Can wood paneling be painted over; other suggestions for a rental?

Answer 1

Yes, but the surface must first be roughed by sanding in order to ensure that the primer will adhere. Primer must first be put down in order then for the paint to adhere :)

For renting a unit...fresh paint, clean well maintained kitchen and bath fixtures (counters not marred or marked up or stained, sinks clean and working correctly, all pipes in good repair, taps not leaking or loose etc). Tubs/showers in good working order, clean and if shower doors/tub sliding doors are involved, ensure that they are cleaned well (grit and guck in the ledges etc). Any tiles ensure that grout is in good order and if the tile in the shower/tub area has not yet been cured (protected with a coating of sealant) to protect it from moisture, this must be done in order to avoid damage later on.

Floors...carpeted? Clean and if older than 10 years (particularly cheaper carpeting) replace with new carpet or parquet flooring or perhaps laminate wood. Kitchen tiles...ensure clean, not ripped or broken etc. If so, replace/repair.

Windows including frames inside and out in good repair, no cracks, broken windows, no broken wood or rotted. Ensure all windows and doors have proper weather sealant and that all work correctly, open, close, locks are working etc.

Ensure all walls are free of holes, damage of any kind, repair as necessary. Ensure all closet doors, clothes racks are in good order. If unit is being furnished with washer, dryer, stove, fridge, dishwasher etc., ensure all are clean and in good working order.

Any screens on doors, windows, patio doors...no holes, or damage if so replace/repair. If furnished, ensure all furnishings are in clean, non damaged condition.

If attempting to rent the unit after all work is completed...sometimes it doesn't hurt to add a few touches that make the home feel lived in...even if you have to stick some furnishings in temporarily...setting up a unit as though it is being lived in and is clean, fresh and well laid out...can command rental quickly and for a good price equal to that in the general area.

Good luck...I'm sure there are more ideas...but without knowing if this is a house or apt or condo...I have to generalize.

If this is a unit however that you are renting??? Some landlords do not allow a great deal if anything be done to their unit...check your lease first then with the landlord for any changes other than painting. Painting of the wood panelling might be unacceptable to the landlord, check first before doing so. Some landlords tho are extremely lenient but err on the side of caution and ask first.

Answer 2

First of all, since you are renting you MUST get your landlord's permission to paint before you start. When you approach him/her you should have your color sample with you. Landlord's usually want you to pick a neutral color (pale beige or tan, off-white) so renting to the next tenant is easy. Second, you will need to wash the paneling so that the paint will apply evenly, and stick well. The paneling may not have been cleaned since it was put up. Use a solution of dishwashing liquid and a non-scratch sponge to wipe down the paneling from top to bottom. Note: If you are not allowed to paint the paneling a good cleaning may make the room look better, but if the paneling is a faux woodgrain be careful not to damage it with scrubbing. Once the paneling is clean and dry, you can apply primer. You don't need an all-over sanding unless the paneling has a glossy finish. A glossy finish needs to be roughened so the primer will adhere properly. Once the primer is dry you can paint. Check the primer can for info on how long to wait before painting. The drying time can vary according to temperature and humidity levels. There are some other refinishing methods that take a bit more skill, but provide an intermediate effect. Pickling lightens the color, but allows the wood grain to show through. When doing a subtractive procedure, as in this pickling method, it is important not to paint too large an area before wiping off the excess. Best to paint on then wipe off a complete floor to ceiling section. Water based paint dries more quickly than oil paint. See the links below for complete info on both of these methods.

Answer 3

If it's a rental, don't do anything without the landlord's knowledge and permission. Wood paneling can be painted over. The seams can be filled in to make the wall smooth if desired.
You could try hanging canvas over the paneling and painting that, basically the entire wall would be a painting.

Answer 4

Absolutely, in fact I think it looks better painted. You can paint it white with a latex semi gloss paint or if you want more work you can fill in the groves and then paint. Use a primer before you paint. That is if it's your place that you own and are renting out, if you are renting it from someone, I would advise against painting the paneling and look for fabric to hang over it. Staple it at the top and bottom and take with you when you leave.

Answer 5

You can Absolutly paint paneling, use like a neutral tan color and you'll be very happy with it. I just did this and it came out great. I was worried but it looks better than just a painted wall and easier than taking down panels, patching wall, primer and painting.

Answer 6

It can be painted over, but I wouldn't suggest it. Because I don't think it looks good for one and the other is it usually takes alot of paint to get a good even coat.

Answer 7

yes you can paint it. All you have to do is paint wood primer before you paint the final color. THe primer will seal the wood so it won't suck up the paint unevenly. Good luck.

Answer 8

Yes, just make sure you clean in well, maybe a light sanding, and a GOOD coat of primer paint....preferrably a lighter color of whatever color you will be painting the wall.

Answer 9

Find pretty sheets, or fabric, and hang over the walls. You can use several rich colors, all white, or whatever you want; then take them with you when you move. Hang like curtains, kind of bunched up, for a very classy, rich look.

Answer 10

Well you can, but sometimes it doesnt look very good. There's also a walpaper that is patterned/raised, that covers up "uneven" walls.
Check with your landlord before you do anything...I'd freak out if I saw one of my tenants had painted/wallpapered and someone wouldnt be getting a dime of their security deposit back...