How to Paint Paneling

Paint can give off strong fumes, so safety is important. Open windows in the room and turn on a fan to draw fumes outside. Wear a respirator while removing paint and painting to avoid breathing in the fumes. 

• Spread drop cloths over the floor and any furniture you can’t move.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to dust off the paneling.
• Fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap and wipe the paneling with a damp sponge.
• Rinse the soap off with a clean, wet sponge.
• If any dirt doesn't come off, try a heavy-duty degreaser.
• After cleaning, dry the paneling with a soft microfiber towel or let it air dry completely.

Check the wall for small cracks or nail holes. If you spot flaws, apply caulk or spackling paste to fill them in. 

• Use the sharp corner of a putty knife to remove a small amount of spackle from its container and then push it into the hole.
• Turn the putty knife and smooth the spackle with the blade. Don't worry about any extra that gets on the paneling. It will come off when you sand.
• Let the spackle dry for as long as the manufacturer suggests. Usually, it will dry in about two hours.

Tip: If your paneling has groove lines, you can fill these in using a caulk gun for a smoother painted surface.

An important step in learning to paint paneling is making sure the surface will hold paint. Most paneling has a sheen finish that the paint won’t stick to. Sanding can take this finish off.

• Slip on your respirator and safety goggles.
• Use 150-grit sandpaper and a block or a power sander to sand the paneling.
• Keep going until you have a flat, smooth surface.
• Wipe dust away with a tack cloth, a soft painter's rag that draws in debris.

Primer prepares wood for paint. It helps color go on evenly and stick to the wood. Many kinds of primer are available, but a stain-blocking latex primer or an oil-based primer is usually best for paneling.

• Apply a thin coat of primer with a roller.
• Use a brush to fill in any grooves.
• Allow the primer to dry for a full 24 hours before painting over it.

Tip: Keep your paint where you want it with painter's tape. Put it along mouldings, windows, doors and the ceiling. 

• Begin painting the paneling at the top of the wall and work your way down. You can use a brush or a roller as long as you smooth out any drips as you go.
• Let the first coat of paint dry before you apply a second coat.
• Remove painter’s tape before the paint dries. Grip the end and peel at a 45-degree angle. Lift away any stuck-on tape with a putty knife.
• Once the paint dries, look for any stray spots or drips. Use a painter's rag and mineral spirits to remove them. Remove the drop cloths and vacuum the area around the paneling with a shop vacuum.