What are the basics of working with board panelling?

Question

I'm not sure it's actually particle board! but our entire home is this ugly brown cheap pre-finished panelling from the 1970s.  I just know the panels are not solid wood & I hate it. But, my budget is VERY limited. Obviously, each room will have it's own remodel possibilities. But, I need the basics of working on this  type of  wall covering. Tell me what I should & shouldn't do, what works & what doesn't, along with some super easy DIY ideas on changing this dark drab to beautiful fab in every room.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

There is a wall paper called Sizing Paper. It comes in smooth texture and embossed with a pattern for a more sophisticated look. You simply put it up like any wall paper, let dry and paint. Removes any dents or groves if the paneling that you have has it. 
If it does not have groves you can simply paint it. I would suggest however that you prime first with a quality primer then paint. Do not use the primer and paint material. Does not cover as well as you would think.

Lori · Answer

We have painted paneling many times.  Wash with TSP and I'd prime and paint with latex paint.  It paints fairly easily and it is an instant reward.  When it's done, you will almost not notice it's panelling.  Sometimes, almost always really, you have to brush the groves to get the paint  in, especially where panels meet.  Good luck. :)

Cynthia H · Answer

The painting over paneling I have done, depended on good prep. I scrubbed down, sanded it lightly, patched holes and damaged areas with Spackle and then painted it. This was my old closet, that had paneling over old plaster walls that were less than great. We added a bead board ceiling to replace the old damaged one. Some new molding looked great, too. Not including the closet organizer stuff, which was the expensive part of the project, the repairs, bead board, paint, etc. came well under $100. Still have a good portion of the paint to finish our other walk in closet that is just as bad.

Comet · Answer

You can just use BIN to paint right over most things==faux paneling; wallpaper--and the put almost any finish on it you want. If the grooves between the faux 'Planks' are really noticeable you can use plaster tape to cover them or just consider them as added texture. I have done this on several kinds of paneling including one of the most bizarre kinds here in our late 70's house=-=-this stuff was made to look like--faux rotted barn wood? Deeply textured and DARK BROWN it must have been made in a mold rather than having the 'design' printed on. Around 1 INCH thick too. Caught every speck of dust and cob web and NEVER let them go. Is in my living room to 4 FEET and then one complete wall floor to ceiling and part of my hallway. Talk about awkward! So when we decided we really HATED it we used BIN primer and regular wall paint to make the whole wall one color. You can't even take this stuff down as it is held to the wall with some form of super construction adhesive and would destroy the plasterboard underneath. Not willing to replace all the walls!

Heje · Answer

I agree with the previous Hometalker that it can be painted. Clean well with a degreaser like krudkutter, lightly sand, prime and paint. You will end up with a brighter looking home.

What are the basics of working with board panelling?

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What are the basics of working with board panelling?

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