Decorating Guides

How to Make Over 1970s Paneling

November 15, 2022

If 1970s-era style isn’t your first choice for home decor, you may be wondering exactly what to do about a room full of paneled walls. Instead of ripping the paneling, revamp it with fresh coats of paint much more suited to your ideals for room redecorating. From solid colours to shabby distressed finishes, a paneling perk-up gives the walls a fresh new look that makes the space feel warm and inviting.

Sand, Then Sand Some More

Paneling in the 1970s is frequently made from plywood or pressed fiberboard made to look like wood. A glossy coating that protects the paneling also prevents paint and primer in adhering, so sanding it’s essential. Dust the walls; then wipe them down using a household cleaner. Once dry, sand each paneled wall completely — regardless of how laborious it may appear — with a medium- or fine-grit sandpaper, sanding just enough to scuff up that glossy finish. Put a dropcloth facing every wall as you operate; then wipe down the walls completely with a tack cloth or soft rag to remove the dust.

Prime Time

A quality stain-blocking primer makes sure that the paint adheres to the paneling; otherwise, it may flake or peel off in a short time or not adhere well when you employ it. Select a superior primer for the very best coverage; then roll it on, then using a brush as needed to attain the depths of the grooves at the paneling. If the paneling is at a kitchen area or appears somewhat grimy even after cleaning, then pick a primer that adheres over greasy, slick surfaces. Sand the paneling a bit more if a superior primer doesn’t appear to adhere well on first program.

Painted Perfection

Select a paint color that suits your idea for a comfortable living space; mild colors make the room feel a little brighter and more welcoming than the exact same space using a dark wood paneling or dark paint colours. A quality paint may cost a little more per gallon than a bargain brand, but it generally requires fewer paint coat applications for sufficient coverage. Roll on the paint, then using a brush to achieve into the corners and pliers. After painted a solid colour, hardwood paneling takes on a look reminiscent of wax board.

Fab Finishes

If a good paint colour is a bit too basic for your sense of style, layer on an extra paint or glaze color for another appearance. Rub candle wax gently above the base coat; then paint on a second color, such as antique white above a warm, light gray or light blue. Sand some of the top color away in select areas to reveal the base shade beneath. If sanding again looks like too much work, give the base-coated walls a glaze treatment rather. Select a glaze color that works well with the base shade and the room’s decor scheme. Mix your glaze with latex or acrylic paint and a very clear latex glaze. For a slightly antiqued or aged appearance, mix the glaze using a charcoal color, examining the cemented on paper to make sure it’s highly transparent. The more glaze you use, the more transparent the finish. Brush the glaze on in slapdash style; then rub most of it off using a wash rag. Glaze tends to pool at the paneling’s grooves, so keep the glazing to a minimum in those places unless you would like them to stand out.

See related