A complete step-by-step tutorial for how to paint wood paneling on walls with full supply list for a simple paint update that lasts.
Juuuust in case you thought we forgot about the McNay project… WE HAVE PAINT!
And I swear it’s like someone turned on the lights in this character-FILLED living room. I know there seems to be two teams when it comes to wall paneling: love or hate.
But I’m firmly with team love over here. It’s the original gangsta of vertical shiplap before the rest of the world even knew what shiplap was. So there. 😉
Here’s the before, if you weren’t around when we shared our big plans.
Since we’re going for a coastal vibe in this space, white planked walls is definitely the perfect approach. But there’s way more to painting wall paneling than putting paint on the wall and hoping it sticks.
So here’s the full run down and the crazy amazing after of this space!
Supplies Used:
(Some affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.)
- Krud Kutter TSP Substitute
- Rags
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Palm sander with 150 grit sandpaper
- Frog tape
- Masking Liquid
- Drop cloths
- Zinsser BIN Shellac-Base Primer
- Respirator mask
- Angled sash brush
- Roller and smooth roller covers
- Paint pail
- Paint tray
- Enamel paint (We used Behr Marquee Satin in the color Polar Bear.)
The Steps:
1. Clean the walls first with Krud Kutter.
2. Fill any old nail holes with wood filler using a putty knife. Scrap off any excess and let dry.
3. Sand dry wood filler until smooth. Wipe away sanding dust with a damp rack or tack cloth.
4. Tape any molding, ceilings, or trim you don’t want painted with Frog tape and lay down drop cloths to protect floors, if you haven’t already.
5. Brush a thick coat of Masking Liquid on glass doors and windows and let dry.
5. Start priming first by applying primer using a sash brush in the grooves and along edges. Then, roll the rest to reduce the look of the brush marks. Wear a respirator mask and open doors and windows if possible, since shellac-based primer has strong fumes. Choosing a primer that isn’t oil or shellac based can cause stain from the wood paneling to bleed through and affect your paint color. Allow primer to dry completely.
6. Paint the same way as the primer by starting with the grooves and trim first and rolling out the rest last to hide brush strokes.
7. Peel up the Frog tape immediately, scoring the edges with a utility knife first to prevent paint from peeling. Score edges of the Masking Liquid as well to reveal crisp, freshly painted windows and glass doors.
For us, it took a solid 4 days total on this job (and our bodies were FEELING it), but this end result was completely worth it. Look how prettyyyyyyy!
Such a massive change already from before:
We hope the rest will be smooth sailing from here with hanging curtains and wall sconces, hauling in furniture, and finding some coastal art to give this room a touch of Charleston vibes in honor of the McNays love of the coast.
Are you amazed?! Paint transformations get me right in the googley eyes every time.
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Looks amazing! Great job
Wow!!! The power of paint (and a lot of hard work) is amazing. I cannot wait to see you you decorate the space. Have fun!!!!!!!!
I’m dying to go decor crazy in there!
What an amazing transformation! It looks awesome.
A job well done with WOW! results! What a transformation. First saw the masking liquid used on windows on the PBS show ASK THIS OLD HOUSE. From your experience, what is your opinion of its performance? Thank you!
We love it! It’s been our go-to for every French door and window we’ve painted and never fails us. Just make sure to brush it on thick so it peels off easily.
Looks beautiful, reminds me of when I painted a dear friends guest room probably 30 plus years ago. Vertical, dark ship lap, but when painted white the room seemed to get bigger! I remember the smile on her face!
It really is like turning the lights on, isn’t it?
Wow! And again, wow!
I think people are absolutely crazy to take down paneling when you can just paint it and it adds a ton of character!
I agree! I love them! Not to mention it makes leveling art on the walls super easy. 😉 Bonus points.
I just did this same thing last winter to my living room and dining room. The walls were raw, rough wood dust catchers that I had to vacuum and the room was dark. Finally did it. What a huge job. Like yours, it looks great, and so much brighter. So glad I did it.
What a beautiful job! Now, the desk in the front window a wave of your magic paint brush. I hope it gets returned to the room.
The desk will remain untouched as it is a beautiful heirloom piece but it will be making its way back to that spot soon. 🙂
That looks amazing!!! Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Wow, what a transformation! Love how bright the room is now!!
Polar Bear is one of my absolute favourite whites! I’ve done this kind of painting before and I know how much work it is. I am so amazed at your results. The room is unrecognizable.
What a difference paint can make! WOW! I’m a realtor in Florida and had to to prepare a house for market, had it all repainted, walls and ceilings, new blinds, affordable brand new light fixtures and fans, it sold in record time!! Your client will be pleased with your work! Well done👏👏👏👏👏
Wow, wow!!! You guys did a phenomenal job. It looks fantastic.
What a beautiful space, those big windows and beams are awesome! Are those little closets on the sides of the panel window? Look forward to seeing the finished space!
Looks wonderful! Did you have a post where you explained what you did to the beams? They look like they’re now a different color?
Wow, that is a stunning transformation. Can’t wait to see it all styled!
Wow! That is an unbelievable transformation. I had no idea you needed to take all those steps. Quality work = Amazing results!