Wood Paneling?

Question

Is there an easy way to paint wood paneling? Do I really have to sand paper with billion grain, prime it (how many times?) then paint it twice. It is medium to dark actual wood paneling. I am so sick of it, can I do it in a weekend? I know primer is nasty so should I open windows, and do it when the kids and dog are gone? It's 5 below right now, I don't really want to open windows. I will but I don't want too. I looked on the Home and Garden website and DIY website but I want layman terms, very basic. I want this to be fast and easy. FYI: 12 x 12 room, back left corner of bottom layer of tri-level. Thank you all in advance!

Answer 1

We used Liquid Sandpaper to etch paneling once; it worked ok, but a belt sander would have been better, I'm afraid.

Kilz is awesome. The water-based is not quite as toxic-smelling as the oil-based, but still needs ventilation. It really does cover nicely, and is a nice primer for the 2 coats of paint.

Wait and do this room in the Spring, when you can do it right.

Answer 2

as a matter of fact i just got home from a job doing this.

use a product called Cover Stain made by Zinsser. one coat of this primer and you will be all set. no sanding needed.

stinks like crazy, makes you a bit high. open a window if possible. if you can't open a window, then turn on a room fan.

and yes! absolutely do it when the kids are gone! the smell should dissipate in about 3 hours.

paint with a top coat of satin latex.

don't buy cheap paint!

Answer 3

give the paneling a good scrub with tri-sodiumphosphate (T.S.P.)------or a similar deglosser---rinseandrepeat if nicotine stained----------use a latex primer and a latex paint. the paint will dry slowly in this weather so dont push the next coat until it is dry,,.....avoid using a gas oven, or gas clothes dryer for a day or two (nothing dangerous but; latex paint fumes when burned leave a gross smell)----dont bother sanding,and stay away from gloss paint (it will make the walls look like painted paneling) the fumes will be minimal with latex a weekend should be fine

Answer 4

We just painted ours and didn't do anything but roll paint over the paneling. If we had the really glossy kind, we probably would have sanded, but we didn't. It did take two coates because I went from dark paneling to antique white.

Answer 5

Clean the panel with TSP ( Trisodium phosphate at hardware store) Paint with WATER based stain killer (Kilz) for minimal odor. Paint away. I suggest with a enamal paint for durability. Don't do anything with the wall until it is cured not just dry. Couple days. This will work well.

Answer 6

Wipe with Wilbond or liquid sandpaper and then use Benjamin Moore Primer for sealing ( hides bleeding and spots,knots). Get the latex based ( it won't cause bad odder). Then paint with quality paint.

Answer 7

i painted my paneling in my living room and it turned out pretty;
i wiped down the walls soapy water with a small ma op. after it dried painted with roller and some trim brushes. it looked goodl just be neat..................