Can you paint paneling that has a paper cover, not all wood?

Kathy Kraus
by Kathy Kraus

My basement has fake paneling, not real wood. I want to paint it but not sure if I can?

  3 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jun 19, 2019

    Yes you can. Wash down with TSP, then prime with oil based primer, then paint.

  • William William on Jun 19, 2019

    90% of the paneling out there is not real wood. Always some kind of fake wood product or photo on some backing.


    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.

  • Kathy Kraus Kathy Kraus on Jun 19, 2019

    Thank you all for the help.