How should cheap 80's wood paneling be removed, and how do you remove the glue paint over it?

Question

1/2 of the walls in my house are cheap wood panelling and I want to know how to remove it and paint over it. I want it to be smooth and have a nice surface on which to paint it.

Answer 1

It's easy to take down if there isn't any glue on the back of it. We had the same stuff in our house, but it had glue on the other side of it. Tore up the drywall when we tried to take it down. We ended up painting over it at first. Using primer and the color paint we wanted. It looked alright for a temporary fix. But we eventually took it down and replaced the drywall behind it.

Answer 2

You can get a thicker type of wallpaper that you put over the paneling and then paint it. We took down old paneling in our house and wish that we hadn't. There were holes in the plaster walls and we had to take everything off and drywall it.

The wallpaper gives you a nice smooth finish and you can paint the color of your choice.

Answer 3

If that paneling is glued on, buy 1/4 inch drywall and cover it up. Sounds like more of an expense than the paint, but you will be adding more insulation to your walls.

Answer 4

just start ripping it off. use a flat pry bar to make it easier. as for as the glue, id sand over it and then maybe float out the rough surfaces with joint compound. after you float it out and it dries, sand it again and put another coat of mud on it.wait for it to dry. then wipe it down with a wet sponge to get it smooth. remember, any flaws will be magnified when painted. good luck

Answer 5

most paneling has been put up with small wood tacks or nails, if its loose you can pry it off, if not ,use the reverse side of a hammer. to remove the glue, goof off will work but it does have flammable ingredients. go to home depot, they will tell you the proper way. good luck.

Answer 6

Honestly I would just advise you put sheet rock under it. In some home it's glued on in others the only thing behind it is fiber glass.