How to Paint Wood Paneling | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House master painter Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor a universal approach to painting wood paneling.

Next, expert painter Mauro Henrique teaches Kevin all about painting wood paneling. When Kevin asks if folks are right to be nervous about painting wood paneling, Mauro explains that it's possible, and although it might not be the traditional take on paneling, it's up to the homeowner. Then, the two set out to roughen the surface of a panel wall with a bit of sandpaper.

Skill: ⅖
Cost: Varies based on room, but generally under $100
Estimated Time: Varies based on room, allow for 1 to 2 hours drying time

Shopping list:

Tools:

Steps for painting wood paneling
1. With 220-grit sandpaper on a sanding block, roughen the surface of the paneling. Be sure to lightly scuff the profile of any moldings.
2. Pour a bit of primer into a paint tray or cut bucket. Dip the brush into the primer and cut in, starting at the top and working downward. Brush primer into the cracks and crevices of the moldings, beadboard, or anywhere else a roller won’t reach.
3. Load the roller sleeve with primer and roll it over the surface. Be sure to watch for drips and runs, taking care to even them out with the brush or roller. Allow the primer to dry for one hour (this is a good time to clean the brushes, rollers, and paint tray).
4. After the primer is dry, pour some paint into the paint tray. Using a similar method as before, start by cutting in with the brush. Brush paint into the cracks and crevices, moldings, and other areas where a roller won’t reach.
5. Before the brushed areas dry, load the roller with paint and coat the surface. Be sure to watch for drips and runs, evening them out with the roller or brush as they appear.
6. Allow the paint to dry for around 2 hours (may vary, depending on the conditions) before applying a second coat.

Where to find it?
To prep the wood paneling, Mauro used a sanding block with 220 grit sandpaper, which can be found at home centers.

About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How to Paint Wood Paneling | Ask This Old House

[wjthomas]

Seeing the finished product is always welcome. Great video

[rafaelsays]

Mauro is the man when it comes to paint

[Dino_Buk]

I like a natural wood look. And the smell of the wood.

[WMroad]

I noticed Mauro wasn't using Purdy brushes but the new Stinger brush instead. I've been wondering if they are worth buying.

[josepacas]

Where can I get this kind of brush I would greatly appreciate it

[cchauvie]

Best info ever. I am in the middle of a project. I have the same smooth utility board and I just bought 220 grit.
I use that same primer and it's great it's 65.00 from his amazon store and it's 23.98 at home depot.

[YouMadeMeLawn]

I just painted my 1990s paneling last month. Paint those groves!

[Off-Grid]

We are going to try and stain wood to install in a going so good so far. Might have to switch to paint....

[chrisbrown]

My only regret is not seeing what it looked like after the second coat

[kerihess]

how do you cut in if you have this on the walls, all the way up to ceiling?

[apexracoon]

Looks awesome!!!! What paint brushes are those?

[desertfox]

Did he brush it out after rolling it ?

[JonnyDIY]

Mauro is the best 💕
"You know what they say?"
"No what do they say?"
"A great paint job & a good wine, take time." 🖌🍷😉

[oskarbjornstad]

Use an oil primer for bare wood everybody. This will chip

[Ikantspell]

Super sad. Bob and Norm way back in the day really were reasons I began watching this type of stuff and doing my own projects. As a brand the show really isn't the same. The video quality is a billion times what it used to be, it's well packaged, and on YouTube, and it's "NOT BAD", but honestly I enjoy lots of other stuff in the home improvement/DIY space better and I feel actually go into teaching better. Sad because I know this is such a large production/staff there's a recognized brand and I want it to be great but

[salvadorsepulveda]

Great job and knowledge from the Expert Maro !! Blessings

[cody_swanson]

How to paint wood paneling: don't.

[dirtyhairy]

Mauro is The Man! Love these tips, gents. 👊

[Guardducks]

You can get away with one coat, but always two coats. You will be much happier.

[benadam]

they should mention the problem that happens when beadboard has been painted multiple times. you really lose most of the definition of the beadboard and no longer looks very good. its really difficult to strip or sand because the paint is very hard to get out of the grooves. its very easy to mess up with more aggressive methods.