What are some things that can be done to those old wood-paneled walls, like from the 70s?

Question

I am thinking of buying a house that has the old ugly wood paneling in all the rooms. Is there anything cheap I can do to not make them look so out-dated? Can they be painted without a lot of sanding and prep work? If so, what is the best type of paint?

Answer 1

You can fill the grooves with putty or joint compound (the latter can be messy), then lightly sand when dry.

Sometimes, it's easier to take the stuff down an replace with drywall; this also gives you the ability to update wiring at the same time.

Answer 2

My parents had a room like that forever and my mother finally decided to paint it. Not sure the kind of paint she used, but it turned out fine without a bunch of sanding or that kind of prepwork.

Answer 3

You can paint them without a lot of anything but cleaning with 409 or the like.

BUT***** THe grooves in the paneling will still be there.. It will look like paneling that has been painted......

Answer 4

paint will KILZ primer then fill in any dark spots like at the very top and bottom with a dab of caulk. then paint.

Answer 5

whitewash them.....paint on white paint and rub it off till you get the look you like......or you could use any color you like...i once did a room in light green....had a very faint wash when i was done...looked great with the my furniture and the rest of my decor.....looked french country/shabby chic