Painting paneling

[RSKY]

Does anybody have any hints on how to paint paneling without having a disaster? We are starting this project in a few weeks and it scares me to think about the problems we could have. Latex or oil based paint? What kind of primer? Sand before priming? Any hints would be appreciated.

I have asked at different paint stores and all they want to do is sell me something?

Thank you,
RSKY

 

[2manyrocks]

Would help to know more about your paneling--is it that 4 x8 sheet stuff with the glossy finish or is it real wood, with something that is going to bleed through?

Some of it can be sealed with Kilz primer and then painted over--but I'm not sure about the glossy finish paneling.

 

[EddieWalker]

The secret to painting paneling is to use a very good primer or an oil based primer. I'm a big fan on Zinsser. Once you get a good coat of primer on the paneling, it will paint just like anything else.

Eddie

 

[davitk]

I would wash it with TSP (tri-sodium phosphate), buy it in powder form, mix it with hot water and wash it with a sponge, very inexpensive and effective and easy on your lungs - careful of the sovent-based deglossers. Wear gloves . Then prime it, I like Zinsser as well, try their BIN 123 water based primer, it should do the trick. Fill the nail holes and paint away

EDIT: make that Zinser Bullseye 123; Zinser BIN is the best and will stick to anything but is alcohol/shellac-based and you would need to wear a respirator.

 

[riptides]

We have done this numerous times over the last year.

Wipe the panel down with a damp clean sponge. Prep work to fill nail holes. I use a caulk. Dab and go. primed with a brand called Kilz. Have had great results with this primer. And then a regular paint. No issues and not a lot of work. I'd rather keep it than do what ever is under it, over again...and again...and again....

 

[asylum575]

I used Kilz when I painted over some wood paneling about 10 years ago. I've been using Kilz as a primer ever since.

 

[ray66v]

You can also hang a fabric covering called wall liner, over it, then paint. It will give you a nice smooth surface, and makes the groves disappear.