Is painting over dark paneling the best thing to do with dark paneling

I was very pleased with the results when I did it! I used Behr Premium paint, the one with primer in it, and it covered it beautifully.

I'd say this depends upon what you want as the outcome. Some folks like the dark (the darker, the better). I prefer lighter wood finishes. Do you like to see some of the wood grain? Perhaps test some areas to see what you like, trying a 'milk' paint so you can see a little of the grain. If you know you'd prefer to lighten a room, use a primer and paint whatever color you like!

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.

Hi Gg1255,

If this is laminate paneling, you can also remove it, if you want. The only problem with removing it, is that if you don't know what's behind there is that you could end up with a bigger job. If you want the wall to be smooth you can fill in the groves with drywall sompound. Look for one that is non-shrinking, if possible. Fill the lines in the paneling with the compound, let it dry, then sand it smooth. If it needs another coat, repeat. Then scuff up the paneling with sandpaper - 120 or higher grit would be good. Clean off the paneling with a good cleaner like TSP, let it completely dry, then paint with a good primer so that the paint will adhere to the wall and the new paint. Finally paint your wall with a good wall paint, in any color you like. Let it dry and cure completely, clean up and you're done. Wishing you the best!

IMHO the best thing is to take it down. Second best is to paint it. Wash first, and if you don't want the lines fill with joint compound and sand, prime and paint.

worked for me ! I also use Behr paint, my favorite !!!

If real wood, I would leave it alone. If wood product. Pain with primer like Kiltz, then paint with good quality paint.

My sister did it and it really brightened the whole room for little cost.

did u use Kilz first then paint?

Yes use Kilz first then your color.