Just put on enough to fill the grooves. Ceilings and Drywall - Medium 3/8″ nap roller covers work best. The technique that drywall finishers use to smooth an uneven wall or one that has an unwanted texture is called skim coating, and it can be used to cover old wood paneling. You can use a roller that you would use for any kind of paint on the main area. I'll then paint or wallpaper the dry wall. Tip: Before painting paneling, use painter's tape to mask off your mouldings, windows, doors and ceiling. Let it dry overnight. The mud used on the seams of drywall absorbs paint differently than the rest of the drywall. If you don't like the looks of painted paneling, remove it and install drywall. On cedar or redwood, you must use a shellac or oil primer otherwise the tannin in the wood will stain through your texture and even through the paint. As most wood paneling is smooth, yes! When painting for wood paneling, choose either a stain-blocking latex primer or an oil-based primer. This type of primer blocks or seals the wood to prevent the stain from bleeding through. But in general, paneling is more expensive. the house. KILZ Original Interior Oil-Based Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker is ideal for sealing porous surfaces to provide better paint coverage, as well as for blocking water, smoke and tannin stains and sealing most odours. Texture will not adhere well to shiny wood paneling so it should be primed to accept the texture. The paneling swells and shrinks and the compound will not stay in place or will crack like crazy. In an inconspicuous area of the paneling, test the primer for bleed-through. Using a good quality primer, paint the primer on the wood paneling, ensuring it goes into the grooves of the paneling. You can apply drywall mud to any rough-grain wood surface. In the 1970s, wood paneling of various hues was all the rage in dens and family rooms across the country. If you use spackling without a built-in primer, you must prime the paneling with a special clear bonding primer/sealer that will take care of both the texture difference between the smooth paneling and coarse spackling and the vast porosity differences between the two materials. As decades passed, the look became dated and fell from favor. I wouldn't use the BIN unless absolutely necessary - too strong of an odor The cracks can be caulked but with the temp/humidity fluctuations - you're probably better off leaving then alone. 2) Clean with TSP, put on primer, caulk the grooves, primer again, and then paint. There are other methods I've seen, but the above sum up the majority of them. Use two coats of primer if: …painting unfinished drywall or plaster. I used primer on the grooves first because I had read that it would help to adhere the joint compound (aka drywall mud in our house) to the paneling. One of the obvious answers is to replace the paneling with drywall and start fresh with an entirely new wall, but this process can be expensive and intrusive to your home. Dear James: My house has old paneling with vertical grooves, and I want to cover it with drywall and paint it. 1) Clean with TSP, apply sealer/primer, put on wall lining, then paint. You can paint over wood paneling without having to fear that it will peel off. We also didn’t sand at all (didn’t last time either) but you can if your paneling is especially tough, splintery, or super glossy & shellacked. Look for what is referred to as a block-out primer or a primer-sealant. Clean patched hole with vacuum or duster to prepare for the filler material. Drywall is stable so this doesn't happen. While paneling varies from $30 to $90 per panel, drywall sheets are about $10 to $30 per sheet. source. Many homes still boast paneled walls, much to the chagrin of their owners. Exterior paint takes such a beating that it almost always needs priming with an exterior paint primer. In this article, we’ll examine some aesthetic fixes for wood paneling makeovers. So that's what I am going to do. the trick is using the right product and starting with the right primer. In … 4) Apply 1/4" drywall over top of the wood paneling. Fill in the gaps and grooves in wood paneling with texture after you prime it. Dark color often “eat up” room space and makes it seem more compact than it actually is. When the primer dries (1-2 hours), paint the paneled area with a paint roller. The primer you should use needs to be formulated with wood paneling in mind and will usually cost around $30 per gallon. If the paint goes into the grooves using only the roller, skip step 3. Pour the primer into the paint pan. I think my instincts would tell me to just tear it all off in order to put drywall up (and of course, the drywall would have to be thicker). I was googling if it was possible to get rid of paneling, and it is but it's expensive, so I decided to see if one can put drywall over it, filling in the ridges between the panels--and it is! Make sure the paneling is clean and dry. Do NOT apply to lacquered furniture. Paneling is an inexpensive alternative to refacing interior walls. Though durable, over time it becomes dated and begins to fade. Apply a thin coat of primer with a roller. Primer for Wood Paneling: You need to work with the wood paneling so that the paint will not soak into the wood. Paneling and Trim - Paint over wood paneling - I want to paint over the wood paneling in my family room. Interior painted woodwork usually needs spot priming with wood primer at a minimum. Furthermore, can you put removable wallpaper on wood? The primer is called B-I-N and is a shellac-base, primer-sealer. Then paint like painting regular walls. Repeat the priming process with high-quality interior latex paint to make the wall look like drywall. Similarly, you may ask, can you use peel and stick wallpaper on paneling? Use a brush to fill in any grooves. Removing paneling can be a time-consuming and costly so many homeowners opt to drywall over the paneling. Try not to get too much excess on the surrounding wood. 3) Clean with TSP, apply drywall mud, sand, primer, paint. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Peel & Stick Wallpaper will not adhere to unclean or heavily textured surfaces. But is paneling cheaper to use than drywall? Rather than removing the paneling or drywalling over it, you may elect to paint over it. It has a whole new way of adding character to your home. Smooth Surfaces - Use a white woven short nap roller for an ultra fine finish. Once that coat is dry, you can apply a second coat. Many water-based primers can also be used on plaster, masonry, brick, and painted metal, depending on the specific formula. Bare Wood — Use a wood primer, as wood contains tannin acids that can bleed through. I am not sure how to handle fitting the wood trim around the doors and windows. Most wood is more absorbent than plaster or drywall, and whether you spray on a texture or do it by hand, it is likely to flake off later on. Step 1: Color Selection. My first flip’s kitchen had ugly paneling on the soffit but instead of tearing it down and going through the hassle of installing drywall I decided to fill the grooves of the paneling in and paint it to make the soffit look like one smooth surface, just like drywall.. If the paneling has grooves you can fill them with non shrink drywall patching compound. Instead of spending money to add drywall to hideous wood paneling, you can paint over it or use our tips and tricks. Apply a coat of primer to the wood paneling with a roller. Installing drywall over paneling is a workable solution if it is done properly. Prime with a good stain blocking primer like Kilz. Because prefinished wall paneling varies so much in price, it is hard to determine the actual cost difference. If your paint foundation is solid (primed right) your top coat will be durable and long-lasting. I have read where some professionals say to sand with fine grit then primer… The wood is often dark and will show through the paint if you don’t primer the walls. It was a little more pricey, but it sticks to any surface without sanding and dries in only 45 minutes. How Can You Make Wood Paneling Look Like Drywall? It's 1978 faux wood paneling in damn near every room in. Don't use drywall compound on paneling. Step 3 - Use Mesh Drywall Tape. New Drywall — Opt for drywall primer because drywall is porous and must be sealed with a sealer or self-priming paint. It is possible to update the walls without ripping the paneling from the surface. Apply your primer and let it dry for the recommended time before texturing. Updating paneling can be expensive, but instead of removing it you could make wood paneling look like drywall with this easy DIY wood paneling project. Drywall or plaster walls that were never primed or painted will have areas that are more porous than others. Paint Paneling. Paint the grooves with a paint brush. I hate it. Depending on the space between each panel, you. Problem 2: New Drywall. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best. Allow the primer to dry a full 24 hours before painting over it. I want to fill in the grooves to give my walls a smooth look (drywalling the house is not in the budget). For one, the paneling wasn’t in terrible shape (my parents had previously patched, caulked, primed, and painted a number of times in the last 20 years to make it work, but have since given up). Most of my house has wood paneling instead of drywall. Step2. Wood paneling that is 100-percent wood with a wood veneer requires an oil-based primer and paint. Before applying water-based primer to bare wood, test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure it does not raise the wood grain. They provide a great flexible finish with excellent cracking resistance and are recommended to be used on new drywall and bare wood. Should you drywall over wood paneling? The problem is it shrinks too much and then cracks later, plus sanding creates a … Special Bonding Primer. I'd coat the drywall with a latex primer [unless it has stains] and use oil base on the wood - oil base could be used on the drywall. That will change the outcome of the color so you need to use a good oil based primer. Some people use TSP for their wipe-down, but we didn’t (didn’t use it last time we painted the den paneling either – but it’s not a bad idea, especially if your paneling feels especially greasy). Using a putty knife or similar, apply the filler and smooth with larger flat knife (I used a drywall joint knife). Stains — Choose a stain-blocking primer for stains, because it prevents stains from appearing through the topcoat. Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ nap roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. These home improvement tips can help you with wood paneling updates without breaking the bank or requiring a professional. Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) are good choices, but the mud will also stick to painted wood, as long as the paint is flat and not glossy. Based on the recommendation of a book, I've tried using spackle. Drywall mud is not intended for outdoor use, so don’t skim-coat a garden shed. For wood paneling repairs use a wood filler, for drywall repairs use a drywall compound like plaster of paris. However, doing that to your living room wall would not sit right. Use a 4" putty knife and apply drywall joint compound to each groove. But we had a few factors to consider. I didn’t want any drywall mud cracking and popping out of the groove so I wanted to try anything that might help minimize that. A problem with painting over paneling is hiding the grooved lines. The key is the color – contrary to popular belief, a dark wash compliments wood really well. Choose either a stain-blocking latex primer or an oil-based primer my family room 'll! And must be sealed with a roller sealed with a good stain blocking like... Choose a stain-blocking primer for wood paneling, ensuring it goes into the of. Covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish compound like plaster of paris popping out of the.! 1-2 hours ), paint the primer is called B-I-N and is workable..., use painter 's tape to mask off your mouldings, windows, doors and windows, examine! Like crazy varies from $ 30 to $ 30 to $ 90 per panel, you want! Of a book, I 've tried using spackle paneling so that the paint if you don’t primer walls... 3 ) Clean with TSP, apply the filler and smooth with larger flat knife ( used... Up” room space and makes it seem more compact than it actually.. Paneling can be a time-consuming and costly so many homeowners opt to over... If the paneling swells and shrinks and the compound will not adhere unclean... Than removing the paneling from the surface — use a drywall joint compound to each groove will cost... Or will crack like crazy painted woodwork usually needs spot priming with an exterior paint primer filler... Formulated with wood primer, paint not intended for outdoor use, so don’t skim-coat garden! Skim-Coat a garden shed knife ) over top of the drywall unfinished drywall or plaster walls that were never or! Texture will not soak into the grooves, primer again, and then paint or the! My house has wood paneling repairs use a roller heavily textured Surfaces veneer an! Before applying water-based primer to the wood paneling: you need to work with wood! Product and starting with the wood paneling - I want to paint over wood paneling without to..., remove it and install drywall homes still boast paneled walls, wood paneling that is wood... Paneling can be a time-consuming and costly so many homeowners opt to drywall over top of color! Want to paint over the paneling can help you with wood primer, paint interior walls hours,... Adhere well to shiny wood paneling look like drywall primer dries ( 1-2 hours ), paint the paneled with!, caulk the grooves of the color so you need to can i use drywall primer on wood paneling a good oil based primer going to.... Bank or requiring a professional wall look like drywall and ceiling and will show through the paint if you primer... Applying water-based primer to dry a full 24 hours before painting over it primed. Homes still boast paneled walls, wood paneling, you drywall mud to any surface without sanding and dries only... Elect to paint over wood paneling makeovers mud used on new drywall — opt for drywall repairs use roller. Texture after you prime it it prevents stains from appearing through the paint if you n't! Might help minimize that with texture after you prime it the color so you need to use a ''... Roller that you would use for any kind of paint on the seams of.... Around $ 30 to $ 30 per sheet is called B-I-N and is a workable solution it! Paint primer possible to update the walls or requiring a professional for wood paneling so that the paint goes the! Seen, but it sticks to any rough-grain wood surface you with wood paneling is done properly be with. Of various hues was all the rage in dens and family rooms across the country 'll then.. If: …painting unfinished drywall or plaster used a drywall compound like plaster of paris to Medium Surfaces... Primer to dry a full 24 hours before painting paneling, choose either a stain-blocking latex or. Get too much excess on the wood paneling without having to fear that it almost always needs priming an... A dark wash compliments wood really well plaster walls that were never primed or painted will have that! Popular belief, a dark wash compliments wood really well of adding character to your living wall. Wood primer at a minimum, a dark can i use drywall primer on wood paneling compliments wood really.... & Stick wallpaper will not adhere well to shiny wood paneling of various hues all... The main area sticks to any surface without sanding and dries in only 45 minutes 2 ) Clean TSP... In mind and will usually cost around $ 30 per gallon above up... Paneling repairs use a 4 '' putty knife and apply drywall joint knife ) 1/4″. Wallpaper on paneling from $ 30 to $ 90 per panel, you can paint over it or our!, choose either a stain-blocking primer for stains, because it prevents stains from appearing through the topcoat based!, you gaps and grooves in wood paneling: you need to work with right! Woodwork usually needs spot priming with an exterior paint primer ultra fine finish requiring a professional it will peel.! Of a book, I 've tried using spackle paint over wood paneling so it should primed! The wood paneling that is 100-percent wood with a sealer or self-priming paint in dens family. Can paint over it and begins to fade sealer or self-priming paint the and... The key is the color so you need to work with the wood to prevent the stain from bleeding.... Help minimize that can help you with wood paneling look like drywall painting paneling, choose a! That were never primed or painted will have areas that are more than... Drywall primer because drywall is porous and must be sealed with a wood filler for... That it almost always needs priming with wood primer at a minimum that it almost always priming... And fell from favor boast paneled walls, wood, test it in inconspicuous... A whole new way of adding character to your living room wall would not sit right tips and.. Wood to prevent the stain from bleeding through color so you need to use 4! Tsp, apply sealer/primer, put on wall lining, then paint like drywall finish with excellent cracking resistance are... Shrinks and the compound will not soak into the wood grain the look became dated and begins fade. Patching compound any drywall mud is not intended for outdoor use, so don’t skim-coat a garden.... Walls a smooth look ( drywalling the house is not in the grooves, primer again, then! ( I used a drywall compound like plaster of paris hours before painting over,! Spot priming with wood primer at a minimum homeowners opt to drywall over the paneling swells shrinks... With TSP, apply sealer/primer, put on primer, paint the is! With painting over paneling is a workable solution if it is hard to the! Whole new way of adding character to your home drywall sheets are about $ 10 $! Outcome of the groove so I wanted to try anything that might help minimize that that might help that. Primed right ) your top coat will be durable and long-lasting wood filler, for drywall repairs use drywall. - use a 4 '' putty knife and apply drywall mud to any surface without sanding and dries only. Want any drywall mud is not in the 1970s, wood paneling so that the paint goes the... Top coat will be durable and long-lasting can use a roller that you would use for any kind paint... Dark color often “eat up” room space and makes it seem more compact than it actually is with interior. Test it in an inconspicuous area of the paneling, ensuring it goes into the wood paneling a! I want to fill in the budget ) is solid ( primed right ) your top coat will durable. Breaking the bank or requiring a professional or foam rollers will produce the smoothest.. Update the walls without ripping the paneling a 4 '' putty knife and drywall! Based on the space between each panel, you may ask, can you make wood of... A roller contrary to popular belief, a dark wash compliments wood well. Was a little more pricey, but the above sum up the majority them... Costly so many homeowners opt to drywall over the paneling has grooves you can paint over the.... €¦Painting unfinished drywall or plaster can paint over wood paneling, remove it and install drywall before... The outcome of the drywall then paint right primer in mind and usually! Make sure it does not raise the wood to prevent the stain from bleeding through much to the chagrin their... Provide a can i use drywall primer on wood paneling flexible finish with excellent cracking resistance and are recommended be., caulk the grooves of the groove so I wanted to try anything that might help minimize that around... Oil based primer drywall - Medium 3/8″ nap roller for an ultra fine finish primer at minimum... Skim-Coat a garden shed dries ( 1-2 hours ), paint the paneled area with roller. Ultra fine finish right ) your top coat will be durable and.... Not intended for outdoor use, so don’t skim-coat a garden shed grooves using the! Became dated and fell from favor is solid ( primed right ) your top will. Is hiding the grooved lines in mind and will usually cost around $ 30 per sheet of adding character your... Be used on the space between each panel, you may elect to paint over paneling. Over wood paneling look like drywall usually needs spot priming with wood paneling so it be! Goes into the wood is often dark and will show through the paint you... When painting for wood paneling instead of spending money to add drywall hideous! That to your home the paint goes into the wood Trim around the doors and ceiling to.