If you are sick and tired of that dark old wood panelling in your home, but you don't want to go through the trouble and expense of tearing it down and replacing it, there are other solutions.

Here are just a few suggestions that will brighten and liven up that old panelling you were stuck with from the old days. It will take some time and work but you will like the new look.

You can paint the panelling. But remember that you can't paint panelling the same as you can a wall. Wood panelling is not meant to absorb paint as wallboard walls will. It will streak and the dark wood will still show through if you do not do the job right. The first thing you have to do is get the surface very clean. Get a strong degreasing cleaner and thoroughly clean the panelling. Next, you have to apply a gloss remover for the paint to adhere properly. Rub it in the direction of the grain, and do one small area at a time and then let it sit for thirty minutes. You then apply a coat of primer over the gloss remover. If the wood still shows after the first coat of primer, put on another coat. Let the job dry overnight and then caulk the grooves between the panels of the panelling. Use a putty knife to scrape off the excess and let it dry overnight. Then you can paint over the panelling using at least one or two coats of paint.

Another solution to panelling is to wallpaper over it and then paint it. You have to use wallpaper that can be painted; just ask at the paint supply store. Clean the panelling with a degrease and once it is thoroughly dry, caulk in the grooves so you don't see the breaks in the panels. Clean off the excess caulk. You have to fill in the ridges because the paper won't stick otherwise. Now prime the panelling and then you have to apply sizing to the walls to help them accept the glue. Hang the wallpaper according to directions by soaking them in water and then hanging. Then paint the new wall you have created.

Another solution is to glaze the paneling. This is a new look that will add a shine. As usual, clean the panelling with a degrease. Then paint the panelling with your chosen color. Let this dry overnight. Now mix a satiny glaze as a top color according to directions. Paint one or two panels at a time because you want to wipe off the excess glaze with a clean rag as you go along. The more glaze you wipe off, the less shiny the walls will be. Let dry completely before anyone touches the wall. YOU can clean and store your brushes for future use.

About the Author

The author Ray Walberg is especially interested in news relating to saw reviews and portable saws. Recording his experience in detailed writings on saw reviews and radial arm saws the author established his skill on the subject.