QA

How To Update Wall Paneling

How do you make old paneling look good?

Grab some drywall compound at your local home improvement store, then use it to fill in the distinctive cracks and lines of the wood paneling. Afterward, sand, prime, and paint the wood whatever color you like. “Your final product should look just like typical painted walls,” Heinemann says.

Are paneled walls outdated?

Today, while many homeowners have phased out the dark and dreary feature in favor of neutral or brightly painted drywall, paneling remains in plenty of homes that haven’t been remodeled in decades. If, however, the walls are covered by sheets of wood-look panels, pull them off now!.

Can you paint over wall 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.

What can I cover paneling with?

The 4 Best Ways to Cover Up Fake Wood Paneling Spackle and Paint. The Tools You’ll Need. Clean the Panels. Cover the Grooves With Spackle. Sand It Down. Primer and Paint. Shellac-Based Primer and Paint. Caulk and Wallpaper.

How do you make old paneling look like drywall?

Making Wood Paneling Look Like Drywall – An Easy How-To Step 1: Prime the paneling. To start, I primed the area using a high quality primer. Step 2: Apply joint compound to the grooves in the wood paneling. Step 3: Sand the Joint Compound. Step 4: Prime The Paneled Walls. Step 5: Paint the Walls.

Can you put new paneling over old paneling?

New Wood. You can use any type of wood to cover the old paneling since new wood can go right on top of the old. In most cases, this means using a combination of wood glue and finish nails to install your chosen wood on the existing paneling.

How do you hide seams in wall paneling?

If you plan on covering paneling with fresh drywall, you can stick mesh drywall tape over the seams to hide them. Spread joint compound over the tape before painting. Repeatedly painting over paneling won’t cover the seams. They have to be filled in first or have paint underneath them to effectively stay hidden.

What can I do with outdated wood paneling?

The first option for updating wood paneling is often paint, which can immediately turn off many home improvement enthusiasts. However, there are a wide variety of ways to update outdated paneling, from wallpapering to covering with a wall liner.

Can you paint over old fake wood paneling?

Painting laminate wood paneling isn’t much different from painting any other wall surface. The trick is to use a process that helps the paint adhere to the slick surface of the laminate. Repainting can breathe new life into a room, taking it from a dated, dark space into a modern one in no time at all.

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.

How can I paint over paneling without sanding?

Can You Paint Paneling Without Sanding? Yes, you can paint paneling without sanding it first. The trick is to clean the surface with soap and water to remove any dust and loose dirt, then apply a de-glosser to ensure the primer and paint adhere easily.

What kind of paint do you use on paneling?

The best type of paint to use on paneling is interior latex paint. These paints last longer and are more durable, so they shouldn’t crack or chip over time. Latex paint is also water-based, which means that you can clean surfaces painted with latex paint by just using water.

What paint do you use on paneling?

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 put shiplap over wood paneling?

Can you hang shiplap over paneling? Yes, consider this an easy update. You can choose to take the paneling down or simply hang the shiplap over the paneling.

How do you brighten a room with dark wood paneling?

Sheers are ideal for brightening a room with dark paneling — opt for cream or ivory sheers that will give the room a fresh, crisp feel. If you’re worried about privacy, pair the sheers with shades or blinds and only lower them when necessary. Artificial light can also help balance the dark look of the paneling.

Can you texture over paneling?

Some homeowners may consider the look of paneling outdated–the vertical lines on the wood paneling can be an eyesore. Add texture to the paneling for an old-world faux finish look. Create the look of stucco or plaster walls by covering the paneling with a hand-troweled texture.