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Q: I hate my living room, it has wood paneling and brown (dirt color) carpet. I am at wits end with what to do with it all. My husband likes the paneling, but it's dark dated and hated, it's got to go. I know you can paint it, I painted my laundry room it also had paneling walls (what these people were thinking I'll never know) but I'm not really happy with the way it turned out. The house was built in 1918, A small craftsman style. I would like a simple country look, something lite and airy, With no stripes. And I'm working with a VERY small budget. Any suggestions will be of great help.
Tip #1: It took some time, but I filled the paneling grooves with plaster. I got so good at it after awhile that I didn't need to sand anything. Then I primed over the walls and grooves (to keep the plaster from possibly cracking at a later date). I bought wall liner, although some of the newer paintable wallpapers look like actual walls this also would work. Then I painted it! Every one thinks I removed the paneling. Sometimes I think resheet rocking would have been quicker, but once I got started with this experiment it was too difficult to turn back.
Tip #2: I have textured right on top of paneling. Make sure the paneling is secured very well to the wall before you start. I got a big (five gallon) bucket of joint compound and troweled it on with a finishing trowel. It takes a little practice, but it's always unique to you. Now I'm doing friend's houses and am starting to expand to people hiring me to do it. You can go as rough or as smooth as you want. Then simply paint. If you like the look of a faux finish, it's super easy to do on walls textured like this. If you like a super smooth surface, fill the grooves in, then sand, prime and paint. Always always always prime before you paint paneling!!
More related articles:
Faux Finish Walls with Ragging
“Old World” Faux Painting Technique
Tips for Easier Wallpaper Removal
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