How to Paint Wood Panelling Like a Pro

Whether you have high-quality varnished hardwood, simple veneer, or faux panelling, you can paint over wood panelling to give it a fresh new look.

Before and after split screen photos of a room with painted panelling.
A homeowner touches wood panelling to determine the type. A homeowner touches wood panelling to determine the type.

Step 1: Assess the Wood Panelling

Before you start, take the time to determine what type of panelling you have. Polyurethane finish, layers of paint, or even decades of cleaning product buildup can mask the material underneath.

To figure out what you’re working with, find an exposed edge of a panel. This may require removing an HVAC grate or a piece of baseboard moulding.

If your panelling is veneer (which has only a thin surface layer of wood grain), fibreboard, or composite instead of solid wood, be very careful not to damage it. If you are painting over wood panelling, you can proceed with cleaning.


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Key Watchout

Veneer is a paper-thin layer of wood grain applied to a stronger—though unsightly—material like particle board or fibreboard. Be careful not to sand through it.
A homeowner washes wood panelling with a clean rag. A homeowner washes wood panelling with a clean rag.

Step 2: Clean the Wood Panelling

Grease, grime, and even residue from cleaning products can really build up on veneer or hardwood panelling over the years and prevent your paint from fully adhering to the surface.

Be sure to remove all contaminants and residue with a degreasing cleaner before beginning work. If the panelling is still too glossy after cleaning, you may need to dull the surface a bit with a light sanding to make sure the paint has texture it can adhere to.

Take extra care if you’re dealing with veneer. Sanding can ruin the thin outer layer, exposing the fibreboard underneath.


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Important
Safety Note

Whenever you’re removing an old surface through sanding, it’s important to protect yourself from potentially dangerous dust with a mask and goggles.
A homeowner brushes primer into the grooves of wood panelling. A homeowner brushes primer into the grooves of wood panelling.

Step 3: Spot Prime Your Wood Panelling

Consider your desired result: Do you want a smooth wall, or would you like to keep the grooved look of panelling? If you want to keep the grooves, skip to Step 4.

If you want your painted panelling to have a smooth surface, check out the video on this page. You’ll need to prime the panelling first—at least the areas you plan to fill with spackling compound or caulk—to ensure you get the best possible adhesion. Primer options for wood panelling include the following:

A homeowner uses caulk to fill grooves in wood panelling for a smooth finish. A homeowner uses caulk to fill grooves in wood panelling for a smooth finish.

Step 4: Spackle and Caulk the Panelling

To get the best adhesion, wait until the first coat of primer has dried before spackling the panelling. If you’re going for a smooth look, use joint compound (also called drywall mud) or spackling compound to fill all the grooves in the panelling to meet the rest of the surface. Using a quick-drying “hot mud” or patch, which has a high pH level, creates unique challenges and is not recommended. If you do use it, be sure to use a 100% acrylic primer for best results.

Whether you’re going for a smooth or grooved look, fill in any seams between panels. For this, you should use caulk instead of spackling compound. Caulk will expand as the panels shift slightly over time, whereas spackling compound may crack.


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Helpful Tip

Spackle or joint compound dries hard, while caulk can expand and contract slightly over time. That’s why spackling compound is better for filling grooves, and caulk is the better option for seams.
A homeowner wearing a dust mask sands the caulked grooves of wood panelling. A homeowner wearing a dust mask sands the caulked grooves of wood panelling.

Step 5: Sand, Vacuum, and Tack for Smooth Panelling

A light sanding before painting wood panelling will create a smooth, dull surface that is free of imperfections and just rough enough to give the paint proper adhesion.

Using a fine sandpaper (220 grit is a good level here), focus on smoothing out any uneven areas or dried drips. After sanding, be sure to vacuum the panelling thoroughly and then tack or wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust. Let it dry.

A homeowner rolls paint onto a wood panelled wall. A homeowner rolls paint onto a wood panelled wall.

Step 6: Prime Your Wood Panelling Again

Re-priming after spackling and caulking is one of the most important things you can do to ensure an even, professional-looking finish. A second coat of primer helps to conceal the differences between the spackling compound and the panel surfaces, cover stains or knots in the panelling, and provide proper adhesion for your paint top coat. Let the primer fully dry as recommended on the label.

A homeowner finishes rolling white paint onto a wood panelled wall. A homeowner finishes rolling white paint onto a wood panelled wall.

Step 7: Paint the Wood Panelling

Use a paintbrush to cut in to corners and edges first, then blend the seams as you coat the rest of the wall with a roller. Note that a lighter paint colour on dark wood may require an extra coat, depending on how well the primer masked the wood grain.

Step 8: Apply a Second Coat to Your Painted Panelling

When the first coat of paint is fully dry, apply a second coat for an even, spot-free finish. Be sure to allow 24 hours for the new finish to fully cure before placing any wall décor, fixtures, or furniture.