The fixer-upper home you just purchased has spectacular curb appeal. Unfortunately, the inside needs some tender loving care. You can brighten up a home just by painting over wood paneling.
Dark wood paneling can be a special problem because the color can be depressing, especially in the summer. Instead of the sun filling your room, it looks more like a cave.
Your Tools
When painting dark wood paneling, you will need to buy plenty of primer and paint. You may need several layers to hide the color. Pick an acrylic latex primer tinted the same color as the paint. The primer is key because you won't need to use as much paint to cover up the wood. Since you are dealing with dark wood, you will need to invest in plenty of primer because you will need several coats. As for the paint, go with a low gloss that won't draw attention to the wall's imperfections.
The Process
Lay out drop cloths, apply painter's tape where you want clean lines, and make sure the area is well-ventilated.
Clean the wall, and remove any nails. Fill the holes with wood filler. Check for any loose panels, and nail those back to the wall.
Next, sand down the walls with a rough sandpaper to help the paint stick. Do not skip this step or go easy on the wall. You want to scuff it well. Otherwise, the glossier your wood paneling, the more likely it is that the paint you use will flake off.
Then apply two to three coats of primer until you feel you have a good base. You may want to buy more primer than you think you need, as it will take a lot to hide dark wood panels.
Spend extra time painting the grooves. If you don't get paint all the way in the grooves, then dark lines will cut through your paint job, and they will stand out even more on top of a light color. Consider painting the grooves first before you go back and tackle the panels.
Let the primer dry, and then apply one to two coats of your paint until you feel that the paneling is sufficiently covered.
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