Wood Panel Wall - Check out the best ideas on how to paint wood paneling

Wood paneling was a very popular interior design element in the 1970s and 1980s. It was cheap and relatively quick to install. This type of decoration still remains in many apartments. Wanting to renovate the apartment, many owners decide to completely get rid of this element. However, there is another solution, not only faster but also less expensive. Instead of removing the tables, you can simply change their color. All you need is a good paint job, and you can change the look of your interior. In addition, panels painted in white or cream perfectly match current trends and are characteristic, for example, of the Scandinavian style. Check how to paint wood paneling - we have prepared some suggestions.

Why paint a wood panel?

Wood paneling was one of the biggest interior design trends over the last century. Natural wood panels were installed on the walls of hallways, kitchens, and living rooms. Today, however, wood paneling is considered outdated and the dark color is overwhelming.

Many homeowners remove these items when renovating a room. However, it can be a time-consuming and expensive task. Exposed walls are often damaged, uneven, and scratched, and may require other, often costly, improvements. Is there any way to help you to get rid of the ugly wooden wall? Of course, it's easier than you think. Painting the wood paneling in a favorite color is a perfect solution. A well-matched paint can make panels look sleek and modern, despite the passage of time.

Wood panels are popular again. For this reason, the panels are often left on the walls and painted in new, brighter colors. Contemporary interior design styles favor this solution. The Scandinavian style, for example, combines natural materials and simplicity, so painted wooden panels will be perfect in this case.

Painting the wall panels is very easy and quick to do. Updated wall panels in a new color can be an interesting and original element in an interior, for example, in a Scandinavian-style kitchen.

Choosing the right paint for wood panels

In the earlier era, the boards were brown and dark in color. Wood paneling used to be coated only with varnish or wood stain. This type of interior design does not conform to contemporary standards. Which is the reason? First of all, it is too dark and heavy, especially if the panels cover not only the walls but also the ceiling. For this reason, painting the wood paneling in a brighter color is a recommended solution. It is a good idea to make the interior bigger and brighter.

Types of paint you can use when painting wood paneling - examples

If you're wondering how to paint wood paneling, remember that the right paint is the key. The following products are recommended for painting the wood paneling on the walls:

• Acrylic paint for wood and metal: dilutes with water and therefore does not generate an unpleasant odor. These products are safe for health and dry quite quickly. The final layer is smooth and solid.

• Typical wood products - varnish, wax and wood oil is a good solution if you want to keep the natural look of the wood. If you want the wood paneling to be a certain color, use a colored wood stain.

• Chalk paint: Chalk paints dry very quickly and are very safe to use. A great advantage is the great variety of pastel colors that will give an interesting finish to the tabletops. Using chalk paint on wood paneling means completely covering the natural lines of the wood.

How to paint the wood panels? Step by Step.

Painting wood panels is not a complicated task. You should finish the job for an afternoon. Such a renovation does not usually take more than a weekend. Having chosen the right product for your wood panel wall, one should prepare accordingly. The result largely depends on proper preparation. If you set everything up correctly, painting the panels will be less frustrating for you. You will also save time.

Preparing the surface

Before you can cover your wood paneling with paint, you need to pay attention to its surface. Just like when painting furniture, the wood must be cleaned of any dirt. The boards will be cleaned of dirt and dust. Old layers of paint and varnish must be sanded down thoroughly - this way the fresh paint will stick better to the surface.

Sanding down the old surface is essential if you want to maintain the natural look of the wood. If the old layers peel off and fall from the surface, they must be completely removed by thorough sanding. Otherwise, it is enough to smooth the boards.

To smooth or clean the boards, use coarse sandpaper. For large surfaces, it is good to use a disc grinder (polisher). Under no circumstances use wire brushes, as they could seriously damage the wood surface of the boards.

After sanding is complete, the room should be thoroughly vacuumed. Wipe wood tops with a damp cloth to remove dust. Any dents or holes should be filled with wood adhesive.

The whole process is similar to furniture restoration. Therefore, if you already have experience refinishing cabinets or refinishing wooden furniture, you will have no problem painting wood paneling.

Painting wood panels - where to start?

One of the most important things when painting wood paneling is following the paint manufacturer's instructions. When using acrylic paint, it is advisable to apply a wood primer beforehand. This product protects wood panels, reduces paint absorption and improves its adhesion to the surface. It is best to choose a product from the same manufacturer as the paint you will be using for your wood paneling.

You can start painting the wood paneling right after the primer dries.

If the boards are narrow, a small brush will suffice; to paint wider boards, use a roller. Choosing the right tool is half the success when it comes to painting wood paneling.

The paint dries quickly - you can apply the next layers after about an hour. Wood panels require 2-3 coats of paint.

How to paint wood panels without sanding the surface?

Sanding off old layers of paint or varnish is time consuming and quite difficult. However, it is possible to paint wood paneling without smoothing the boards. In this case, it is best to use chalk paint, since it adheres well to all types of surfaces. This paint dries much faster than other types: in most cases another coat can be applied after 20 minutes. Painting the wood panels without sanding has many advantages, for example, less cleaning, since dust is not generated when sanding the surface.

The chalk paint used for wood paneling is useful if you plan to make the wood planks ugly. After using the paint, remember to cover the panels with a protective layer of varnish or wax.

Painted wooden boards, white or colored?

The most popular choice for refinishing wood paneling is white. This color suits many styles, for example Scandinavian, minimalist or rustic. If you find white too cold, it is good to choose pastel colors, such as light blue, beige or cream.

Bright colors are perfect for brightening up a room and making it visually larger. Such shades are the best option for narrow hallways and halls. This is where you can most often find wood paneling on the wall. Paint panels give many possibilities in this case. The interior design of the house will look great.

Strong colors work best in spacious, well-lit interiors. For such rooms you can use, for example, blue or dark green colors. However, you have to choose them very carefully, since it is easy to overwhelm the interior with too dark tones. If you decide to go with only one color it is a good idea to mix your different shades. It looks particularly interesting with matte finishes.

Painting wood paneling is not a difficult task, so it is worth a try. Such a solution might be better than removing the old boards. A good paint will freshen up your wood panel wall, turning it into a stylish home decor. If you consider painting wood paneling, make sure you choose the right color, which will accentuate the entire interior.

How to paint on wood panels?

After choosing the right paint, prepare the surface by sanding or smoothing it. When painting, carefully follow the paint manufacturer's instructions. Remember to keep all surfaces clean and free of dust.

How to paint wood panels with grooves?

If you want to hide the grooves in your wood paneling, you should fill them with joint compound. Then sand the surface smooth and paint it. You can also leave the grooves and just paint the planks to change their colour.

How to make wood paneling look modern?

If the lining is dark, paint it in bright colors, for example white. Look for inspiration in modern styles, such as Scandinavian or minimalist.

How to cover the wooden panels?

To completely hide the wood paneling, fill the grooves with joint compound and smooth once dry. If done correctly, painted wood paneling should not resemble a solid wall.