How do I get rid of my paneling on the wall with out it costing a lot?

Linda
by Linda
  4 answers
  • Ellis Ellis on Jan 14, 2019

    You can remove it yourself, but beware, it's a somewhat awkward project. Also, if the paneling was glued to the wall, or attached to furring strips (wood strips nailed to the wall to nail the paneling to) you'll have a bit of repair work. You might even have to put up new wallboard.


    If the paneling is in good condition, and it's a plywood-type or wood paneling, you can paint it. I did it to a very dark paneled room, and it turned out great. Sand the paneling a bit to take off any gloss, use a good quality primer and then a top coat of a good wall paint. No need to fill the "cracks" in the paneling that are there to make it look like vertical boards. Just make sure to paint them well.


    The end product looked very finished, and got lots of compliments.

  • Gk Gk on Jan 14, 2019

    If your paneling is installed over drywall and was installed using nails--it is just a matter of pulling it off. You would have to remove any trim that's over the paneling before you tried to remove it. Hopefully the drywall under the paneling was finished and it would be just a matter of filling in nail holes, sanding, and painting. If there is no drywall under your paneling you can remove the paneling and install drywall. If it is glued on to drywall--that's another story. I hope you can remove it with no issues!

    https://homeguides.sfgate.com/removing-wood-paneling-33471.html

    https://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-gluedon-paneling-35340.html

  • Beth Foster Beth Foster on Jan 14, 2019

    Why not paint it? My sister painted hers with different color strips and it was beautiful

  • William William on Jan 14, 2019

    I agree with Beth. Painting is the easiest and cheapest.


    Paint Paneling


    Make sure the paneling is clean and dry. Prime with a good stain blocking primer like Kilz. 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.