Paint a Wood Paneled Room

Whether you’re tired of looking at old, dark wood paneling or just want to brighten a room, painting is the easiest, most effective way to do it. As with all painting projects, surface preparation is key. So you’ll definitely want to remove grease and dirt and scuff sand the factory finish first to allow the paint to adhere better.

Visit your local True Value hardware store for all the products and advice you need, then follow the guidelines below to get started.

Step 1. Prepare the Room 
Remove everything you can from the room. Anything you can't move, place in the center and cover with plastic drop cloths. Remove electrical outlet plates and any wall fixtures. Remove area rugs and cover carpeting with canvas drop cloths.

• If you are removing fixtures, make sure to turn the power off at the circuit breaker and cover the breaker switch with tape as a reminder to others not to restore power. Then run an extension cord into the room for work lights.

Step 2. Provide Ventilation
Provide good cross-ventilation by installing a box fan in an open window so that it exhausts air outdoors. Open another window just outside the room so air will flow into the room and out the fan/window. This keeps dust and fumes out of the rest of the house.

Step 3. Clean the Paneling
If the paneling is in or near a kitchen and has a buildup of grease, take time to clean it with an ammonia/water/detergent cleaning solution. In stubborn cases, use an abrasive cleaning pad dampened with mineral spirits. In both cases, turn on the exhaust fan and wear rubber gloves and eye protection.

• As you clean the paneling keep an eye out for any loose areas and secure them with paneling nails before you paint.

Sanding is best done with a sander equipped with a dust collector – preferably the type that attaches to a vacuum. Whichever you use, wear a dust mask. If you use the chemical approach, follow cautions on the label. Most de-glossers are only effective for a few hours before they must be coated with paint, so keep that in mind when you plan your work.

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Step 5. Apply a Bonding Primer
Although it may not be necessary, your finished product will look much better if you apply a stain-killing primer before painting. Apply with a paint roller and roller cover. Most of these primers dry very quickly and can be topcoated within a few hours, but check the label. A bonding additive can also be stirred into the first of two topcoats instead of a bonding primer if you prefer.

• Have your primer tinted to the approximate color of your topcoat.

Step 6. Caulk Cracks
Paint will make any joints and open cracks between the paneling and trim (or ceiling) more noticeable. This is a good time to seal them with acrylic latex caulk. Cut off a little of the cartridge tip, fill the joints and smooth with a wet finger.

Step 7. Paint
Paint the paneling with True Value EasyCare^® latex paint. Cut in (outline) an area with an angled sash brush or edging-pad paint applicator and then roll on the paint using a 1/2-inch nap roller cover.

Step 8. Clean Equipment
If you take an overnight break you can wrap paintbrushes and rollers in plastic with a rubber band around the handle to keep them from drying out. Once your project is complete, clean everything with warm, soapy water.

• A brush/roller spinner works like a top to remove excess water out of brushes and roller. The tool both simplifies the task and does a better job of cleaning your equipment.

Step 9. Restore the Room
Once the paint is dry, replace fixtures, outlet plates, pictures, etc. Restore power, replace furnishings and enjoy! If you have any questions along the way, visit the experts at your
local True Value hardware store.

For more projects, go to TrueValue.com. >

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