Is It Time to Paint Your Home’s Wall Paneling?

Wood paneling was highly popular as an interior design element in the ’50s through to the ’70s for its affordability and ease of installation. This paneling is still present in various homes. Furthermore, paneling made from quality materials adds a warm and cozy feel to a room and matches the style preferences of some homeowners. 

Why paint wall paneling?

However, this decorating style is now considered old-fashioned. Several people do not like the look of wood paneling on their kitchen, hallway, or living room walls if it is damaged, outdated, tacky, or made from a cheap veneer.

People consider completely removing the wood paneling while renovating or upgrading their home style. But the process of ripping out all the wood paneling and redoing the damaged, scratched, and uneven walls is expensive and time-consuming. 

A simple, quick, and budget-friendly solution to update the look of old wood paneling and change the appearance of the interiors. The answer is as simple and cost-effective as applying a fresh coat of paint over it. Painting the wood paneling in your favorite hue can make your home’s style look elegant and modern.

How to choose the right paint color

Several people find the traditional brown or dark-colored wall paneling overwhelming as it does not fit the contemporary style. Painting experts recommend painting the paneling in bright colors like white, beige, cream, green, and blue to make the room brighter and appear larger. Choosing the right paint color is essential because it is almost impossible to remove or change the wood paneling color after finishing it. So pick the color that highlights your interiors.

How to paint wood wall paneling

It is essential to follow all the steps properly while painting wood paneling to get the best look, save time, and make the entire process less frustrating. Remove switch plates and outlet covers, and use a tape and drop cloth or plastic sheeting to cover baseboards and crown molding. Follow these steps to get the desired results from painting your wood paneling.

Clean the paneling

Wash the paneling to get rid of dirt, grease, and grime build-up using a sponge and warm soapy water or a degreaser. Doing so helps the primer and paint adhere well to the surface. Allow the paneling to dry entirely before moving to the next step.

Fill grooves and holes

Apply caulk or spackling with a putty knife to fill nail holes, scratches, scrapes, joint seams, and grooves lines. Use a sanding block to smooth the surface and let the spackle dry before sanding and priming.

Sand

Level the paneling surface by sanding it using 150-grit sandpaper for better paint adhesion. Use a cloth to remove sanding dust and clean the paneling.

Prime

Apply a thin primer coat using a roller and fill the grooves with a brush. Choose oil-based or water-based primer with a stain blocker. Let it dry before painting over the paneling.

Paint

Paint the wood paneling from top to bottom (similar to the primer) using a roller and brush. Let the first coat dry thoroughly, then apply the second paint coat. Use gloss finish for trims to make them stand out and easier to clean. 

Get an expert paint job!

Hire a professional painter if you need help painting your wood paneling. The professionals will use the best paint and finish to deliver superior results.


Absolute A Painting Company is a full-service, custom painting service company in Norfolk, Virginia, offering creative and innovative solutions for your business. For fourteen years, we have delivered quality work with customer service and satisfaction is our top priority. Absolute A Painting Company is dedicated to excellent craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We serve Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Portsmouth, and surrounding cities. Call us today at (757)260-3556.

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