Paneling a Problem? Paint It!
By Ellen Russell
Photo: © Jinyoung Lee / Dreamstime
 Many homes built or remodeled in the nineteen-seventies and eighties have extensive, dark wood paneling throughout the home. What was once considered vogue has become something of a decorating nightmare for homeowners. Although updating and replacing wall paneling with sheet rock is the best permanent solution, it is also an expensive, messy, and time-consuming process. If replacing paneling is not an option for you, then painting over dark paneled walls is one fast economical solution to improve upon the look of your home.
Use a Quality Primer - Since paneled walls usually have a very smooth, slick surface, you will need to apply primer to cover the paneling and create a surface that the paint can readily adhere to. An application of primer also adds a layer of color so that less paint is necessary.
Begin by painting the deep-set, beveled lines of the wall paneling before you paint the entire wall surface. Use a good quality, thin paintbrush (one half to one inch wide) and paint in all the lines of the paneling.
Next, cut in two to three inches along all edges and corners. Cutting in refers to painting the edges and corners of the walls with a paintbrush, filling in the areas where a paint roller cannot reach or would scrape adjacent walls and ceilings.
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With edges and grooves prepared, paint the wall surface with a paint roller. Start at the top of the wall and work in patches three or four feet square. Roll paint in a "W" shape to avoid roller marks, drips, and streaks. With the first area filled, paint the adjacent area below, working from the top of the wall down. Repeat the process throughout the room, continuing to work in "W" formation, until the entire room is covered with paint.
Other Creative Ways to Disguise Paneling - Another decorative way to work with paneling is to achieve a wainscoting effect. Paint the paneling as described above, then hang a trim board along the walls midline. This works especially well if paneling exists only on the bottom third or half of the wall, but can be done as well by choosing an upper wall and lower wall paint color to cover the paneling.
Another option is to have the top half of a paneled wall skim-coated with plaster and painted or wallpapered, then create the wainscot look by painting and trimming the bottom half of the panel.
Living with paneling is not a must simply because you don't have the time or money to invest in ripping out and remodeling the walls entirely. A weekend paint project can breathe new life into a paneled interior. |
