Wood paneling was a popular aesthetic in the mid to late 1900s in housing designs. Wood paneling was seen as a cheap, easy to install way to achieve the trendy style of the times. From the 50s into the early 80s, manmade materials such as laminate, vinyl, linoleum, and paneling dominated the interior design scene. Fast forward to today, it is not as widely popular as it used to be. Wood paneling can add a sense of warmth to a warm or complete turn you off a room. With that being said, painting wood paneling is a popular request for our painters in Mount Holly. Here are some tips to do it the right way.
Cleaning
Before you start painting your paneling, the paneling and molding need to be cleaned. Over time, dust and dirt can create a film over the paneling which can be a nasty surface to paint over. A dirty surface makes it difficult for the fresh paint to adhere to. If you do happen to get any paint to adhere, the paint will show off a clumpy look that could easily make the paneling look worse than before.
Filling & Sanding
After you clean the wood paneling, you want to fill in any blemishes with putty then let dry out. After minor cracks and holes are filled, it is a good idea to lightly sand the paneling to create a dull and gritty surface for the new paint to adhere to. Be sure to not sand too hard because you can start chipping away at the paneling itself, which creates more spots to fill. Once you are finished, remove the dust by using a damp washcloth.
Caulking
With paneling, there are usually gaps between each individual panel that lines the walls. Caulk should be used to fill in these gaps between each panel as well as the trim, windows, and doors. Once finished, let the caulk fully dry before moving on to priming the wood paneling.
Priming
Next, an oil-based or water-based primer should be used to prepare the wood paneling for applying coats. A roller and a fine brush should be enough to get the job done. A roller can be used to efficiently cover the surface while the brush is good for when you get into tight areas of the paneling and cracks. Oil-based and water-based primers will prevent any stains from showing through your completed project.
Painting
Lastly, you want to get started painting and seeing the makeover come to life. For your first coat, apply a thin layer of paint from top to bottom. Ensure that all grooves are covered between each panel as well as remove any drips down the paneling. After the first coat dries, apply the second coat to make sure the paint job is durable and the best coverage possible was achieved. Once the paneling is painted, carefully work on the trim underneath to either match the wall or create a beautiful contrast.
If you have any questions or concerns about your painting project, reach out to Rainer Painting at 856-786-8121!
