How do I paint paneling?

We just bought a house that was built in 1985, and has not been updated. The HUGE finished basement is covered in faux wood paneling. What is the best way to cover it?

  6 answers
  • Joni Pickering Joni Pickering on Aug 24, 2018

    Paint it with an interior paint like you would any wall. Just make sure you clean it first. I would use a paint/primer. Good luck.

  • Gk Gk on Aug 24, 2018

    I would use a primer first before I used a paint with a primer in it. It will help with any bleeding through from the paneling through to the paint and help the paint adhere to the paneling better. Paint with primer is great but it is not a substitute for using primer in this situation. https://www.soundpaintingsolutions.com/use-primer

  • LibraryKAT LibraryKAT on Aug 25, 2018

    Both previous answers are good, I would add a light sanding or a coat of sanding liquid before the primer. I omitted the sanding and primer the first time I painted paneling and had trouble with peeling paint. It is really worth doing both steps before painting. Done well your paint job should last for years and really brighten up your space. Good luck and post a photo of your finished project. :-)

  • Miranda Miranda on Aug 25, 2018

    The paneling is probably as old as the house. Lord knows what's behind there. Although it may cost more I would tear out that old paneling and install new drywall and paint the color of your choice. This would definitely upgrade the space.

  • Ari Driver Ari Driver on Aug 27, 2018

    Beyond Paint is the BEST!! You can cover ANY surface with it with NO prep. I am doing a reno on an older trailer and with all the different surfaces to deal with, this paint was an answer to prayer. Check it out here: http://traileratthelake.com/category/the-paint/


  • Catherine Juhlin Catherine Juhlin on Aug 31, 2018

    The beyond paint did a lovely job in the trailer.