BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 12:02 PM

Ok,Thank you!

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: pdq
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 11:58 AM

Try a web image search using the word "wainscot". I get 40 sites. Some of the homes involve the Craftsman style, most look rather nice.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: GUEST,Sheri
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 11:51 AM

Has anyone ever gone up higher than a chair rail when paneling just half the wall? Were you happy with it? That is what my husband is doing and it looks sooo retarded!!! Help!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Feb 06 - 09:09 AM

We have textured ceilings on the first floor, but I'm not going to do anything about it. We'd rather spend the money to put in some ceiling fans.

Besides, this summer is probably re-roofing time, and THAT ain't gonna be cheap.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Feb 06 - 11:54 PM

The description of taking off the popcorn stuff on the upper wall and ceiling matches what my sister described doing at her house in Seattle. Hers is plaster and is sheetrock, but the spraying with a garden sprayer and scraping it off carefully sounds the same. Another thought I've had is to simply remove the ceiling and put in boards (tongue and groove) Here is an example. I don't know if I'd leave it wood or paint it (whichever the case, it would be stained or painted board by board before they're put up).

Thanks for the update, Rapaire. I have a craft sunroom here that I designed in when I remodeled the house, and I love it. It's where "works in progress" can stay out for a while and not be disturbed before they're ready. I reorganized my shelving last year (a large shallow cupboard with a pair of mirrored closet doors that slide across the front of it) and it's much easier to work on things now. The bits are all nearby.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Feb 06 - 06:55 PM

Hmmmmmmmm...we're pretty well booked solid through August 30, but after that we've got two or three days open -- one in October and another next January and MAYBE one next April.

When the painting and electrical and stuff is done I'll see if I can get a couple pictures posted.

Were it possible, I'd have taken down the paneling and hung wallboard (sheetrock). But that would have opened a can of worms FAR FAR more than we could get into -- we'd have needed a contractor.

And speaking of the workmanship around here -- someone even paneled over wallboard (sheetrock) in places. And I'm not TOUCHING that!

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Kaleea
Date: 05 Feb 06 - 05:08 PM

Rapaire, kudos to you on your project! I could use a place to spread out my sewing, too. What's your guest reservation book look like for the next 20 or 30 years?

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Helen
Date: 05 Feb 06 - 02:43 PM

Thanks, guys, for the suggestions. Hubby & I have bought a house we are going to rent out. A lot of things need doing, but the third bedroom has cheap panelling in it - not the real-wood kind but the really cheap stuff, although it is a light colour, sort of a dirty grey/beige. We are discussing whether to paint, leave it as it is or....

So, this discussion is very relevant at the moment. I like Bobert's idea to use a 3/8 inch knap roller.

One of the problems is that the panelling is all lined up so that the grooves match except for one part of the wall. It stands out like a sore thumb. It would be one reason to fill the grooves.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Feb 06 - 10:30 PM

AND we're going to get another guest room out of it. Heck, this part of the house has a full bath and a full kitchen (it used to be a seperate apartment, probably for either Mormon missionaries or University students). Even a door to the patio that's under the deck.

As the final touches, we're thinking of getting a SMALL refrigerator and moving the second microwave there (we have two microwaves from the time when she was in Kentucky and I was in Idaho).

Now I want to put corner guard and things on those areas where it should have been put and wasn't. As I said about "good enough" workmanship....

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: GUEST,dianavan
Date: 04 Feb 06 - 10:07 PM

Yes, the prep and clean-up is always the worst part but on behalf of your wife I want to say thank-you.

My mother had a sewing room and I have so many fond memories of that room. I loved the scraps of fabric, ribbon and lace. I'm so happy I learned my stitches at such a young age. Not many machines were accessible to young girls, back then, but I learned alot about that old Singer.

Men have their workshops and women need a place to work, too. As an adult I was always bothered that my sewing was all over the house and when it was time for supper, I had to clear the table. Next day, I'd haul the sewing back out again. What a time consuming activity.

I now have a workroom! Hooray! Sewing machine, ironing board, computer, work table, book shelf and desk. It works for me. Best of all, when company drops in, I only have to shut the door. Its the most important room in the house.

Thanks again, on behalf of your wife. She will be so happy to have her own sunny space. A sewing room is a happy place filled with wonder and creativity.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Feb 06 - 09:20 PM

Well, Rap, you are a complete sucess if the Mrs likes it 'cause, afterall, that's all we do this crap fir, ain't it???

Newt Gingrich was right about one thing... Put a bunch of guys in a muddy foxhole and they're happy... They ain't gonna go thinkin' of painting the dirt walls... No, that's a womanz thing and we live to keep them off our danged backs, right?

So good on you, buddy. Yer my hero...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Feb 06 - 09:05 PM

Thought I'd give a followup.

The students washed the walls quite well, and when they were dry put on two coats of GOOD white primer. This was followed by two coats of color, an indoor-outdoor Behr from Home Depot in a mild yellow.

When it was finished the rooms were transformed. Formerly nicknamed the "Cave", my wife now nicknamed the larger room "The Sun Room" because of its sunny look (a north-facing patio door takes up better than 60% of the north wall.

I've been putting down a baseboard, painted white high-gloss. The "Sun Room" is now begging for something like white wicker furniture!

We're going to have decent lighting put in.

Which brings up the discoveries made during the painting.

The fluorescent lights in the "Sun Room" are actually two-tube shop lights set in a four-tube suspended ceiling hole. Some of the wall paneling was so cheap, the "grooves" so shallow, that the paint filled the "grooves" and it now looks like wallboard.

The paneling was, as I feared, glued on. It was glued to both horizontal and vertical boards that, as far as I can tell, are glued to something else. Painting the paneling a light color REALLY made some of the defects stand out -- things like an eighth-inch gap between panels, for instance (I've been filling these in).

What I can't bring myself to understand is the shoddy work that was done. Yes, I've done "that's good enough" work in the past and I'll probably do it in the future. But I'm repairing things that a slight amount of care would have prevented in the first place.

Oh well. When I get it done it will look something like one of those "cottages" you can find up in Alexandria Bay of New York state, those old summer homes.

But most importantly to me is that my wife likes it. She likes it a lot. And that's why we started it in the first place, really: to give her a place to spread out her quilting.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 09:45 AM

Prep IS the crap part. I've been taping and my left arm cramped up during the night. I guess it's not used to pressing masking tape onto a surface over my head.

I don't mind painting, but I dislike the prep before and the cleanup afterwards. Don't see how I can get away from it, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 01:56 AM

Sage, most of the ceiling textures that I've removed soften very easily with water, just sprayed on with a garden sprayer. When you get it thouroughly soaked it comes away like porridge. DO NOT scrape it away dry, as some of them contain asbestos. Scraping is a two-handed job, one for the broadknife, one for the dustpan that you're holding underneath to catch the porridge. Use dustsheets, and if you are messy, dustsheets with plastic dustsheets under them. Hire cloth dustsheets, plastic alone rucks up.   Expect to find horrors beneath. ceiling cracks, bad drywall joints, etc. Wash the ceiling before repainting.
Rapaire, after detergent washing (I'd use sugar soap), use a power sander. A cheapo 1/3 sheet finish sander is about US$10. You can find out about wax by wiping with water, with wax it will 'bead', without wax it will stay as a sheet. Use a specialist 'smooth surface' primer, PARTICULARLY if the surface looks varnished. Varnish is very difficult for paint to adhere to. If you suspect dampness, mix a specialist mildew killer in the top-coat.
Not all 'wood panelling' is wood. the cheaper kinds are often printed paper on particle board, varnished.
Wash a new cheap roller sleeve thoroughly before use, they throw off fluff. After using shellac or oil-based paint, throw that cheap sleeve away (They cost about US$1 here, costs more in solvent to clean them).
Acrylic paints are better applied with a different brush than the one used for oil-based.
Enjoy the painting.   The prep is the crap part of the job.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 10:55 PM

Kaleea, we've been there already. He lives in the dry state of Idaho. Not a problem.

I have a pretty living room but the idiots who "fixed things up" before putting the house on the market sprayed that darned popcorn acoustical stuff on the ceiling and on the sheetrock wall above the panelling (the room has a cathedral ceiling). It is very unattractive stuff. I'm going to be figuring out how to remove it or cover it up one of these days.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:42 PM

I have a new Mrs???

Better not tell my wife eh

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Kaleea
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:40 PM

Painting over paneling is not a problem, but when I hear basement, I always shudder--check carefully for mold & cracks in the walls behind the paneling. It is common to find that previous owners put paneling in basements to hide scary things.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:27 PM

CH, you are SO arguing a dead issue. The man simply wants to paint some paneling for the good of his wife, not renovate the whole basement! He said, "We're going to paint," not "We want to know if Clinton Hammond thinks we should pant." Didn't he say he does not know if there is a surface/system under the paneling to easily accept drywall and drywall screws??? You want he should put up new furring strips? After dicvering how un-plumb the concrete is? The opaneling probably was used partly because it flexes over uneven surfaces. What a nightmare if it's removed!

He wants to brighten an existing space, not get his remodel into House Beautiful!

BTW CH, what total renovation have you done for YOUR new Mrs. lately?

Get Real,

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:10 PM

" Of course you don't if you have the time and budget."

Better to do it RIGHT the first time, and not have to spend twice as much time and money doing right the second time.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 05:43 PM

Just stick up sheet-rock. It will be quicker and neater, and almost certainly cheaper as well.

CH, if the panneling is as firmly fixed as Rapaire says, and will take half the wall away with if it comes off, it sounds a good base to use.

Only slack asses build over existing without seeing if it is suitable first.
Of course you don't if you have the time and budget.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Metchosin
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 12:23 PM

Rapaire, another thing you might consider is a heavy anaglypta wallpaper which you can put right over the stuff and then paint it with latex.

It looks fabulous and it will save all the prep work aside from a good cleaning. The feature wall of the pics I linked to above was done that way and it was directly pasted with no groove filling and works great.

If you don't have the bucks, do some walls of painted panels and a feature wall of the wallpaper.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Metchosin
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 12:03 PM

Bobert you don't drink it, you paint with it, preferably with a brush. LOL It contains ethanol, don't stick your head in the can, it will flatten you. The same stuff is in Febreeze or hair spray and a lot of personal deodorants.

And yes, you do need to use it in a well ventilated area, but it still does a better job than Kilz. And if I have to do a job that requires preventing bleed through, its still my choice, because the length of time you're exposed to it is realatively minimal.

One should always read and heed the warnings on the label of anything they're considering using. But of course if you're also considering going as far as letting some college students loose with a spray gun in your basement, you're really into living dangerously.LOL

If you have concerns about any household product. check out this site to see what you are getting into and the health risks involved, prior to use.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 11:48 AM

" Put it right over the top of the paneling"

Only slack-asses build over existing

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 11:39 AM

I painted a Sauder desk (hand me down from the next-door-neighbor) for the kids' computer because I didn't want the cheap laminate "wood" contrasting with the fine wood paneling in my living room (not the 70's lined stuff, but a careful job that gives a series of upper and lower picture frame or cabinetry effects). I washed it then primed it but realized as I primed that I should have sanded it also. The primer has stuck and a couple of coats of paint later it looks good. But there is potential for the paint and primer to peel off if the desk is dinged at all.

I have had people tell me that the solution to a lot of wall and ceiling faux pas is to put up more sheet rock. For all of the work you'll put into preparing that marginal surface to receive the primer then the paint then hoping it looks the way you want, you could have the sheet rock installed, mud and tape and sanding done, and you can paint or paper those walls and have them look stunning. Make it look like a finished part of your house. Put it right over the top of the paneling, which will provide stability for the sheet rock.

As to painters/sprayers, I think that is simply the preference of the painter and if they want to fool with cleaning their spray equipment or doing the tape prep work. The fellow who did my remodel here at the house is a painter and a carpenter. He is doing more painting now because it's easier on his arthritis, and it pays better, he says. His guys did a lot of hand painting to cut in the edges and corners, as Bobert described, and the walls in relatively small rooms were done primarily with the sprayer. It actually uses about 30% more paint, my guy says, because you go over the wall several times with light layers rather than once or twice with the roller and paint right out of the can.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 09:23 AM

Brown and orange carpet. Dark wood paneling. In one room a single-bulb in-ceiling fixture with a frosted glass cover. The same in the hall. In the large room two single-tube flourescents in single file. And the patio door faces north -- nice in summer, but not a lot of help in winter.

We hope that the carpet can last a couple more years before we replace it. Money IS a factor -- we'll have to re-roof this summer, and that little chore is gonna set up back some big bucks. And no, I am NOT going to re-roof with cedar shakes! Not in wildfire country.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 09:12 AM

I agree with using an oil-based primer like KILZ but KNOW that years from now someone is going to sand down your beautiful paint job and revarnish the "wonderful" wood paneling.

Have you considered glueing strips of foil on the paneling to brighten things up?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Allan C.
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 08:56 AM

I made about as many mistakes with a similar project as one could make. I didn't sand or apply any primer. I taped the seams with masking tape. I used a latex paint.

The result was that in a short time there were dark "bleed-throughs" here and there on nearly every panel. I had to apply two coats of Kilz to stop the bleed-throughs as well as to seal the rest of the walls. It wasn't until two or three years later that I began to see the folly of having used masking tape on the seams. The tape's glue eventually failed and the tape shrank away from the wall, creating very noticable cracks.

What did I do right? I used textured paint and a stippling roller. The texture did wonders in hiding the panels. Most folks who visited my home never noticed any of the cracks or indentations unless I mentioned them.

Was I proud of the end result? Yes, for the most part. The best thing was that the light color brightened the dungeonous room wonderfully. However, in my mind's eye, I could always see the old paneling beneath.

Would I do it again (even if I were to do it correctly?) No. Bert had the right idea: cover the panels with 1/4 inch sheet rock.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: GUEST,Don Hakman has lost his cookies
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 08:40 AM

btw, the gradient spray gun colors I used were applied in a circular fashion going from mint green to hunter green - my son's favorite color.
Walk in and the room is bright but once you are in it looks deep and warm. It is subtle enough for some people to not even notice.

In a large room one could start with light color in 2 far corners.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 08:37 AM

I got acetone. I got alcohol. I got mineral spirits. Heck, I've got gasoline out in the garage. I got enough volatiles to stay high for month and ruin my liver in the process. But I use 'em outdoors.

The rooms I doing have a patio door at the end of the large one; the smaller one has a window which is supposed to open but which I've never tried. The larger room also has a very openable window about 5 feet long and 3 high. There's also a door in the kitchen that leads outdoors and a kitchen window about 2 x 3 feet. I don't think ventilation will be a problem.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bobert
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 08:14 AM

About shelac... Great stuff but unless you have a lot of ventilation in the basement, Rap, you may end up in the hospital.... It's so nasty that in order to purchase it in some places you'll have to sign a statement that says yopu are aware of it's toxicity...

As fir filling the groves, that 3/8 inch knap should deliver the paint into them but if yer gonna fill 'um, get yerself some rubber gloves so you'll have a finger left after the job... The latex ones won't cut it...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Alba
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:55 AM

Thanks for the info Metchosin:>)

Clinton...your on a roll eh..lol. Charming and subtle as always;>)
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:39 AM

SINSULL, that icky green is all the rage on the current decorating shows. It reminds me of the perfectly awful 1950 chartruse craze.


Rapaire, You might expect I take a different tack...

I use a paint sprayer. I start at a far upper corner with the basic but very light toned color. As I spread out gradually headed for the entrance to the room CEILING AND ALL, I keep adding the dark tone a wee bit at a time so by the time I reach the entrance the color is all deep and dark.

One session does it. BElieve me the paint is thick and takes weeks to lose all the oder but there is no bleed through.

When you walk into the room it looks bright but as you leave the room the gradation lends an interesting depth and distance illusion. I put a torch lamp at the corner of the room where I started with the lightest color so it always looks like the lamp is lit whether it is turned on or not.

I can show you photos if you are interested, it only takes about 20 minutes to get them on the web.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 03:59 AM

" You don't do no small basement jobs with it..."
Have done... and will do again...

Death to the roller!!!!

"I don't give a shit what you think looks good."
Right back atcha!

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Metchosin
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 02:53 AM

PS....Jude, if you get an opportunity, try the Zinsser B.I.N. and save yourself some time, its dry to the touch in 15 minutes and recoat time is 45 minutes. The company recommends using using amonia or solvent to preclean really grundgy surfaces, but I use diluted Simple Green to no ill effect, just make sure that its had enough time to really dry.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Metchosin
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 02:11 AM

Me too Alba and I agree also.

I recently renovated a pretty dingey mobile home that was panelled in the stuff Rapaire. I didn't fill the grooves, but I did fill any cracks and staple holes in the grooves with a light application of Drydex using my fingertip and I didnÕt bother sanding the grooves.

I can tell you that after hundreds of grooves most of the skin and the nails on my fingers were worn down to nothing. I also filled any imperfections in the panelling and countersunk the staples and filled the holes with Drydex, then sanded as well.

As an undercoat I used Zinsser B.I.N. (white shelac) and I love the stuff. ItÕs adherence is second to none, it seals in volatiles, it dries in a flash and it sands very well and usually just requires 1 coat.....and if that isnÕt enough, you can really get off on the fumes LOL ( at least its alcohol based), but the surface should be clean before you apply it, any residual grease will affect the adherence.

A final coat of a good latex and here's a couple of pics of the result Mobile Pic1 and Mobile Pic2 although unfortunately they don't show a real good close up of the final surface. It was quite the transformation. Best wishes on your project.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 11:58 PM

Clinton,

   You ought to share your cottage look theory with all those fine folks who have summer cottages along the coast. :P I happen to like that look. Lucky for me, I don't give a shit what you think looks good.

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Alba
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 09:39 PM

Have to agree Bobert.
I have done painting and decorating for a side living on and off for years.
Love doing it.
Spraying a basement....why make an easy job hard.
Roller, 3/8th nap. Good Primer, Good Paint, Good Brush.
Done.
:>)
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 09:14 PM

Clinton, clinton...

I got a sprayer that has well over 300 hours on it... I've run maybe a thousand gallons thru it....

You don't do no small basement jobs with it...

I loves ya' but yer gonna just have to believe me on this one...

Ain't worth the extra time and expense...

Stick with the roller, Donuel.... Clinton is still sampling his Xmas gifts from is teenaged kids....

Few hours and yer done....

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 08:18 PM

"Gonna cost you hours and hours"

I'll take spraying over a roller any day of the week... Much faster... much cleaner... Much easier

And you don't spend half your time painting the roller tray

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 08:05 PM

Well, the one nice, very nice, thing about living here is that the humidity is really, really low almost all the time. Heck, we only get 17 inches of percipatation (snow AND rain) in an average year.

There is no moisture problem in the basement from the environment -- we did have some, but got the bathroom leaks fixed (for a very pretty penny, too!).

I think that this might have been a half-way house for Mormon missionaries at one time. Or grad students at the University. There's no indication of children having been in this part of the house, at least not as residents.

Keep the advice coming, folks. I'm taking it all in.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 07:42 PM

What's wrong wid my speelin'...

Forget what both Cinton and WSYsuzie said about paintin'... Thay is both great folkie but...

You siad it's a basement, right.... Yeah, okay, if you have mold then Kilz but if you don't just use a good primer...

And fir gosh sakes, don't spray.... Sparyin is fir larger jobs... Gonna cost you hours and hours, plus the rental of a sprayer, to spray... Just roll... No, no paint brushes other than to cut in first...

Jusy roll... Don't make a small job into a career, Donuel....

Trust me... This is what I do for a living...

Sand, prime, cut in with a brush, prime and roll...

No masking tape, no fuss, no muss...

If you need referneces, just drive out to Winchester and take a short tour of the building I just did there and you'll know that, hey, the Bobert may BS a little but has also been 'round this stuff, too...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 07:25 PM

No, the final coat should be neither roller nor sprayer. For painting wood or faux wood, it's better to use a brush to lay off the finish unless you are going for a high-gloss, laquered-box look for a contemporary or Asian style. (The stroke lines are part of the cottage effect.) They should be subtle and smooth, but show. This can be done after rolling or spraying in small sections, but you need to do it fast before the paint surface dries, or you will just pull the paint off the wall-- ooops! ;~)

Kilz is actually more known for hiding stains-- I think it's that you use the oil Kilz if it's a water-based stain, and the latex if it's an oil-based stain. Its name means its chemical composition KILLS the bleed-through of the stain. They do also have high adhesion, but until you know how the paneling (and dirt, and grease, and shine products, and cigaret smoke) will react to your primer, it's a bit early to get out the compressor. :~)

On the sanding-- Bobert's suggestion (nevermind his speeling) to use a sanding block on a long handle-- that's just being smart, especially if you have strong young laborers. You don't have to sand down to the fiberboard under the fake wood, but it is a good idea just to lightly scuff ANY non-porous finish. (Giving the surface "tooth" for the paint to grab onto.)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 07:16 PM

hmmm..we always used "Parks" primer.....but good primer IS a key to getting a uniform color. (I have also done the ¼" drywall bit, and it works fine, but requires taping, mudding & sanding...and then you still have to prime..)

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 07:15 PM

"start painting and don't use a short nap roller cover..."

Ya.. if you INSIST on painting a textured surface, use a sprayer! Take the time to properly tape and line everything, and then just spray the hell outa it... it'll be done in less than half the time, and it'll be a MUCH better paint job.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 07:11 PM

WYSuzie hit on the most important part of the job... Sanding... Yer paneling has a finish on it now and no matter how good the primer, if you don't have a surface thaat good primer will bond with, y6er gonna have the new paint peel...

So yer gonna have to sand it all... Get a drywall sanded on a stick and sand, sand, sand...

Now, yer ready to start painting and don't use a short nap roller cover... Use a 3/8 of 1/2 nap... This will get into them groves that you see every 6 inches or so....

Now have it, pal...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 06:50 PM

I have a similar problem in my living room. The former owner was a builder who used leftovers to remodel his own house. There is dark paneling in a basement room and painted (icky green) in the living room. I consider ripping it out and then remember the Project Mercuries of my NYC apartment days. This spring I will have to make a decision.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 05:58 PM

"painted panelling does give the "cottage" look"

Which is a nice way of saying it looks like cheep, white-trash crap....

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 04:56 PM

Problem is, we don't know what's under the paneling. Some of it appears to have been glued(!) directly to the concrete foundation and some seems to have been nailed and screwed to lathing or studs. Pulling the paneling off the concrete could be a "mushroom factor" of the sort that gets expensive in a hurry.

Like a lot of things around here, when it was done it was done -- maybe not right, but done.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 04:55 PM

And yes, painted panelling does give the "cottage" look, especially when using lighter colored paint. :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 04:53 PM

In our house, the upstairs hallway and one bedroom was panelled. The hallway was then painted (before we got here). I painted the one bedroom after just wiping down the walls with a damp cloth and letting that dry overnight. I didn't use primer or cleaning solvents or sand paper. I used 2 coats of paint and 8 years later, the walls still look great. :)

Of course, I didn't know a thing about painting or primer or any of that when I painted the room....now I'd put Kilz on (especially on in the basement environment) and then paint. :)

Have fun!

Michelle

PS. Don't you think picking out the color is the hardest part of painting? Too many choices out there.......

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bert
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 04:44 PM

1/4 inch drywall over the top might be easier than all that cleaning.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 04:41 PM

The end product is actually considered to be 'shabby chic'.

You are on the forward edge of the wave.

Happy decorating.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 03:07 PM

We didn't sand at all.....same kind of panelling. Just de greased/de waxed primed and painted. Holding nicely.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Alba
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:59 PM

Klitz..that's the one Bee-dubya-ell. Works like a dream. Covers all sins...:>)
The first time I painted over Paneling I filled in all the grooves with Joint Compound, then sanded them all smooth ect ect ect.
Next time I didn't..lol
It just depends if you want a smooth wall finish or a painted panel finish.
I like the painted panels. My Buddy uses the room as a Sewing workshop.
Getting rid of the dark panels made a huge difference.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:42 PM

Ya... don't....

Take the paneling down and drywall... it'll be easier, quicker and you'll get MUCH better results...

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:36 PM

High-adhesion primer, in other words.

A light scuffing with sandpaper can't hurt, first, if they'll really tack it off well. The big question is whether ehre will be chairs, etc., scraping against it, in which case a chair rail may save you a lot of repeated touching up later. Even a good high-adhesion primer won't protect from having the paint peel off if there is a lot of wear on the finish.

An oil-base primer and paint will give you a harder surface but it takes a long time to cure and if the basement has damp air it will be a LONG time. But it is usually the best way to go when dealing with adhesion concerns.

You can paper over it as well, and there is a padded wallpaper liner that can help hide the grooves if you like. But the painted look with the grooves left in is nice, kind of cottagge-like.

Now here's a thought-- you could do a small sample area yourself before paying anyone else to get involved, to decide just what are the best products and application approaches in your particular situation. THEN call in the troops and tell them how you want it done.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:26 PM

Agreed with what already has been suggested.

An important step is getting rid of most of any wax that may have been applied. Some panelling came with a wax (or something else "waxy") surface treatment, and people have been known to try to "freshen" imitation wood. A simple wash with a good detergent should be sufficient. SpicNSpan is the commonly recommended "soap" in the US.

You may find the kids have decorated a spot or two with crayon etc, and any heavy marks should be at least scraped to remove anything that might come loose later.

The critical step is a good primer. If you know the maker of the panels, they may have a specific recommendation, but Kilz and/or BiN are two excellent general purpose ones in the US. If needed to cover a dark color, a second (or third) coat of primer is a lot cheaper than extra coats of paint, assuming of course that you're using a white primer (some come in transparent versions).

John

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Peace
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:14 PM

Don't let them have any beer until the paining is finished.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:10 PM

We painted a good-sized panelled wall where I used to work. We did fill in the grooves, which was a pretty simple process. After cleaning the wall we primed it with "Kilz" brand primer, filled the cracks with drywall compound, sanded lightly, and rolled on another coat of Kilz.

However, please note that this particular job was done five years ago, shortly before I left that job, and that I have not been back into the building since. It may have held up perfectly or the paint may have fallen off the walls.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:07 PM

Well, right now if you turn on the lights it looks like nothing much happens!

This is in the "apartment" part of the house -- it even has it's own kitchen and laundry hookups. We're NOT going to rent it out, but we do want to use it for various things (like my wife's quilting workshop during the summer).

After it's painted we'll hang some decent lighting and be on the way.

Subject: RE: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Alba
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:04 PM

That's how I painted the Dark panelling in my Friend's Basement Rapaire.
Degreaser, Nylon wool, Primer (there are Primers made just for this job, Sherman Williams)) Prime in between the joints of the panels first with a good Brush then Roll primer onto the whole panel. Do it in sections. Allow to dry for 12 hours,less if you have good ventilation. See how much of the panel color bleeds through the primer once dry and maybe apply another coat of Primer if required. If Primer covered well. 2 coats of choice of Paint and viola.....2006...rather than 1950!
It makes one hellava diffrence for sure.
Good Luck
Jude

Subject: BS: Painting over paneling: suggestions
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 01:54 PM

We're going to paint part of the basement a MUCH lighter color. The rooms and the hall to be painted are panelled in that fake woodpaneling that was popular back in the 1970s. It's wood, but....

We don't care about filling in the grooves.

What we're planning to do is to scrub it all down with Simple Green and Scotchguard (an environmentally-friend detergent/degreaser and nylon scruff-scrub pads), rinse it, prime it and paint it. (Well, actually, we're going to pay a group of University students to do it -- they're raising money to go work with Habitat during their Spring Break.)

Any other suggestions????