How to Paint Wall Paneling

Wall panelling is a brilliant way to add character to your home, and once you’ve installed your panelling, you may want to paint it. Painted wall panelling can completely transform your space, adding texture and warmth to any wall.

Some styles like acoustic panels, generally don’t need painting. You may also have purchased a kit which has been pre-finished, so can simply be installed as-is. But if you do need to get the paint brushes out, we’re here to help.

We know that tackling a new DIY task can feel a bit daunting. So, we’ve put together some top tips for painting wood panelling to guide you.

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Use a durable eggshell, gloss, or satin paint with a water-based undercoat for the best finish on your wall panels.
Always sand your wooden mouldings and apply a primer before you start painting to make sure the paint absorbs properly.
Paint the edges and difficult corners first with a small 2-inch brush, then use a roller for the larger flat areas to avoid a patchy finish.

Choosing a shade

The most important part of panel painting is choosing the right colour for your space. We know that picking a colour can feel overwhelming with so many options.

When looking at paint for wood panelling, the best choice will simply depend on the mood you’d like to achieve. For example:

Light blues and muted greens bring a calming and serene feel.
Whites and greys create bright and spacious minimalism.
Dark shades offer bold and sophisticated luxury.
Pastels are soft and provide bright fun.
Oranges, browns, reds, and creams give a cosy warmth.
Unpainted wood leaves you with natural minimalism.

Looking for something subtle? When choosing a colour, you can go for something that goes with the rest of your room and blends into the wall to add textural interest.

Or you can use your panels as an opportunity to add a pop of colour to a space. Go all out and try painting them a bold, bright shade to create a stunning feature wall.

What paint to use on wall panelling

Finding the right paint for wood panelling is simple. As long as you’ve primed your wood with a water-based undercoat, you can paint the wall and wood panelling with the exact same paint.

There are a few great paint options to choose from:

Eggshell paint is durable and hardwearing, giving your panelling a great matt finish that hides minor marks.
Gloss paint gives you a shinier look that will reflect more light, but it will highlight any imperfections.
Satin paint will give you something in between.If you’re short on time, you can even go for a quick-drying option to get the room finished faster

How to paint panelling

Preparation is the secret to a great result. Before you start applying any paint to your panels, make sure to sand the wooden mouldings. This helps the wood better absorb the paint. Ideally, this would happen before attaching the panelling to the wall, but it can also be done just before the painting process.

Place low-tack masking tape to any section of the wall close to the panelling that you don’t want to be painted. Make sure to caulk any gaps that may have been created between the wall and the moulding before you paint. This gives you a neat, professional look.

If made from MDF, lightly dampen your panelling to open up the pores in the wood. This helps the undercoat to better adhere to the surface. Apply a water-based undercoat to the wooden moulding and any other wood that will be painted. Wait a few hours for it to dry and then apply another coat to ensure full coverage.

Now it is time to apply your paint. Use a smaller 2” brush to cover all the nooks and crannies of the panelling. Make sure nothing gets missed in the corners.

Cover the larger areas with a roller. It’s best to paint the panelling in strips to avoid a patchy finish once everything has dried. Leave the first coat to dry for a few hours and apply a second coat in the same way.

Keep an eye out for any paint drips as you work. Simply brush them out before the paint dries for a smooth, painted wood panelling finish.

With a little preparation and the right tools, painting panels is a straightforward job. You can easily refresh your space and create a home you are proud of.

Take your time with the prep work, choose a colour that suits your mood, and enjoy the process of bringing your panelling paint ideas to life.

Want to know how to install some panelling yourself? Check out Kimberley Walsh’s guide to installing and painting wall panelling.

FAQs

For MDF panelling, lightly dampen the surface to open the wood pores, then apply a water-based undercoat. Once primed, you can finish the job with an eggshell, satin, or gloss paint depending on the look you want.

Styles like acoustic panels generally do not need painting as they often come pre-finished. You can paint them if you’d like a pop of colour but make sure to use the correct primer beforehand.

Both a brush and a roller can be useful for painting panelling. Use a brush to paint the more intricate nooks and crannies, and switch to a roller for the larger, flatter areas.