DIY Home Improvement: How to Paint Over Paneling

If your home has paneling on the walls, and you'd like to update the way they look with a fresh coat of paint, this article will show you how. Dark stained paneling can make a room look small and closed in, which is why many homeowners choose to paint over it with a light colored paint. If you have previously painted over paneling, you may have noticed it chipping or peeling away from the surface. Here we'll discuss how to paint over paneling to achieve long lasting, professional results.

If the paneling your working with is stained, you'll find that this DIY home improvement project will brighten up your room and give the illusion of a larger space. Dark stained paneling is typically seen in older homes or homes that were once decorated in a rustic style. The problem with dark stain is that it can make a room feel dark and dungeon like. Painting over it with a fresh coat of paint will really improve the look of the room and open it up to receive more natural light. The instructions listed below can be used to paint over paneling that is stained or pre-painted.

Materials needed to paint over paneling:

- TSP cleaner
- Soft cloth
- Scrubbing brush
- Stain-blocking BIN primer
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
- Paint of your choice

How to paint over paneling:

STEP 1 - Before you can begin to paint paneling, the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Scrub the paneling with a mixture of TSP cleaner and water. TSP works to remove grease, dirt, and any build-up from the paneling. Apply the TSP with a soft cloth and wipe off with water. Stubborn spots may require the use of a soft scrubbing brush. Allow the paneling to dry for 60 minutes.

STEP 2 - Lightly sand the paneling with 220 grit sandpaper. This will roughen up the surface and give the paint something to hold on to. If this step is overlooked, it's very likely that your paint will begin to chip and peel prematurely.

STEP 3 - Wipe off the sanded paneling with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.

STEP 4 - Prime the paneling using a paint roller and a BIN primer. This type of primer seals knots and sap streaks, removes musty odors, and blocks out stains. It adheres to paneling very well and dries quickly.

STEP 5 - The grooves within the paneling will not be adequately covered with primer at this point. Therefore, you'll need to apply extra primer with a small paint brush to get into the grooves.

STEP 6 - Wood paneling typically absorbs a lot of primer, so you'll likely want to apply a second coat. Use a paint roller to do this now and allow the primer to dry overnight.

STEP 7 - Now you're ready to paint over paneling. Since you have taken the time to properly prepare the surface, you can use any type of paint that you wish. Need help choosing the right paint? Get the advice you need here.

More DIY Home Improvement from Jennifer Wagner:

How to Wallpaper Over Paneling

Affordable Ways to Maximize Natural Light in Your Home

How to Paint Over Laminate Cabinets

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and experience

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network