our guide to painting wood panelling like a pro 

Wood panelling might feel like a design feature of times gone by, but in reality, it’s making a comeback. An Insight DIY study found that in 2022, wall panelling was one of the most searched home improvements on social media, with an estimated home value increase of just over £5,000. It sure makes that ‘tired’ 70s feature more appealing now, right? Well, the good news is that painting wood panelling is relatively easy, creating a modern and trendy look without the need for a full renovation. 

Nonetheless, the right (or wrong…) technique can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to painting wood panelling like a pro, covering everything from preparation to the final coat. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll achieve a smooth and beautiful finish that enhances the character of your space. Let’s get to it! 

Skip to: 

• How to paint wood wall panelling
  • Preparing
  • Priming
  • Painting
  • Extra tips
• Conclusion

prepare, prime, paint: how to paint wood wall panelling 

preparing 

Proper preparation is essential when it comes to painting wood panelling. If everything is prepped and protected properly, you’ll have the perfect canvas ready for priming and painting, setting you up for a professional-looking result. 

1. gather your materials 

Before working through the following steps, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Interior wood paint of choice 
• Protective sheeting 
• Painters tape 
• Cloth 
• Wood filler 
• Sandpaper in various grains 
• Caulk and caulk gun 
• Interior wood primer of choice 
• Assorted paintbrushes 
• Roller and tray (short or medium nap) 
• Pry bar/utility knife (optional) 
• Wood cleaner or sugar soap (optional) 

2. choose your paint 

Picking the perfect paint for your wood panelling is key for a long-lasting look. If you’re considering oil-based paint, here’s some food for thought. Water-based paints, now the industry standard, are a better option if you’re looking for something more eco- and user-friendly since they are faster drying, easier to clean up and have lower levels of VOCs. Plus, specialist water-based paints can far exceed the quality of their oil-based counterparts. 

Consider the finish of the paint. Satin or eggshell options are often best when painting wood panelling as they add a slight sheen to highlight the wooden texture without being too flashy. Plus, the resulting surface tends to be smoother, making the panelling easier to clean down the line. That being said, with the right preparation and primer, you can use pretty much any interior paint.  

Of course, don’t forget the colour! Lighter shades can help brighten a room, whilst darker tones add a cosy and intimate feel. For something a little bolder, choosing a vibrant colour can highlight the panelling, creating a unique two-toned space that draws all the right attention.  

how much paint do I need? 

Determining how much paint you’ll need for painting wall panelling is as simple as a few calculations. Start by accurately measuring the area you’re painting in square metres and then compare this against the m²/l of your chosen paint, which can usually be found on the back of the tin, or in the product description. Don’t forget to multiply accordingly depending on your estimated number of coats and aim to have some extra! 

3. protect the surrounding areas 

Before doing anything else, cover the floor and any nearby furniture with protective sheeting to catch dust and paint splatters. Next, use painter’s tape to carefully mask off any trim, skirting boards, window frames, light switches, or adjacent walls that you don’t want to paint. Press the tape down firmly to ensure that it sticks well and creates a crisp and clear line. 

4. (optional) remove the trim 

If you’re looking to paint the trim the same shade as the panelling, you can skip this step.  

Alternatively, if you’re looking to keep the trim as it is, or to paint it in a different colour to the rest of the panelling, remove it first. This will allow you to paint the panels without getting paint on the trim, resulting in sharper lines and a more polished look. To remove the trim, simply use a flat pry bar or a utility knife to carefully loosen it whilst making sure not to damage the surrounding area.  

5. clean the panelling 

With lots of nooks and crannies, dust and dirt can easily accumulate in the grooves and on the surface of wood panelling, so it’s crucial to begin with a thorough cleaning to ensure that the paint sticks properly and the finish is smooth. A simple once-over with a soft cloth may be enough for loose dust and debris. However, for more stubborn grime, a mild solution of warm water and gentle detergent can help. If it still won’t budge, a wood cleaner designed for pre-paint prep should do the trick. 

Once clean, let the surface dry completely before sanding, priming, or painting the panelling.  

6. fill any holes 

Previous imperfections caused by screws or nails should be filled in before you start painting, otherwise you risk a patchy and inconsistent paint job.  

To fill in said holes, use a wood filler or spackle that is suitable for the specific type of panelling that you have. Using a putty knife, press the putty into the hole, and smooth it out so that it is level with the rest of the surface. Once the filler has dried fully, sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper, ensuring it is flush against the surrounding wood.  

7. sand and caulk 

After filling any holes and imperfections, the next step is to sand and caulk your surface.  

Start by sanding down the entire panelling to allow the paint to adhere better. Ensure that you don’t go too far so that the wood becomes bare – only a slight roughening of the current texture is necessary. 

Next, use a high-quality, paintable caulk to fill the gaps and seams between the panels and trim. With a caulk gun, apply a thin line of caulk along the seams, smoothing as you go along. When it comes to painting the wood panelling, this will help to give a more polished, cohesive look. 

Once the caulk has fully cured as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, you’re ready to start priming and painting! 

priming 

A good-quality primer is a step not to be skipped, especially when it comes to wood. Since wood can be extremely porous without primer, paint can soak in unevenly, causing a blotchy finish. Not to mention, a high-quality paint primer will extend the overall durability and longevity of the paint job, making it more resistant to wear and tear.  

8. apply the primer 

Applying primer is fairly straightforward. Using a paintbrush, begin applying your chosen product to the edges, seams, and any detailed areas, ensuring that each area is evenly covered. Then, with a roller, apply the primer to larger, flat sections of the panelling, working to ensure smooth coverage. Be sure to tackle any gaps, particularly around seams. 

After application, let the primer dry fully. Usually, this will take around 3 hours but check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact time needed. Once dry and smooth, you’re ready to move on to painting the wood panelling. 

9. (optional) sand again 

If, after priming, you notice any imperfections, brush strokes, or raised grain, you can use a fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand in the direction of the grain. Don’t apply too much pressure though, as you may remove the primer altogether! 

Once everything is smooth, wipe away any remaining dust to ensure the surface is clean before applying your chosen paint. 

painting 

Once you’ve prepped and primed, it’s time to paint!  The key here is to work slowly and methodically for a smooth and even finish. Take your time, follow the right techniques, and enjoy the process – the hard part is already done. 

10. first coat 

Start by applying a thin, even layer of paint over the primed panelling. Use a brush to cut in the edges and cover details. Then, working from the top down, use a roller to evenly cover the larger areas. If paint drips or collects in any areas, take your brush again and gently back brush to smooth them out. 

After applying the first coat, let the panelling fully dry before moving on to the second. 

11. second coat 

Even if your panelling looks completely uniform after the first coat, a second is always advisable to ensure that the job is to the best standard, both in terms of coverage and durability.  

Apply the second coat in the same way as the first, and let it dry completely before inspecting. If necessary, you can apply a third coat, but most projects will only need two for a long-lasting and polished result. 

12. (optional) paint the trim 

Once the panelling is complete, it’s time to focus on the trim. Whether you’re painting it the same colour, or opting for a contrasting shade, make sure that you have gone through all the above preparation steps with the trim before putting brush to surface.  

Use a small, angled brush to paint the trim, carefully working around corners and edges. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding another. Once the trim is dry, remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly tacky to avoid peeling. 

extra tips for a flawless finish 

specialised primers 

If your wood panelling is particularly knotty or has visible grain, use a specialised wood primer that’s designed to block stains and seal the knots. This prevents any resin or tannins from the wood from seeping through the paint, ensuring that there are no nasty looking surprises! 

follow the wood grain 

For a natural yet uniform finish, follow the wood grain when painting. Painting with the grain will ensure that the paint settles evenly into the wood fibres, preventing streaks or an overly textured finish.  

thin coats are key 

Multiple light layers are always better than one thick coat. Not only will the paint dry quicker, but the chance of drips and streaks is also significantly reduced. Plus, thin coats can work with the underlying texture of the wood to give your panelling a professional look without losing its character. 

different roller naps 

Selecting the right roller nap (also known as pile) can significantly affect the outcome of your paint job since the nap length determines how much paint the roller holds and how textured the finish will be. 

Whilst a paintbrush can help to reach those grooves that your roller just can’t reach, choosing the right nap will minimise this need from the get-go. Short nap rollers are best for newly sanded or smooth wooden surfaces, whereas a medium nap roller is ideal for painting wood panelling that is more textured.  

Generally speaking, a short to medium nap roller is your best bet for a smooth and professional finish, as a long-nap roller often leaves too much texture behind. Just be sure to match the nap to your surface to avoid excess texture or paint buildup. 

step back and admire your work! 

After all that prepping, priming and painting, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a professional finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether you’re giving old wood panelling a fresh update, or completely changing the look of a room, painting wood panelling is both transformative and fun. So, take your time and enjoy the process! 

On the lookout for more painting and decorating advice? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for all the knowledge and inspiration you need to create beautiful, lasting home renovations.