Q: Our living room has dark wood paneling that we would like to brighten. Should we paint or wallpaper it, and how do we do it?
A: Painting is easiest, but the results might not be as satisfying. In either case, you should start by making sure the edges of the panels are firmly attached to the wall. Use more nails if necessary to get a firm surface that won’t flex. Next, clean the paneling with a damp sponge and a solution of detergent such as Mr. Clean or Top Job. Dry each panel as you clean it, and let the entire surface dry thoroughly before proceeding.
Some people try to smooth the surface of the panels by filling the small grooves with spackling compound and sanding. This is a messy and tedious job, and I don’t recommend it. What’s more, some of the spackling is likely to fall out in time because of expansion and contraction of the wood.
To paint, first roll on a coat of a stain-killer primer such as Kilz or Bulls Eye 1-1-2. When that is dry, apply the finish coat of acrylic wall paint. The panels will still look like panels, but will have a bright, fresh appearance.
Wallpapering is more complicated. Some textured, thick-bodied wall coverings can be applied directly to the paneling; check with an experienced wallpaper dealer to see what is available. If you want to use a regular wallpaper, you should cover the paneling first with a wallpaper liner — a thick material that will span the gaps and grooves in the panels and give a smooth finish.
