Wall paneling, once a popular home decor choice, can make a room feel dark and outdated. Luckily, you don’t need to rip out your old paneling to give your space a fresh, modern look. With some effort and the right techniques, you can turn dated wall paneling into a stylish focal point.
This guide will walk you through painting or resurfacing wall paneling, offering tips and tricks to achieve a professional-looking finish.
What Are the Two Main Types of Wall Paneling
You’ll find two main types of wall paneling in homes: solid wood and plywood.
Solid wood paneling is made from individual boards, often with tongue-and-groove or V-groove construction. It’s more durable and of higher quality than its plywood counterpart, but you may find it more challenging to update since it expands and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
Plywood paneling, popular in the 1970s, is made from thin veneer. It’s usually easy to paint or resurface, but you must take care not to damage it.
How To Paint Plywood Paneling
Painting plywood paneling can be the simplest and most cost-effective way to update its appearance—dramatically brightening a room and giving it a more modern feel. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Sand
Begin by sanding the entire surface with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish that can prevent paint from adhering properly. Sand thoroughly but gently to avoid damaging the thin plywood surface.
Step 2: Prime
After sanding, apply a high-quality primer to the paneling, creating a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to and helping cover any dark colors or wood grain. Allow the primer to dry completely.
Step 3: Paint
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint. Apply at least two coats of latex wall paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Use a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and grooves. The finished wall will still have visible grooves, but they’ll be much less noticeable, and you’ll have dramatically improved the overall look.
Resurfacing Plywood Paneling
If you want a completely smooth surface, you can resurface the paneling. This process involves filling the grooves to create a flat surface before painting. Here’s how to resurface plywood paneling:
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Start by sanding the paneling with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish. Then, apply a coat of primer to create a uniform surface for the filler to adhere to.
Step 2: Fill Grooves
After the primer dries, use a putty knife to apply thin layers of drywall joint compound to the grooves. Use thin layers to prevent cracking and warping. Allow each layer to dry and shrink overnight before applying the next.
Step 3: Sand and Prime Again
Once the grooves are filled and the compound is completely dry, sand the entire surface smooth. Then, apply another coat of primer to prevent the joint compound from showing through the paint.
Step 4: Paint Resurfaced Paneling
Finally, apply two coats of high-quality latex wall paint to the resurfaced paneling, achieving a smooth, flat surface that looks like a standard painted wall.
Improving Resurfaced Paneling With Creative Techniques
After creating a smooth foundation, consider these decorative options for resurfaced paneling:
- Faux finishing: Use sponging, rag rolling, or stenciling techniques, or create looks mimicking marble, stone, or suede.
- Accent walls: Paint one wall in bold or contrasting colors, or apply wallpaper or murals for visual interest.
- Decorative molding: Install wainscoting or trim painted in contrasting or neutral colors for architectural detail.
Removing or Covering Over Paneling
If you decide painting or resurfacing aren’t the best options, consider removing or covering the paneling.
If there’s drywall or plaster behind the paneling, and the paneling wasn’t glued to the wall, you may be able to remove it. This option lets you rehab the original wall surface.
Another option is to install a layer of ¼-inch drywall directly over the paneling, creating a smooth surface without removing the paneling. Since the wall will be thicker, you may need to adjust moldings and casings around doors and windows.
Painting Solid Wood Paneling
You’ll need to take a slightly different approach to painting solid wood paneling than you would with plywood. Here are some tips:
- If the paneling is knotty pine, use a stain-blocking, oil-based, or shellac-based primer to prevent the resin in the wood from bleeding through the paint.
- Don’t fill in the grooves in solid wood paneling. The wood will expand and contract with seasonal changes, which can cause filler to crack and fall out over time.
- If you find working with solid wood paneling too challenging, consider hiring a professional painter.
Creative Alternatives for Solid Wood Paneling
You can refashion solid wood paneling without losing its natural charm. If you’re inclined toward maintaining some of the wood’s character, consider these alternatives:
Whitewashing or limewashing: These techniques lighten wood paneling while allowing the wood grain to show through, softening the wood’s look and adding a rustic or coastal feel to the room. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a more subtle transformation while achieving a fresher and brighter look.
Highlighting natural grain: If you’re a fan of wood’s natural look and want an earthy, organic theme, highlighting the grain with a wood stain or sealant may be the right approach.
Distressing for a vintage look: A distressed finish creates a vintage, shabby-chic vibe. Lightly sand areas of the wood or apply wax for an aged appearance, making the paneling feel cozy and full of character.
Final Thoughts About Painting or Resurfacing Wall Paneling
Updating wall paneling can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. Whether you opt for a simple paint job or a more involved resurfacing project, the key to success is preparation. Taking the time to properly sand, prime, and paint (or resurface) will ensure a professional-looking finish that breathes new life into any space.
Remember, the type of paneling dictates the best approach, so determine whether you have plywood or solid wood paneling before starting. Our techniques can help you say goodbye to dated decor and hello to a fresh, modern interior.
More Information
- How to Paint Paneling (video)
- How to Cut and Hang Drywall (article)
