How to paint on aging wood paneling?

If wood paneling had good days before becoming outdated, it has now regained its letters of nobility. Nowadays, it is no longer just a hide-and-seek, but it allows us to bring a real trendy and modern touch to our interiors, while being warm and natural. However, the old models have very often aged badly and give an old-fashioned and old-fashioned aspect to the rooms which it covers; plus removing it entirely can be complex and time consuming. The good news is that it is possible to repaint it to give it a second life and especially to modernize it. Discover our solutions for a successful result.

How to equip yourself to repaint an aging wood paneling?

The painting

If you want to preserve the natural wood color of the paneling, you can apply wood varnish. But if you want to cover it up to give it a new trendy look, you need to go for a paint. Several types of paints are possible:

The glycero painter : this type of paint is suitable for wood paneling. Relatively easy to apply, it nevertheless emits a strong odor. On the other hand, be aware that it is washable with water, very resistant over time and water repellent, which is interesting for a water or wet room.

Acrylic paint : this paint is suitable for wood paneling, but the resins it contains are not water resistant. It is therefore not washable and it is less resistant over time. On the other hand, it is easier and faster to apply than glycero, not to mention that it dries much faster and has little odor.

Paint for renovation of wood paneling : this product contains additives which allow the wood to be treated at the same time. It also protects it from mold and humidity. On the other hand, you should know that this paint is very expensive.

Besides the product, you will also need to choose the paint color. It's up to you whether you want to blend the paneled wall into the decor, and therefore apply a light and neutral shade, such as white, beige, gray or taupe, or whether you prefer to highlight it with brighter colors.

Equipment

Painting alone is not enough to repaint your wood paneling. You need equipment to tackle this type of surface.

A sander with sandpaper suitable for wood

Paint and primer for wood paneling

Wood filler to repair the surface of the paneling

A roller and a brush to apply the paint to the slats and in the grooves

Your workspace protection equipment: tarpaulins, masking tape, rags, etc.

Your body protection equipment: glasses, gloves and mask.

How to paint an aging wood paneling?

To paint your wood paneling, you must follow several steps.

Step 1: Preparation of the support

Start by dusting off your wood paneling. If it is raw wood, a vacuum cleaner or a slightly damp cloth will do the trick. If the surface is already painted, wash the surface with a Saint-Marc type product, rinse, dry and sand to help the paint you apply to hang the wood well. Finish with a dusting.

If the paneling is damaged, fill in the holes and cracks with wood filler. Let dry well then sand the surface.

Step 2: Applying the undercoat

The underlay is often forgotten, even though it is essential! It promotes good paint adhesion and better durability of the color. Plus, it lets you apply fewer coats of paint for the same result.

Protect your room well, ventilate and start by painting the edges, angles and grooves with a brush. Do not load your surfaces with too much product. Finish by applying the undercoat to the paneling slats with your roller.

Let dry 24 to 48 hours, depending on the time specified by the manufacturer.

Step3: Applying the paint

Proceed in the same way by protecting your bordering surfaces with your tarp and duct tape, then start by painting the edges and the grooves with a brush, without loading too much paint. Continue with the roller on the slats, following the direction of the wood.

Leave to dry for the time specified by the manufacturer, then apply a second coat in the same way.

Once the installation is complete, let dry and wait 48 hours to reinvest the room. Remember to ventilate well throughout the operation and in the hours that follow in order to remove as much of the solvent as possible.