Should I paint my wood paneling?

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However, there are times when the warmth and richness of quality, distinctive wood paneling is entirely appropriate and exquisitely beautiful. So, the rules about painting the wood paneling in those situations are no good, and should not be heeded. That is unless you're just tired of it.



Besides, what is the best color to paint wood paneling?

Shades of Elegance. Dark paneling in the living room can be depressing. If you'd love dove gray painted walls with sharp white trim, don't rip out paneled walls -- just treat them like regular walls and paint them. A coat of white primer will ensure that your top coat goes on easier and stays true to color.

Subsequently, question is, how do you paint wood paneling with grooves? To fill the grooves and paint paneling:
  1. Sand the paneling lightly to dull the gloss.
  2. Wipe any sanding dust off with a damp cloth.
  3. Fill the grooves in the paneling grooves with joint compound.
  4. Allow the joint compound to dry.
  5. Apply additional coats of joint compound, if needed.

Keeping this in view, is wood paneling outdated?

Slide 1: Outdated Dark Wood Paneling Today, while many homeowners have phased out the dark and dreary feature in favor of neutral or brightly painted drywall, paneling remains in plenty of homes that haven't been remodeled in decades. If, however, the walls are covered by sheets of wood-look panels, pull them off now!

How can I make wood paneling look good without paint?

How to Decorate Wood Paneling Without Painting It

  1. Paint the trim. Yes, there is some painting involved, but NOT of the paneling – just the trim around the paneling.
  2. Bring in solid colors on furniture.
  3. Create multiple focal points.
  4. Use eye-catching art.
  5. Layer in texture and pattern.

33 Related Question Answers Found

Is painting paneling a good idea?

Paint Wood Paneling the Right Way. Wood paneling can make a home feel warm and comfortable. However, if your house is full of paneling that is dated, damaged, or made of an inferior veneer, it might have to go. If you don't have the budget to remove it, consider a coat of paint.

Does painted paneling look good?

However, there are times when the warmth and richness of quality, distinctive wood paneling is entirely appropriate and exquisitely beautiful. So, the rules about painting the wood paneling in those situations are no good, and should not be heeded. That is unless you're just tired of it.

What color goes good with wood paneling?

You can also use the colors in the furniture finish as a cue for wall colors. If the dominant color in the wood appears to be red, then a green background will enhance and intensify the wood's hue. Golden-yellow woods look handsome against warm red as well as earthy greens, teal, or eggplant.

Why was wood paneling so popular?

Originally popular throughout 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s for its inexpensive price and simple installation, wood paneling rapidly became so popular it was found just about everywhere. Cheap composite imitations become standard and eventually everyone came to see them as common and trashy.

What kind of paint do you use on wood paneling?


Prime the paneling with a latex, stain-blocking primer. For even coverage, we recommend having your primer tinted with colorant similar to the finished paint. Once the primer has dried, finish it with two coats of latex wall paint.

Is wood paneling making a comeback?

Shiplap: Wood paneling is back with a renewed, modern twist. Bringing the natural world indoors, wood paneling is making a comeback. In the '60s and '70s, wood paneling, often made in plywood-sized sheets, was popular in home decor. But like avocado-colored refrigerators, the look didn't last.

Can you paint paneling without sanding?

So, yes you can paint paneling without sanding it first! Now you are ready for paint. Use a latex based primer paint with a stain blocker. That paneling has been there for decades and will definitely benefit.

Is honey oak outdated?

The oak trim and oak flooring finish (the golden color known in the industry as “honey”) will never come back in style. If you have the outdated “honey” oak trim and you don't' have the budget to replace it – you are in luck. Oak is a beautiful wood species that lends its self to being painted very well.

How do you make wood paneling look like drywall?

How to Make a Wood Paneling Wall Look Like Drywall
  1. Fill in all of the seams of the paneling with spackling compound using the putty knife.
  2. Sand the spackling compound with fine grit sandpaper.
  3. Pour the primer into the paint pan.
  4. Repeat the priming process with high-quality interior latex paint to make the wall look like drywall.

Are stained cabinets outdated?


In the past, stained natural wood cabinets dominated every kitchen. Going into 2020, wood stained kitchen cabinets will still be popular in more traditional kitchens, but white, gray, two-toned and even blue cabinets are on the rise.

How do you refinish wood paneling?

  1. Prepare the Area. To begin the project, you will need to prepare the area.
  2. Sand the Paneling.
  3. Vacuum up the Dust.
  4. Putty and Sand the Panels.
  5. Stain and Finish the Wood.
  6. Polyurethane or Varnish Finishes.
  7. Tung Oil.
  8. The Best Option.

How do you keep your house from looking dated?

This Is How You Keep Your Home Looking Fresh, Not Dated
  1. Figure Out Your Personal Style First.
  2. Have a Flexible Color Theme as the Base.
  3. Keep Your Paint Job Fresh.
  4. Try to Avoid Themed Rooms.
  5. Layers Are Good, but Not Too Many.
  6. Be Prepared to Embrace Change.
  7. Budget for the Next Wave.

How do you cover paneling seams?

  1. Remove existing trim such as baseboards or molding at the top of a wall with the back of a hammer or pry bar.
  2. Paint another coat of primer over the paneling once the first coat is dry.
  3. Tape over the seams in the paneling, using drywall tape that looks like mesh.
  4. Scoop drywall mud into a paint tray.

Are oak cabinets outdated?

Think Oak is Outdated? It's Not So! As we alluded to above, oak has been marginalized a bit in the kitchen design world, wholly thought of as a "traditional" design motif. In fact, oak cabinets can be used in ultra-modern kitchen designs, like this Custom White Oak kitchen located in Austin, TX.

Is there drywall behind wood paneling?


Like drywall, many types of wood paneling come in 4' x 8' panels. That means you should have seams with finishing nails along every third stud. You could try carefully popping out a few nails in the middle of a panel to see what's behind it. If you're careful enough, you can just tap the nails back in when you're done.

Can I just paint over wood paneling?

Prime the paneling with a stain blocking primer. Paint it on just like a normal wall, masking off the ceiling, trim and baseboards. Cut in the edges with a brush, and roll on the primer using a 3/8-inch roller cover. Now paint the paneling with an interior latex paint.

Can I spackle over wood paneling?

Discover ideas about Paint Over Wood Paneling. If you want to get rid of the grooves in the paneling altogether, simply use spackle or joint compound to fill them, but AFTER the primer coat so the spackle adheres properly.

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