Hello
I was wondering what the best way would be to paint over dark wood paneling. I have a room thats too dark and I want to lighten it up a little bit by painting it white or a brighter color. ANy help would be appreciated. Thanks
Larry

 

I would prime it white first with Zinnzer's 123 to seal it, get better adhesion and (in case it needs it) block any stains from bleeding through.

 

OK Great thanks. I assume I can get this at home depot or lowes right?

 

Would I have to rough it with sandpaper, or just paint over the primer?

 

Any paint store or H.D. or lowes. You don't have to prep the primed surface just paint.

 

What type of finish is on the paneling now? Even with Zinser you will need to rough up any gloss finishes to insure adhesion.

 

My husband is a professional painter and right now he's in the process of painting our 1960s dark wood panelling in our den. For years, we've refered to our den as "The Cave". First thing he did was to sand the panelling a bit to give it a little "tooth". Then he cleaned the walls off very well. He used Kilz oil based primer and then, later went over that with 2 coats of Porter latex semi-gloss in "Newport Beige" (of course you can use whatever kind of paint you want to). Our old dark den now looks light, bright and much bigger. Good luck with your project......I know you'll love it when you're done.

 

Thats what this room looks like a dark cave. Thanks for the advice I am sure it will look much better when it is done