How do I paint paneling

Jan Saylor
by Jan Saylor
  6 answers
  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Feb 15, 2018

    Clean well, primer and paint

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 15, 2018

    clean, prime and paint

  • Donna A Donna A on Feb 15, 2018

    Hi Jan, painting paneling is a very easy project to tackle! You first have to decide whether you want to keep or hide the lines that separate each "panel". Elmer's wood fill or DAP filler/ spakle products work, however, there is always a chance the fill may crack if/when the paneling flexes. Safest bet is to paint the paneling " as is".


    1) Lightly sand the panels in the direction of the grain (usually up and down). Wipe clean with tack cloth or damp cloth.


    2) If using filler, apply compound to lines and scrape off excess with a scraper. Let dry according to directions. Imspect lines and eapply/dry areas that didn't fill completely.


    Sand again to ensure you have a smooth paint surface. Sanding allows the paint to cling to the surface. Wipe off surface again. The hard part is over!


    Use a roller to coat the paneling with primer. Alternatively, select a paint that is primer and paint in one. Have a small paint thrush on hand to ensure you get the paint in the grooves and to smooth out any drips.


    Allow paint to dry (follow manufacturer instructions on the paint can) before applying 2nd and possibly 3rd coat. Stand back and enjoy your work!

  • William William on Feb 15, 2018

    Make sure the paneling is clean and dry. Prime with a good stain blocking primer like Zinsser 123 or BIN. Then paint like painting regular walls. If the paneling has grooves you can fill them with non shrink drywall patching compound. Just put on enough to fill the grooves. Let it dry overnight. Next day use a damp sponge to smooth the patch. Then prime and paint.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 15, 2018

    Primer undercoat and topcoat of Satin.

  • Heather Mueller Heather Mueller on Feb 15, 2018

    Depends on the look you want, definitely clean well with a good degreaser before anything. If you want a distressed white wash look, just scuff lightly after cleaning (I use steel wool) wipe down again, you can use a watered down chalk paint and dry brush technique and have paper towels on hand to wipe off excess. When you've achieved the look you want, wax to seal and you're done. If you want solid color: clean, sand, prime, paint.