Two Easy Parts & Items Needed To Update Wood Paneling
The wood paneling is a popular wall covering for our homes. The lifespan of wooden paneling is near about 30 years but still, if you want to update it then you just need to collect some of the items required for the process and then follow the given parts with steps.
Thing You Will Need
- Cloth
- Detergent Or TSP Degreaser
- Hammer, Nails, & Nail Set (If Panels Are Loose)
- Gloves & Face Mask
- Pole Sander
- Primer
- Putty Knife & Drywall Joint Compound (If Filling Grooves)
- Paint Roller & Paintbrush
- Paint
Part 1: Getting Started
- First of all, inspect your wood paneling for any defects such as the shape, if it is not in good shape then they will deteriorate under it's covering. If you see any major warping or mildew then tear down the panels alternatively. If the wood panel is coming away from your wall, then simply nail it down in the groove.
- Next, clean wood paneling because if the wood panels are clean enough then you can simply clean them with water & mild detergent. Dirty wood paneling needs a degreaser(commercial) to prepare the surface for the painting process. The degreasers are very harmful to our skin and lungs so always wear safety equipment while using this.
- Now push your panels, if your wood paneling depresses or flex when pushed then you don't need to fill the grooves. You can paint them without filling your wood paneling, but the grooves will be still there.
- You can also hang wall liver on your wood paneling if you don't want to paint them. The wall liner wallpaper will cover the grooves but will not hide in your paneling.
Part 2: Painting & Updating Wood Panels
- Firstly, prepare the area before moving your furniture away from your wall paneling and then cover your floor by using a drop cloth. Also, wear hand gloves and a face mask especially when you are going to work in a larger area or in an area with poor ventilation.
- Now start sanding the finish. Most of the wooden paneling has a glossy finish that needs to be roughened up for applying the primer on it. Scuff up your wood paneling by using sandpaper ( medium grit 150). Wipe away any dust by using damp cloth.
- Next apply primer and then you need to coat the wooden surface evenly and thinly by using a latex or oil-based primer. If the paint roller cannot reach into the grooves, then you need to paint them with the paintbrush. Let dry the primer for at least 24 hours or according to the label.
- After that, you need to fill grooves by using the drywall joint compound. Only use this if the boards are rigid enough to handle this or to hide the groove texture.
- Next you need to mix your standard drywall joint compound "mud" by using your power mixer or with a hand tool. The pre-mixed compound is also easily available in the hardware stores. Spread this compound over the paneling grooves in a thin layer by using a putty knife and then let dry overnight.
- If necessary then you can also apply one or two more thin coats until the applied compound is flush with the wood paneling surface and let the applied coat dry overnight. When the final coat is dry fully, then sand it down by using a fine-grit sandpaper.
- Next fill the holes & dents if there is any, then you need to fill them by using the spackle.
- Finally paint your wooden panels by applying at least 2 coats of paint and then let it dry and you also need to sand lightly in betwixt each coat. In order to avert any unwanted textures, you need to use a roller(foam sponge). Once you're fully satisfied with the results, you're finished with your job