How to Paint Wood Paneling the Right Way

Wood paneling being painted with white paint on roller

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 1 day
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Wood paneling can make a home feel warm and comfortable. However, if your house is full of paneling that is dated, damaged, or made of an inferior veneer, it's worth considering an upgrade. Since removing it could be costly, consider a coat of paint. It can instantly make that dingy paneling look fresh and bright for a fraction of the cost.

To Paint or Not to Paint?

Whether or not to paint wood paneling and moldings is often up for debate. The answer is a resounding yes when it comes to the cheap wood veneer that was so popular during the 1970s. When discussing higher-quality, solid wood-paneling, the decision can be more complicated. First, there's no going back, as it's pretty much impossible to completely redo the process if you ever change your mind. Also, solid-wood planks have numerous joints that can open up and show hairline cracks if the planks contract during periods of low humidity.

Warning

If the paneling has old paint that was likely applied before 1980, do not sand the paneling unless you have the paint tested to confirm that it does not contain lead. If old paint tests positive for lead, skip the sanding and simply apply a good primer to ensure the paint job will stick.

If you decide to paint over the wood paneling in your home, follow the proper steps to ensure it's done correctly. It may seem like cleaning, sanding, and priming are unnecessary, but paneling requires extra attention if you want the wall to look its best. Consider an oil-based primer for good coverage and to aid against bleed-through.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Rags
  • Putty knife
  • Caulking gun
  • Paint roller with foam roller covers
  • Paintbrush

Materials

  • TSP or TSP substitute
  • Wood filler
  • 150-grit sandpaper
  • Caulk
  • Stain-blocking primer
  • Wall paint
  • Trim paint

Instructions

Materials and tools to paint wood paneling

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  1. Prep the Area

    Before you begin, prep the area so that you don't get paint anywhere unintended. Cover baseboards, remove outlet covers, and put a drop cloth down on the floor.

    Tip

    Typically, interior latex paint with a satin finish is the best choice for painting paneling. It goes on easily and provides good coverage. But, with the right prep, you can use almost any type of interior paint.

  2. Clean the Molding and Paneling 

    Begin by making sure the paneling is clean. A damp rag will remove most of the dust, dirt, and cobwebs. If there are layers of grime, use a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate, a heavy-duty cleaner) or a TSP substitute (which can be less toxic) and water to get it all off.

    Never paint over a dirty surface because the paint won’t adhere properly. It will also look low-grade because the paint will pick up clumps of dirt, making it impossible to get a flat, clean look.

    Wood paneling being cleaned with damp rag

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  3. Fill and Sand the Wood

    Apply wood putty with a putty knife to fill any holes or cracks and allow to dry. If desired, lightly sand all of the paneling, along with trim and moldings, with 150-grit sandpaper. The idea is to take off the sheen and create a lightly gritty surface so the paint will adhere. Try not to get carried away and sand too hard. When you're finished, wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth to remove all the dust.

    Note: Sanding is optional and often is not necessary. Using a good primer that will stick to the old finish usually means you don't have to sand the wood. Just keep in mind that if the primer doesn't stick well, neither will the paint. Sanding always improves adhesion.

    Tip

    Some paneling that appears to be wood may just be a melamine finish. If it is, sanding and a primer are recommended. Check with your paint supplier for the proper primer.

    Wood paneling lightly sanded down

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  4. Caulk Around the Trim

    Apply caulk to any gaps between paneling planks, between the panels and trim, and around the windows and doors. Make sure to use "paintable" caulk. Allow the caulk to dry, as directed by the manufacturer.

    Caulk filling in gaps between wood paneling

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  5. Prime the Wood

    Use a foam sponge roller and a brush or just a brush alone to apply a thin coat of primer to all of the paneling. When rolling, keep a brush on hand to get into any cracks, seams, or corners where the roller can’t reach and remove drips.

    Make sure to cover the entire surface, including any trim. It’s best to use an oil-based primer or a water-based stain-blocking primer. These will prevent any grease or wood stains from coming through and ruining your paint job. 

    Tip

    When painting knotty pine, use a primer formulated to cover knots, which can bleed through several coats of paint if not properly primed.

    White primer applied on wood paneling with paint roller
  6. Paint the Paneling

    Apply a thin coat of paint to all paneling surfaces. Begin at the top and work your way down, making sure to cover all the gaps between the panels. With your brush, remove any excess paint that collects in the panel grooves. Take care of any drips right away, too. Let the first coat dry, as directed, then apply a second coat.

    After the primer and first coat, your wall may look finished, but a second coat will ensure the best coverage and improve its durability. It’s definitely worth the extra time and materials.

    Thin coat of white paint rolled on to wood paneling

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  7. Paint the Trim

    Paint the trim your desired color. It is usually best to use a glossier finish for the walls, which helps the trim stand out and creates a smoother surface that's easier to clean. However, this really comes down to personal preference.

    Wood trim brushed on with white paint closeup

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

    Wood paneling and trim painted in white with basket in front

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

FAQ
  • Can I just paint over wood paneling?

    If you decide to paint over wood paneling without sanding, make sure you still take the proper prep and cleaning steps. Then, pick a high-quality primer that will help the paint go on with even coverage.

  • What kind of paint can you use on wood paneling?

    Use an interior latex paint with a satin finish for easy application and even coverage over wood paneling.

  • What is the best way to paint wood paneling without sanding?

    The best way to paint wood paneling without sanding is to properly prep the paneling, and then apply a high-quality primer that will help the paint adhere. You can also try a liquid deglosser, which will help the paint stick to the paneling, particularly if there's a shiny surface.

  • Do I have to use primer when painting fake wood paneling?

    A primer is a critical step when painting over wood paneling, even if it's fake!

    Use an oil-based primer to help the paint grip to the faux wood paneling.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Lead in Paint. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.