How to paint wood paneling

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 I remember when I was about 8 years old, my mom painted the wood paneling in her bedroom. She painted it white and filled in the grooves with sage green and pink. I'm not sure why she did the grooves that color, but it was the early 90s, so I'll cut her some slack :) I loved her room, even with with pink and green. Every time I see wood paneling, I just think about how cute it could become with a coat of paint. I truthfully wouldn't mind buying a house full of paneling, just so I can paint it and gain instant character. Instead, I'm stuck replicating it throughout my house :)

I've been asked a lot about how I painted the wood paneling in this bedroom. I had no idea it would be such a hot topic :) And trust me, it's not as hard as it looks. So, here's the tutorial on how to do it! Sorry in advance for not many how-to pictures :)
How to paint wood paneling. Make a dated room look chic instantly!
As you can see, the paneling in this room covered all the walls, even wood trim for the baseboards and on the ceiling. And just to top off this look, I'm pretty sure this carpet was orange shag before my mom replaced it :)
How to paint wood paneling. Make a dated room look chic instantly!
 The first step was to prepare the wall. Since it's wood, when nails or screws are pulled out, it leaves a little bump. I sanded those bumps first.

Next was to take off all the wood trim on the floor. I left the trim on the top because of some issues I found that would make it a pain to install new molding.

Now it was time to paint. I used Linen White by Glidden in satin, paint and primer in one. For the roll, I used smooth/semi-smooth.

The first step in painting was to paint the grooves with a brush, then cut in along the ceiling and corners about 4 inches. Feathering the paint into the wood.

Then I applied the paint with the roller to cover the rest of the wood, leaving a few inches along the bottom for the baseboards. Didn't see the point in painting what was going to be covered :)
How to paint wood paneling. Make a dated room look chic instantly!
 This took 3 coats of paint in most spots. Since it was wood, it was absorbing a ton. In other spots, I did about 4 to 5 coats.
How to paint wood paneling. Make a dated room look chic instantly!
 After all the paint was dried, I put up the baseboards and then it was time to decorate!
How to paint wood paneling. Make a dated room look chic instantly!
You can barely see the grooves in the pictures, but in real life, this room looks like a little cottage retreat :) It's amazing how paint can transform a space!
How to paint wood paneling. Make a dated room look chic instantly!
Here's another before and after. If you have any more questions on something I didn't cover, let me know in the comments.
How to paint wood paneling. Make a dated room look chic instantly!

17 comments

  1. It looks beautiful, like everything you do! My greatest fear in painting paneling, is that if touched, or scratched the paint would scrape off easily, since the wood tends to be glossy. Is this an issue? Have you ever had any problems with it? I didn't read anything about sanding the paneling first (except for the little bumps you mentioned.) Thanks!!

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    1. We haven't had an issue, but this room is barely used. I think it might adhere better if the whole thing was lightly sanded if you have a concern :)

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  2. Paint with primer takes care of that concern. Interior paint is made to withstand dings and bumps, whereas exterior paint is made to withstand the weather. Hope this helps.

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  3. The room is just perfect. You really have a knack and a lot of energy -- I must say. I have a room that is half covered in wood paneling - like wainscot but not and plan to do the same. Thanks so much for taking the time to share so many of your wonderful ideas.

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  4. This is such an amazing transformation. I love how it turned out.

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  5. Do you wear a mask or respirator with this project?

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  6. Absolutely love this! My fiancé and I bought our first home and there is paneling in three different rooms, drywalling just isn't affordable right now with the wedding eating up any extra money we have. In our bedroom there is a spot where the paneling has a space, looks like the dark brown stuff between the wood is missing. What should I do to fix that before I paint it? I was thinking of putting some paintable silicone in it but wasn't sure if that was the route to go.

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  7. I painted my entire living room full of paneling. It turned out beautifully. I did lightly sand and then damp wipe all of the walls including the groves. I have had one issue with the paint chipping off where the couch rubbed the wall, but I keep paint in a small jar for easy touch up.I used semi-gloss since I like to have the ability to wipe off dirt. Getting ready to paint another living room & hall full of paneling & looking forward to lightning the room. Hopes this helps.

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  8. Did you change the lighting? Or add another light? Or were the pictures taken at different times of day? I'm just trying to understand the lighting difference so I can try to achieve the same for my own basement paneling rooms. Thanks! :)

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  9. Did you change the lighting? Or add another light? Or were the pictures taken at different times of day? I'm just trying to understand the lighting difference so I can try to achieve the same for my own basement paneling rooms. Thanks! :)

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  10. I'm curious about the room size and did you change the lighting? This looks so bright and cheery and as I'm house shopping I'd like to keep a before and after in mind!

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  11. I'm curious about the room size and did you change the lighting? This looks so bright and cheery and as I'm house shopping I'd like to keep a before and after in mind!

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  12. I'm not sure about cutting and feathering. Could you explain this to me please?
    Thanks
    Karen

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  13. Fantastic illustration of adding life and colour to beautiful cottege homes!! i have recently purchased one in plumpton vic Australia .... hope i can send my pictures to you once we finish the make over!

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  14. I love it I been wanting to paint my wall but didn't think it would look right

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happy DIYing! Alicia