Wood is normally beautiful, and it can make your household seem comfortable and cozy. Nevertheless, if you are bored of your wood paneling which is damaged, outdated, or made from a subpar veneer, you may need to make a change. If you do not have a financial plan to get rid of it, you may want to think about applying a layer of paint.
A coat of paint will immediately make your boring paneling appear new and bright at only a portion of the budget. While painting your paneling may not be tough to do, proper preparing is vital to allow the paint to stick properly.
Should You Paint Your Wood Paneling?
Whether to paint your moldings and wood paneling or not is a debatable subject. When the wood veneer in question is the cheap kind that was prevalent in the 1970s, then the answer is yes, you should paint. However, when it comes to more stable forms of wood paneling, then the answer brings a hot controversy.
Before you make your decision, it's prudent to put into consideration the age of your home as well as the quality of your paneling. If you have not yet made a decision and you are in need of some motivation, you can download pictures of some painted wood paneling. You will get enough of them that show to you just how impressive the final product looks.
If you settle on painting the wood paneling for your home, follow the guidelines outlined below. It may appear like cleaning the surface areas, sanding as well as priming are fruitless, but paneling requires more attention if you intend the surface to appear impressive.
Clean the Entire Paneling and Molding
Just before you try anything with the wood paneling, ensure that you clean it up. A damp cloth will remove most of the dirt, cobwebs, and dust. If there are layers of debris, you need to consider using a solution of trisodium phosphate, and water to get rid of all the debris.
You should never apply paint on a filthy surface since the paint won't stick adequately. Furthermore, it will seem relatively untidy since the paint will accumulate dirt making it difficult to attain a flat and clean appearance.
Sand and Fill All Cracks
Fill any type of crack or holes making use of wood putty and leave it to dry. Once it dries entirely, you should sand the whole panel lightly without forgetting the moldings and trim. The reason is to get rid of the sheen and bring out a light gritty surface to make it possible for the paint to adhere with ease. Avoid getting carried away and sand the surface too hard, either. Once you are through, clean the surface using a damp cloth to eliminate all the dust particles.
Having said that, sanding is an option contingent on your paneling and the sort of paint you are intending to take advantage of. If you are considering using a primer, then sanding is not imperative. But whenever you are in doubt, the best thing to do is to sand it.
Seal Around The Trim
Be sure that you apply caulk on any gaps or cracks between the trim and panels, as well as around the doors and windows. You can use caulk once you finish sanding. Leave the caulk to dry well before you start painting.
Prime Everything
Add a thin layer of primer making use of a lather sponge roller. Make certain you keep your brush nearby just in case to identify any corners, seams, or cracks where your roller can not go. Make certain that you cover the whole surface, as well as any trim.
It's suggested to take advantage of a latex stain-blocking primer or an oil-based primer. Both of these paints will stop any wood or grease stains from getting through and messing up your painting.
Paint Your Paneling
When your primer dries, apply a thin layer of paint to the whole surface. Begin from the top area and work your way down, making certain that you cover every gap between your panels. Check for and get rid of any excess paint that collects between the grooves of the panels using your brush. Look out for any drips of paint, as well.
Allow it to dry and then repeat.
After applying the primer and your first coat, your surface may appear finished, but an additional layer will offer you a better coverage and enhance its durability as well. It's worth the extra materials and your time.
Paint The Trim
Once you finish with your paneling, paint the trim applying your preferred color. It's usually optimal to use a sleeker finish than what you selected for your walls; however, it all depends on your personal choice.