Without taking appropriate measures, you could end up with an uneven paint job that you'll have to redo later on. Follow our step-by-step guide to painting over wood paneling, including filling in any grooves or areas of damage. When it comes to the cheap wood veneer that was so popular in the 1970s, the answer is almost universally, "yes." Paint Over Wood Paneling - Many times I heard people call their wood panels dark, sad and they really want to do something. I want to fill in the grooves to give my walls a smooth look (drywalling the house is not in the budget). If you're tired of the wood paneling in your home, give it a new look with a fresh coat of paint. Wood paneling is a retro wall covering that required no prep work to the wall's original surface and was easily applied in sheets with small paneling nails to secure. Whether or not to paint wood paneling and moldings is a controversial topic. Paint The Grooves with a Brush, Then Roll the Flat Boards. But, while painting it will get rid of the faux wood look of the paneling, the grooves will still be there to remind you that back behind all those layers of paint, it's still there, lurking. Cover wood paneling - How to Paint Over Wood Paneling – Cover wood paneling painting wood paneling ideas is certainly the significant do-it-yourself home improvement work, and also it is obvious to see why. Painting over wood paneling is one of the easiest ways to get rid of that outdated and unsightly 70s-era choice in wall design. Most of my house has wood paneling instead of drywall. While painting paneling isn't hard to do, proper preparation is important to allow the paint to adhere well. How to Paint Over Wood Paneling . When discussing higher-quality, solid-wood paneling, the decision can be more complicated. I had an older gallon of white paint that I wanted to use up (am I the only one who hates storing half empty paint cans?) Before you begin, be sure to lay down drop cloths to protect your floors: Clean the Paneling. How To: Paint Wood Wall Paneling If your wood-paneled walls seem dark and dated, painting is a great way to brighten them up. The last step of painting wood paneling is the final coat of latex paint.