How do i paint over wood paneling to make a room feel light and bright

Gto22023831
by Gto22023831
My daughter is buying a house with good bones but there is wood paneling in the finished basement. There is limited lighting so it feels very dark and drab.

  6 answers
  • Carol Cole Carol Cole on Jul 01, 2018

    I did mine in my bedroom, I didn't know it at the time I started it until I got it started that I would just skim the paint over it still letting some of the paneling showing through very lightly. It is blue and I love it.

    Of course you can paint it all with a paint roller and get it done that way . If you want the seams done also use a brush on them. Good luck.

    • Gto22023831 Gto22023831 on Jul 01, 2018

      Thank you. She was thinking a light blue. Did you sand the surface first or just apply light coat of paint?

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jul 01, 2018

    Hi Gto

    Primer and paint are your solution

    We have a log cabin and too much wood is dark and dreary.

    We are quite pleased the previous homeowner placed paneling in two bedrooms and painted it a light color. I would suggest not to hesitare to your paint paneling for a room brightening update.

    I think you’ll be really pleased with your results. Best wishes in your basement painting adventure! Heres a helpful link!


    https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/painting-wood-paneling


  • DesertRose DesertRose on Jul 01, 2018

    We bought an older home with paneling all through it. We calked the cracks in a room, then painted over the paneling with aroma free Kilz primer paint. Then we painted the color we wanted in that room. In the dining a living room we included wallpaper border near the top for added decor. It worked beautifully!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 01, 2018

    Hi there, You could just use Chalk Paint right on top. Or maybe you would prefer to rub off any varnish or sealant there maybe and use a flat timber paint such as you use for garden timber (Comes in many pretty colours now). Use Mirrors to bounce around any light you do have and Table and Tall Lamp stands too. Enjoy the Project......

  • Carol Cole Carol Cole on Jul 01, 2018

    I just applied the light coat.

  • Carol Cole Carol Cole on Jul 01, 2018

    I hope she likes it if this is what she does.