Wood paneling can be changed to update the look of your walls.
You have some choices when it comes to changing the wood paneling in your home. The changes can be simple to a lot of work. Ranging from least to most work, options include priming and painting the paneling, filling in the grooves and painting over the paneling, or removing the paneling and putting up drywall. The first option allows the texture of the paneling to remain, while the others transform the paneled surface into a flat, uniform wall.
Instructions
Prime and Paint the Paneling
1. Wash the walls. Use sandpaper to smooth imperfections from the walls including nail holes. Be sure to wipe off the dust created by sanding.
2. Remove the outlet and switch plates, tape off the windows, trim and the ceiling. Lay down drop cloths to protect the floor.
3. Prime the walls so that the paint adheres to the paneling. Use a brush in the grooves; a roller can be used to make quick work of the raised portion of the paneling. The primer can help you avoid using multiple coats of paint.
4. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.
5. Paint the paneling. Use a brush to get the paint in the grooves. A roller can be used on the majority of the paneling. If the color is not uniform, apply a second coat after the first has dried. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before replacing the outlet and switch covers.
Fill in the Grooves
6. Remove everything from the walls, including the outlet and switch plates, lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor and wipe down the paneling with a damp cloth.
7. Fill in the grooves evenly using wood putty and a putty knife.
8. Allow the putty to dry thoroughly. Depending on the wood putty used, it may shrink a bit. If this is the case, apply a second coat and allow it to dry completely.
9. Sand the walls to ensure a smooth surface. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust.
10. Finish the walls. Tape off the ceiling and prime the walls before painting.
Replace the Paneling with Drywall
11. Remove everything from the walls, including light and covers and trim. Lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor.
12. Take down the paneling. Use either a screw driver or the claw end of a hammer to get between the sheets of paneling.
13. Put up the drywall. Start at the base of the wall, hanging it horizontally. Attach it to the wall studs using drywall screws, placing them every 6 to 12 inches along the stud.
14. Apply tape and joint compound to the seams smoothly and evenly, using a 12-inch taping knife. Apply joint compound to cover the drywall screws as well. Allow the joint compound to dry completely, then gently sand it smooth. Joint compound shrinks, which means you will have to reapply it, allow it to dry and sand it until the seam is smooth and even with the drywall. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust.
15. Finish the walls with primer and a coat of paint.
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