How to modernize wood paneling...?

Question

What is a good and inexpensive way to update wood paneling in a mobile home? I cannot afford drywall, i was afraid that paint would look tacky (plus how well would it stick?) Wall paper IS NOT an option. I've considered textured paint with wainscoting that i found at a discount builders outlet or sheets of plain white paneling to paint.Think these would work?

Answer 1

Purchase a product called "TSP" and wash your paneling. Be very careful with this product, as it very strong. Use "Kilz Colors", available at Walmart and paint. Kilz is a primer, so that step is taken care of. WORKS TERRIFIC and LOOKS GREAT.

I papered the top and painted the bottom. Good vinyl wallpaper adheres well. I then put a wallpaper border chair rail height and I can tell you, I've gotten tons of compliments.

In the living room, I simply painted the walls white. Room looks twice as big.

Answer 2

When we had paneling we tore it down, and then painted the wall. It was a BIG pain in the butt. We had to sand the wall beneath it, and fill in w/ spackle. Bleah! It looks great now, though.

We saw a place for sale with painted paneling. It did not look bad at all. They had painted it white.

Another thing I heard of was actually wall paper. I know you said that you didn't want that, but my mother did a plain color pattern, and it looks great. However, it is special paper. Thicker than the usual stuff.

The plain white paneling may be a really good idea. When/if you go to pick it up, ask the people working there for tips. You will probably need to buy some kind of molding for the spot where the walls meet the ceiling. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I used a product called "Fibre Wall" on a bedroom with dark wood paneling. It's like paper mache, you add water and roll it on the walls. It gives the walls a textured feel. There are many colours to choose from.
I used a couple of coats of white paint as a primer first, used drywall filler for the grooves, and then rolled on the "Fibre Wall".
Home Depot is where I bought the stuff.

Answer 4

You can paint paneling. I've done it. It sometimes takes 1-2 coats more than a regular wall but it can be done. And it looks pretty good. Texturing would be a really good way to hide that it was paneling too. It will help to hide the seams. The Wainscoating will look good too. Good luck.

Answer 5

My rental huose has paneling. We used 2 coats of primer (kilz) and then 2 coats of your color choice. It looks great.
If you have groves in your paneling, we can fill them in with plaster or nail filler and sand it lightly then paint has above. The groves will still be seen but not near as much. If you are striped from cash try trift stores and/or general dollar stores for gallons of paint at a discounted price.

Answer 6

Clean the paneling with a good cleaner, make sure there is no grease or dirt left...I assume this is some kind of wood paneling, NOT vinyl covered. (IF vinyl covered, forget any of what I write, you are stuck with it). Prime with a latex primer and paint. Painted panely looks fine. No problem.

Answer 7

painting it as mentioned earlier will indeed look good...i have a whole living room like that. it looks like the tongue and groove panneling you may be thinking of buying. if you dont fill in the grooves that is.

Answer 8

Go to DIYnetwork.com. That is a great website it's tell you what kind of paint to buy and how to do it.

Answer 9

what you do is grab a sledge hammer step back and let her rip!! take out all your hostility from the day on the wall lol

Answer 10

Yes your idea should work . Ask before hand though even though I have heard of this being done