Wood panels were once a popular wall covering.It can look out-of-date if it's made from plywood.If your panels are in good shape, you don't have to tear them down.Paper over them with a wall liner.
Step 1: The paneling should be inspected for defects.
The panels will degrade under the covering if they are not in good shape.If the panels are damaged, tear them down.Attach the panel to the wall with a nail.If you don't want to tear down the panelling, pay for a professional inspection.Some problems can be fixed by cleaning or replacing a few panels.
Step 2: The panels need to be cleaned.
You can get away with water and detergent if your panels are clean.After a thorough water rinse, dirty walls may need a commercial degreaser to prepare them for paint.Follow label instructions when using degreasers because they can be dangerous to skin and lungs.It is banned in some areas for environmental reasons, but it is an effective choice.You can use a brand like Simple Green if you want an eco-friendly cleaner.
Step 3: The panels need to be pushed.
It's not recommended to fill the grooves between the panels if they flex or depress.The filling will crack as a result of this movement.The grooves will still be visible even if you don't fill the panels.If your panels are made of solid lumber, you shouldprime the area with a joint compound before filling the grooves.Any filling you put in the grooves will eventually fall out if you don't.
Step 4: You can choose an approach.
Hang wall liner over your panels or paint them.Wall liner is an extra-sturdy wallpaper that will cover but not hide the grooves in your panels.Wood panels can be decorated with bookshelves, drapes, or art to reduce their appearance.
Step 5: The area should be prepared.
Move furniture away from the panelling and cover the floor with cloth.If you're working in a room with poor air quality, gloves and a face mask are recommended.Product labels should be checked for safety information.Open windows or fans can be used to close the room.
Step 6: Go away from the finish.
The primer needs to be roughened up for the glossy finish of most paneling.It's a good idea to use a medium grit sandpaper to rough up the wood.Dust can be wiped away with a cloth.Wear a mask while sanding.You can use a deglosser.As soon as the deglosser dries to the correct consistency, you have to work one panel at a time.Check the product label for more information.You might be able to skip this step if you cleaned the panels with TSP.A light sanding or deglossing is still a good idea.If you don't sand away the finish, you should use an oil-based primer as it will be easier for the paint to adhere to.
Step 7: Put primer on.
Use an oil- or latex-based primer to coat the surface.Paint the grooves if the roller can't reach them.The time recommended on the label is 24 hours.There are real lumber panels that will bleed through the paint.This can be prevented with a stain blocking primer.The primer contributes to the final color.
Step 8: The grooves should be filled with drywall joint compound.
Only if your boards are rigid enough to handle this will you do this.A power mixer or hand tool is needed to mix a standard drywall joint compound.A pre-mixed compound can be purchased.Spread it over the grooves with a thin layer and let it dry.If necessary, apply another thin coat or two until the compound is flush with the panel surface.Allow each coat to dry.After the final coat is dry, sand it down.When mixing your mud, add a sprinkle of quick-setting joint compound.It helps speed up the drying.A coat that is too thick can warp.
Step 9: There are holes and dents.
If there are holes in your panels, fill them with spackle.If you fill the grooves with joint compound, you can use it for the holes as well.
Step 10: Paint the panels.
Roll on at least two coats of paint.Use a foam sponge roller.You are done once you're satisfied with the look.You can use a brush to paint between the panels if you didn't fill the grooves.
Step 11: You can choose a wall liner.
Wall liner is a heavy-duty covering that stays flat across the gaps between panels.Some wall liners are paintable even though they are designed to have wallpaper plastered over them.Lining paper with a 1200 rating is a good choice for walls that are in good condition.Pre-pasted wall liners are easy to use.You might prefer an unpasted version if you have some wallpapering experience.Most of the wall liners are blank.
Step 12: The wood surface needs to be prepared.
Let the wood dry.Check your product info to make sure the finishes don't interfere with the glue.If the wood is glossy, rough it up.
Step 13: The wall liner should be cut.
Lengths of wall liner should be shorter than the width of the wall.The horizontal strips are the best because the liner seams don't end up in the grooves between the panels.To cover a wall with as few strips as possible, plan out how you will arrange your wall liner.
Step 14: Attach with glue.
Pre-pasted liners can be brushed onto the back with water.To get a non-pasted liner right to the edge, brush the strip generously and evenly.It's easy to handle if you fold the paper accordion-style.You should let the glue soak in for about ten minutes.
Step 15: Attach your first strip.
As you unfold it, hold the folded liner up against the edge of the wall.You can flatten it against the panels by brushing it in place with a wide wallpaper brush.When you reach the last fold, pencil a line where it will hit the edge, cut along the line, then brush it in place.To get the first strip straight, use a long level.The liner will be stretched by brushing with too much force.
Step 16: The rest of the panels should be covered.
If you put up each strip the same way, there will be a minuscule gap between them.
Step 17: Let dry.
Wall liners are usually dry in 48 hours.For a specific estimate, check product info.
Step 18: The decorative surface should be added.
If your liner is paintable, you can wallpaper the new surface or paint over it.Enjoy your new look!