INTERIORS : Prepare Panels Before Painting or Pickling

If you’re tired of the dark wood paneling in your home and want to give it a fresh look, try painting or pickling the paneling. The main concern is that the wood finish is adequately prepared before painting for smooth, uniform coverage. This applies whether you’re working with solid-wood or wood-veneer paneling.

First, prep and paint. As with most painting jobs, it’s essential to begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove dirt, wax and wood-care products. Use a powdered cleanser, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP) or Spic and Span. Do not use liquid spray cleaners, because these products can leave a film that prevents the paint from adhering.

Rinse with clear water and let dry thoroughly.

Although it isn’t mandatory to sand before priming, lightly scuffing the paneling with sandpaper will give the primer better “grip” so your paint job will last longer. After sanding, wipe off residue.

Next, prime the paneling with an oil-base stain-blocking primer, such as Kilz, to prevent the paneling colors from bleeding through.

When the primer is dry, paint the walls with two coats of latex paint.

If you don’t want to forfeit the texture of your wood paneling, try pickling. This lightens the wood and subdues a heavily grained surface. Pickling is a simple process of rubbing a coat of paint into the grain.

Clean and sand the paneling as directed for painting. If desired, apply a wood bleach for a dramatic, almost-white, scrubbed look. Mix any light color of paint with an equal part of paint thinner. Brush this mixture over a small area, working with and across the grain.

Before the paint sets, wipe it off with a cloth, first across the grain, then with the grain in long strokes.