7 Simple Steps to Paint Pre Primed Paneling like a PRO!

Learn 7 steps to paint pre primed paneling like a pro! See how I painted our Shiplap paneling sheets in this simple tutorial.

I know you know someone who lives in a home with paneling. Think about it, is it painted?

Painting paneling has become a popular way to update an older (especially 1970’s) house without having to remove it. And let’s be honest, is paneling really that bad?

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I would say that beadboard paneling is still a popular choice for a wall treatment today. Speaking of paneling, they have a new product on the market; SHIPLAP PANELING SHEETS!

I’m no stranger to using Shiplap in my home. I’ve created a few looks from Sharpie Shiplap to applying peel and stick flooring planks on the wall for a DIY Shiplap look and most recently, my Shiplap paneling sheets!

As I was installing the paneling, I decided to write a dedicated post to painting pre primed paneling because even though there are different types of paneling, most of them will be painted the same way.

Before I begin let me dive into a few questions I’ve already been asked.

Do you have to use primer before painting paneling?

If the paneling has never been painted, DO use primer. As a matter of fact, use two good coats of primer before you apply paint.

If the previous paneling has been painted a light color and you are painting over it with a darker color, you can probably skip the primer. Make sure to lightly sand the surface first.

If the current paneling is dark and you want to paint it a lighter color, DO use primer first.

Do you have to prime already pre primed paneling?

Unless you don’t plan on lightly sanding the surface, I would say you can forgo priming. The pre primed primer should seal the surface, but it’s not going to help the new paint to stick to it. Also, if you aren’t going to prime, make sure to use at least two coats of paint.

Can paneling be painted without sanding?

Absolutely. Just make sure to use a good bonding primer first so the paint will stick to the paneling.

Do you paint paneling with a brush or a roller?

You need to use both a brush and a roller to get a good paint job when painting paneling. The brush is used to get paint in the grooves of the paneling while the roller smoothes the paint out and makes it even.

How do you paint real wood paneling?

If the paneling has never been painted before, make sure to prime it with two coats of good bonding primer. Then apply the paint. Sanding isn’t required as long as the surface is primed. That being said, sanding won’t hurt the process.

Do I need to use primer on already painted paneling?

You probably don’t need to use a primer If the current wall is smooth, clean and covered with the same type of paint (like paint and primer are oil-based for example). You need to fill holes, spackle, caulk and sand before painting though.

Like I said earlier, the pre primed primer should seal the surface, but it’s not going to help the new paint to stick to it. So make sure to sand the surface. Also, if you are going from a dark color to a light color, it’s a good idea to prime first.

Do you need to sand pre primed paneling before painting?

Yes you need to sand pre primed paneling because the primer will seal the surface but it won’t necessarily allow the paint to stick to it.

Do I have to use the same brand of paint and primer for painting paneling?

No you don’t need to use the same brand of paint and primer, but you do need to make sure they are compatible. I’ve got a detailed list of how to use oil based paint and primer vs water based primer and paint in this post here.

Now let’s get to the moral of this story; painting pre primed paneling!

Materials Used:

• Shiplap paneling sheets
• Shoe moulding
• Paintable caulk
• Spackling
• 150 grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Lint free wash cloth
• 1/4 Nap paint roller
• Brushes
• Paint- I suggest any high quality latex wall paint

7 Steps to Paint Pre Primed Paneling like a PRO!

1. Patch and fill all nail holes, caulk the seams and fill any unwanted gaps in the paneling.
2. Use a 150 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire surface.
3. Use a tack cloth or lint free cloth to remove dust and debris. Wipe the surface with a damp lint free cloth and let it dry.
4. Remove the electrical outlets and set aside.
5. Apply painters tape to perimeter of paneling.
6. Using a 2″ angle brush, apply paint to corners, edges and grooves in paneling. Work in small sections.
7. Apply paint with a 1/4 nap roller to the section you just completed with the paint brush making sure to keep a wet edge at all times.

Continue with these simple 7 steps until you are done with painting the entire surface! You will more than likely have to apply at least two coats, so follow the recommended dry time for the paint you are using before beginning the second coat.

In case you are wondering what a “wet edge” is; It’s when you ensure that the last roll does not dry before you overlap it with the next. This ensures that you don’t have any brush strokes!

That’s it! Easy peasy right?

Painting paneling doesn’t have to be difficult! I hope this simple tutorial will help you paint your walls successfully!

Lindsey**