Paint Wood Paneling, step by step

Tons of people have written to request a step-by-step guide to painting wood paneling so we are here to deliver the lowdown.

It is one of the easiest ways to transform your room in an afternoon (and on the low-cost) so get ready to do the glad dance because there is virtually no skill or mind-numbing concentration required. Simply look at what a little bit of primer, paint and elbow grease did for our den:

Oh paint, you are the peanut butter to our jelly. Here is the play by play for anyone who is ready to say goodbye paneling (this works for either the real stuff of the thin “fake stuff”):

Step 1: Give Em’ The Brush Off. Fill any nail holes with caulk and once it dries sand it down and wipe away any cobwebs or dusty areas with a moist rag so your paneled walls are clean and ready for their big makeover. No overall sanding of the paneling is necessary unless yours is splintered (or otherwise needs to be smoothed out) or if it is extra glossy (as if it has been shellacked).

Step 2: It is Prime Time. Use a roller to apply one thin and even coat of oil-based primer and a paint brush to get into any cracks or corners that the roller cannot reach. This application might look spotty and uneven but as long as the whole surface is covered you will end up with a flawless finish. We do not recommend water-based primer for this step as oil-based formulas are stronger and more durable so no grease or wood stains will come through and ruin your finish.

Step 3: Get Your Paint On. Once your thin coat of oil-based primer dries, apply one thin and even coat of latex paint with a high quality roller and again use a paint brush to get into any cracks and crevices that the roller misses. And once your first thin and even coat dries, apply another one the same way for better coverage and long-lasting durability. And when it comes to getting a clean line along the ceiling and baseboards, blue painters tape works but we also enjoy this short handled brush for the ideal edge every time.

Step 4: Hug It Out. You are done! It is truly that straightforward. Feel free to snuggle your spouse, dance with the dog, or do anything else you normally do to celebrate a job well done. Your room should feel bigger, lighter, and oh so fresh- and that is certainly deserving of a little victory cha-cha or two.

So there you have it. Our straightforward how-to-paint-paneling walkthrough. It is certainly one of the cheapest and most dramatic ways to snap a room into the 21st century in under $50, so do not be surprised if you amass more hours of complements than it even took you to transform your room in the first place. What about you folks? Is there any paneling near you that is about to be freshened up with some crisp clean paint? Does anyone have any other painting pointers while we are on the subject? Do tell.

And if you are wondering how we painted all the dark brick in our den, check out the painting play by play right here. Glad makeovers to one and all!