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How To Paint Wood Paneling

Your wood panel might have cracks due to wood expansion or scratches. Painting wood paneling (especially old ones) can significantly refresh and modernize your space. Painting is a permanent solution that should align with the long-term design goals of your home.

Gather The Tools And Materials

Before you begin the painting, keep all your tools and materials handy. Cover the areas around the surface with painters tape for a smooth finish. Clean the place and move furniture and other items to prevent paint from getting over them. Now let us focus on the steps on how to paint paneling:

Steps To Follow For Painting Paneling

It is important to clean the paneling before painting it. Your panels might have mold or debris, which can ruin the paint texture. Use a soft cleaning cloth and some water to clean the dust, mold, and debris from the panels. If you see a layer of grime on your panel, use a trisodium phosphate (tsp) solution. In a bucket, combine 1/4 cup of TSP with 1 gallon of water to create an effective cleaning solution. Stir well until the TSP is completely dissolved. Then using a soft cloth dipped in the solution carefully wipe the panels to remove any filth.

Caution

When cleaning with trisodium phosphate (TSP), wear protective gloves and goggles since TSP can irritate the skin and eyes. Work in a well-ventilated place to avoid breathing fumes. Also, avoid using TSP on surfaces that may be damaged by alkaline cleansers. Avoid using tsp solution on hardwood like oak hardwood and maple hardwood, it can discolor the wood. Follow the manufacturer's dilution and application directions.

Lightly sand the wood paneling using the sandpaper. Sanding the panel will remove the sheen and make the surface of your panel gritty for better setting the paint. When you are done sanding the entire panel, wipe the remaining dust with a dry soft cleaning cloth.

Caution

Before sanding check to see if there is any lead-based paint beneath the existing surface. Homes built before 1978 may contain layers of lead-based paint and sanding can produce hazardous lead dust. If you suspect the existence of lead-based paint use a lead test kit or consult with an expert about safe removal procedures. Also, do not sand the panel too hard, or it will worsen the panel texture to color further.

Take a paintbrush to apply the primer on your wood paneling. Put the first coat of the primer on the paneling and let it set. Now, take the paint roller and stroke another coat of primer. Evenly apply the primer on the entire wood paneling.

Good to Know

It is best to use an oil-based primer or a water-based stain-blocking primer, because this will allow the paint to set better on the panel, giving a shiny finish.

Tip

If you see any visible nail holes, use a putty knife to fill those holes with wood filler. Using the wood filler will make the panel even for painting. After wood filler, use one more stroke of primer to make the texture even.

Now, take the paintbrush and begin applying a paint coat in the gaps of the panel. Filling the gaps first will ensure those places are colored properly. Use the paintbrush to paint the first coat throughout the panel. Leave the first coat of the paint to dry as per the manufacturer’s directions. Later, take the paint roller for applying the second coat of paint. To apply a second coat of paint use the paint roller. Roll the paint in one direction to apply the second coat evenly.

Good to Know

After the first coat of paint the panel might look finished, but applying the second coat will ensure durability and provide the best coverage.

How To Take Care Of The Wood Paneling After Painting

After you have painted the wood paneling it is important to take care of it for longevity. Let’s look at some additional tips to take care of the painted wood paneling at your home:

Let the paint cure: The paint might take a month to cure even if it looks dry at the touch. Let it cure fully and be cautious not to scratch or nick the paint surface.
Dust the panel regularly: Dust can easily accumulate on the paint making it look dull. Wipe the panel with a dry soft cleaning cloth to remove the dust. Do not use a wet cloth until the paint is completely cured.
Cleaning spots and spills: If you find any spots or spills on the panel, then clean it immediately with a soft, dry cloth to avoid hard stains.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals for cleaning. Abrasives will make the paint lose its color.
Touch-up paint: If you see any scratch on the painted panel, you can touch-up the surface with the same paint. Keeping the touch-up paint handy will help you quickly repair those scratches. A small paintbrush should be used for touch-up paint. Make sure you are evenly painting only the place that has scratches.
Monitor for moisture: Moisture can damage the painted surface, causing the paint to peel or bubble. Keep monitoring the humidity in your home and address any leaks to protect the paint.

Painting wood paneling can make the panel look newer and also increases the longevity. It is important to follow the steps for painting wood paneling for achieving better finish. Lastly, the key to maintaining wood paneling is gentle, regular maintenance. Follow these steps to keep your wood panel looking new and beautiful over the years.

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How to Paint Wood Paneling