can panelling be painted.?

Question

We have ugly panelling in our basement maybe 20 years old.. I want to paint is this possible and what type of paint should I use

Answer 1

Yes. First primer and then use a latex paint. If the paneling is smooth with no bulges or waviness you can take joint compound and fill in all those grooves and sand and then paint if you like.

Answer 2

There are three types of paneling, but since you stated yours was 20 years old, the finished, paint able type is likely not what you have.

The remaining two types are a pressed, wood (chip board or particle board) with a vinyl veneer. This is a cheap type. Or, true paneling that is thin plywood.

On the vinyl paneling, you can paint it, but till it completely cures, you can lift the paint easily, regardless of what type of paint (oil or latex) you use.

On the good paneling, if you want to go to the trouble of filling in the grooves, you will have to use plaster not joint compound, as it is too soft to take flexing of the paneling when bumped or leaned on.

You will also have to tape and compound the splices between the panels or the crack will return quickly.

As far as priming, if you are using a darker color, you won't need to do this. All a primer is, is a sealer with very little tinting in it. A latex primer is just a thin, flat, latex paint.

If you want to prime, use ceiling white paint. It is a flat paint that seals and has much more tinting in it than a primer.

How I have painted paneling, is to simply paint the paneling with an off white paint. Usually I use a color similar to Off White or Antique White found at Wal Mart. Any bleed through is partially masked by the color.

After the first coat is completely dry, inspect the room for bleed through. You will be surprised how few areas actually do this. You can then use a can of Kilz primer to cover those small areas, and then apply your second coat.

If there is a spot that bleeds through after you second coat, prime that spot again and just touch up the area without doing the whole wall.

Usually to get a good lasting paint job, you need at least two coats, but the second one can go on quickly.

This is how I do it, getting in and out of a rental.

Good Luck

Answer 3

You can paint it, though some people don't like the results. The paint job is good but you can obviously still see the lines between the panels. You'll need to use a sealer paint and then regular paint over it. Two coats of regular paint should do the trick too. Talk to the people at your paint store about the best paint to use, especially if you have a moisture problem in your basement. Some paints are better than others in a high humidity environment.

Answer 4

First, you will have to sand the panelling so the primer will stick to it. Next, apply an oil-based primer s similar color to your top coat. After that has dried, apply the top coat. If you go to Home Depot, and tell them what you're doing, they will help you get the right sort of paint. If possible, go during a week day or in the evening when they aren't as busy and they will have time to really help.

Answer 5

Yes paneling can be painted.Use a decent primer for wood.Watch out on the primer because some oil base primers carry a strong Odor that can make your eyes light up and say tilt.Finish paint use a decent acrylic.

Answer 6

Of course it can, if it is a wood paneling you should prime it first, old paneling realy sucks up the paint and any stain will come through if its not primed,. May even try to fill in the gaps with drywall mud. but yes, it is ok,

Answer 7

It sure can because I just did it. Use a primer for sure and then paint what ever colour you want.The old panelling sucks up the primer like crazy so buy lots.

Answer 8

Definitely yes. We painted our paneling a light color and it looks great and brightened up the room.
We used the same kind of paint used to paint any wall.

Answer 9

We painted our paneling too-- and it looks so much better!

Like the others said, wash it well, apply a good primer and then have at it.

Good luck!

Answer 10

this is possible i know i have seen painted paneling call a paint store and check on what paint and primer to use i preffer home depot they have everything to help you paint