Leo Martínez
Stained wood panelling can be modernised by either staining or painting it. Painting wood panelling can help hide the grain of the wood and achieve a modern look, while staining lets the grain appear and preserves the natural aspect of the wood. Before painting, it is important to sand the panelling, clean it with a damp cloth, and apply a primer. The primer helps the paint go on evenly and stick to the wood. Similarly, before staining, it is important to dust the wood and apply an undercoat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting/staining paneling | Modernises the look of the room |
| Protects the material from stains and water | |
| Long-lasting protection | |
| Maintenance is required every few years | |
| Can be done by applying an undercoat before the protective product to maximise adhesion | |
| Requires sanding the surface | |
| Water-based stains are preferable as they do not release any toxic substances | |
| Colourless stains protect the wood without changing its colour | |
| Tinted stains such as Interior Wainscot Wood Stain LL500 can be used to modernise the paneling | |
| Requires the use of the right primer, paint, tools and materials | |
| Glossy paints are a good choice for areas with moisture | |
| Oil-based paints typically flatten on their own to make painting easier | |
| Latex paints contain water and have acrylic resin in them | |
| Self-leveling paints get smoother as they dry |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the wood panelling for staining or painting
Preparing wood panelling for staining or painting is a vital step in the process of changing the appearance of your wood panelling. It is important to follow these steps to ensure the best possible adhesion and a professional-looking finish.
Firstly, it is important to consider your desired result. If you want a smooth wall, you will need to fill in the grooves of the wood panelling with spackling compound or caulk. If you want to keep the grooved look, you can skip this step.
Next, you should lightly sand the wood panelling to create a smooth, dull surface that is free of imperfections. This will also ensure that the paint has a rough surface to adhere to. Use fine sandpaper (180 or 220 grit) to smooth out any uneven areas or dried drips. After sanding, vacuum the panelling thoroughly and then wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust.
If the panelling is still too glossy after sanding, you may need to dull the surface further with another light sanding. You should also remove any contaminants and residue with a degreasing cleaner.
After sanding and cleaning, you should apply a primer to the wood panelling. The primer will help to conceal any differences between the spackling compound and the panel surfaces, cover stains or knots in the panelling, and provide proper adhesion for your paint top coat. The best primer for wood panelling depends on the variety of panelling you have. For laminate or veneer panelling, an Insl-X® Stix® Primer will give you the best results. For hardwood panelling, Insl-X Aqua Lock® Plus or Fresh Start® High-Hiding Primer will provide better stain blocking. For tannin-rich wood like cedar or redwood, an oil-based primer such as Insl-X Prime Lock Plus or Fresh Start All-Purpose Primer is your best option.
Once the primer has dried completely, you can move on to the painting stage.
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Choosing the right primer
When choosing the right primer, you need to consider the type of surface you are working with and the condition it is in. For example, if you are priming a large surface area, you may want to use a palm sander to smooth it out. If the surface is powdery or chalky, a stabilising primer will help seal the area, making it easier for the topcoat to adhere.
The primary consideration when choosing a primer is usually whether to use an acrylic primer or an alkyd, oil-based primer. Acrylic primers offer easier application, water clean-up, and fewer environmental considerations. They can be used on almost any surface, including wood, laminate, and metal, unless the surface has rust. Alkyd primers offer superior stain-blocking and are a good choice for bare wood substrates. They efficiently penetrate the wood's porous surface and provide long-lasting adhesion. Alkyd primers are also a good option if you are painting over a previously removed wallpaper to seal the residual adhesive.
If you are painting an interior wall to cover a stain, such as that caused by water or smoke, you should use a stain-blocking primer, such as Zinsser Cover Stain primer. If the project surface has an existing oil-based topcoat, you can either use another oil-based topcoat or an appropriate bonding primer. However, it is generally not recommended to put an acrylic finish over a previously painted oil-based topcoat without added surface preparation. Benjamin Moore's premium quality Fresh Start® interior and exterior primers offer superior adhesion and hold for smooth, long-lasting topcoats.
If you are painting stained wood, it is important to sand, prime, and then paint a couple of coats of paint to get the best bond between the paint and the stained surface. When covering a glossy surface, you must prep that surface for the primer and paint to adhere. If the glossy surface isn't prepped correctly, the primer and paint will peel off very easily. Some of the top-performing primers for stained wood include Seal Grip from PPG, Stix from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond Primer, and Behr Bonding Primer from Home Depot.
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Selecting the right paint
Type of Paneling
The type of paneling you have will determine the best primer and paint options. For laminate or veneer paneling, a primer specifically designed for glossy surfaces, such as Insl-X Stix Primer, is recommended. For hardwood paneling, a stain-blocking primer with good adhesion, like Insl-X Aqua Lock Plus or Fresh Start High-Hiding Primer, is ideal. If you have a tannin-rich wood like cedar or redwood, an oil-based primer is the best choice.
Desired Finish
Consider whether you want a smooth wall or wish to retain the grooved look of the paneling. If you want a smooth surface, you will need to fill the grooves with spackling compound or caulk and prime the paneling for better adhesion. If you prefer the grooved look, you can skip this step and apply paint directly.
Colour Choice
The colour you choose will depend on the mood you want to create and the unique features of the space. If you want to lighten dark wood paneling without completely hiding the grain, consider using a white stain or a light neutral paint colour. For a more modern look, you can use coloured paint to hide the grain and any defects on the surface of the paneling. Benjamin Moore offers a wide range of paint colours, including popular options like Chantilly Lace, Revere Pewter, and Hale Navy.
Paint Type
The type of paint you choose should consider the location of the paneling and the level of wear and tear it is likely to experience. If the paneling is in a high-traffic area or is prone to scratches and bumps, consider using interior trim paint, which is durable and holds up well over time. For paneling in bathrooms or near water sources, glossy paints are a good choice as they cause water to roll off. Latex paints provide a glossy finish and mildew resistance, while oil-based paints flatten on their own, making them easier to work with.
Adhesion
To ensure proper adhesion of the paint, it is crucial to prepare the paneling surface adequately. Lightly sand the paneling to create a smooth and dull surface, removing any imperfections. Remove dust with a vacuum and a damp cloth before applying a primer. Re-priming after spackling or caulking will enhance adhesion and provide a professional-looking finish.
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Application techniques
Painting Paneling
When painting paneling, it is important to consider the desired result. If you want a smooth wall, you will need to prime the paneling first, especially the areas you plan to fill with spackling compound or caulk. This will ensure the best adhesion. If you want to keep the grooved look, you can skip this step. Primer options depend on the variety of paneling. For laminate or veneer paneling, use a primer specifically engineered to bond with glossy surfaces. For hardwood paneling, use a primer that provides better stain blocking and good adhesion. For tannin-rich wood, an oil-based primer is the best option.
Before painting, it is recommended to lightly sand the paneling to create a smooth and dull surface that is free of imperfections. Use fine sandpaper (220 grit) to smooth out any uneven areas or dried drips. After sanding, vacuum the paneling and wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Let it dry before applying a coat of primer. Once the primer is dry, use a paintbrush to cut into corners and edges, then blend the seams as you coat the rest of the wall with a roller. Apply a second coat of paint for an even, spot-free finish. Allow 24 hours for the paint to fully cure before placing any wall decor or furniture.
Lightening Paneling
If you want to lighten dark-coloured wood paneling, there are a few options. You can use wood bleach, oxalic acid, paint, or wood stain to add a luminous touch. When using wood bleach, mix it according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply a thin, even coat using a paint pad, clean rag, or foam brush. Allow the bleach to sit as instructed, then neutralize and rinse the paneling. Let it dry completely. Test the wood bleach on a small area first to ensure you are happy with the lightening effect.
Another option is to use oxalic acid, which can be purchased at home improvement stores. Mix a concentrated solution according to the instructions and apply it to the wood paneling with a clean rag or brush. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before wiping it off and neutralizing the wood with a baking soda and water solution. Oxalic acid will lift discolouration and subtly lighten the tone of the wood. For a painted look, use a white wood stain or a light neutral-coloured paint. If you want to maintain the visibility of the wood grain, opt for a semi-transparent stain instead of solid paint.
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Post-application care
Painting or staining wood paneling is a simple way to change the look of a room. It is a cost-effective method to update old wood paneling or wainscoting without replacing the walls. Here are some post-application care tips to ensure the best results and maintain the updated paneling:
Ventilation and Safety
After painting or staining, it is important to maintain good ventilation in the room. Paint can give off strong fumes, so keep the windows open and use a fan to draw the fumes outside. If the fumes are potent, wear a respirator for protection.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Once the paint or stain has dried, inspect the surface for any stray spots or drips. Use a painter's rag and mineral spirits to gently remove any imperfections. It is crucial to allow sufficient drying time before placing any wall décor, fixtures, or furniture. For example, waterborne alkyds like Benjamin Moore Advance® recommend allowing 24 hours for the finish to fully cure.
Surface Protection
To protect your newly painted or stained paneling, consider using a top coat or sealant. This will provide an extra layer of protection against scratches, bumps, and moisture. Choose a top coat that complements your chosen paint or stain, such as a durable and furniture-quality finish.
Long-term Care
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help extend the life of your painted or stained paneling. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe down the surface, removing any dust, dirt, or grime buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that may damage the finish.
Colour and Finish Options
If you desire a different colour or finish in the future, it is important to note that reversing the process is challenging. Once the paneling is painted or stained, it is difficult to restore it to its original state. Therefore, consider your desired result and choose a colour and finish that you can commit to for the long term.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can paint wood paneling. You will need to sand the paneling with 100-220 grit sandpaper to create a smooth and dull surface, then vacuum and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Next, apply a thin coat of primer and let it dry for 24 hours. Finally, paint the paneling with your chosen colour, using either a brush or roller.
The type of paint you use depends on the room and the finish you want to achieve. For example, if the paneling is in a bathroom or humid environment, a glossy paint is recommended as it causes water to roll off. If you want to keep the grooved look, use a paintbrush to reach the corners and edges first, then use a roller for the rest of the paneling. If you want a smooth surface, you will need to fill in the grooves with spackling compound or caulk before painting.
The best primer for wood paneling depends on the type of paneling. For laminate or veneer paneling, use a primer specifically designed for glossy surfaces, such as Insl-X® Stix® Primer. For hardwood paneling, use a primer with good adhesion and stain-blocking properties, such as Insl-X Aqua Lock® Plus or Fresh Start® High-Hiding Primer. For tannin-rich wood, an oil-based primer is recommended, such as Insl-X Prime Lock Plus or Fresh Start All-Purpose Primer.
If you do not want to paint your wood paneling, you can use wood stain, wood bleach, or oxalic acid to lighten its appearance. Wood stain is a long-lasting protection that preserves the natural aspect of the wood by letting its grain appear. Colourless stain will protect the wood without changing its colour, while tinted stain will modernise the paneling. Wood bleach and oxalic acid are alternative options for lightening the colour of wood paneling.
