How do I paint paneled walls?

Hi Betty, just clean the walls just as you would a sheet rocked wall. Then apply paint with a roller with a bit thicker nap so the paint will flow into the indentations of the paneling (if it has them). You could also go over the indents quickly with a paint brush to insure good and full coverage. Painting paneling can make a huge difference in the "feel" of a room. I did this.....dark wood paneling to a light beige...and we loved it! Enjoy your new room!

It is a nice update to paint your paneling if it is dark and out of date. It will depend on what your paneling is made of how much paint will be required. But start with either a good base product or a combined base and paint. There are great bases that you can mix with color that will match your paint choice. I always find that the paint department in your local hardware store can recommend the right product for your wood type. Painted paneling is a very pleasing design element because it adds interest to an otherwise plain wall.

I painted the inside of my double wide. I was fortunate that the paneling had a rough texture. If yours is you can paint right over it. If it has a smooth texture you’ll have to rough it up with some sandpaper before painting.

Make sure the paneling is clean and dry. Prime with a good stain blocking primer like Zinsser 123, BIN or Kilz. Then paint like painting regular walls. Acrilyc latex paint will work. 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.

I cleaned with TSP, primed with original Kilz, then painted with Behr Premier Latex paint.