one-step wall finish that covers concrete block, old plaster, existing paneling, and more.” “Faster Plaster is a paintable wall covering which covers paneling, ceramic tile, cracked plaster, and new or old gypsum board. It may be finished with paint or another wall covering on top.

How do you paint over wood paneling?

1. STEP 1: Clean the wall paneling with diluted TSP. …
2. STEP 2: Lightly sand the wood paneling. …
3. STEP 3: Protect the floor from paint splatter using drop cloths and painter's tape. …
4. STEP 4: Apply two thin coats of stain-blocking primer. …
5. STEP 5: Apply at least two thin coats of paint.

How do you fill gaps in wood paneling?

1. Sand the paneling lightly to dull the gloss.
2. Wipe any sanding dust off with a damp cloth.
3. Fill in the paneling grooves with joint compound.
4. Allow the joint compound to dry.
5. Apply additional coats of joint compound, if needed.

Is paneling making a comeback?

Bringing the natural world indoors,

wood paneling is making a comeback

. … In the '60s and '70s, wood paneling, often made in plywood-sized sheets, was popular in home decor. But like avocado-colored refrigerators, the look didn't last. Now refreshed, wood paneling is returning to designers' playbooks.

What can I do with outdated wood paneling?

1. Paint the wood paneling. Photo by Tad Davis Photography. …
2. Whitewash the wood panels. …
3. Turn the wood panels into regular walls. …
4. Add stripes on the panels. …
5. Hide the wood paneling with shelves or curtains. …
6. Embrace the wood in a new color.