How Do You Paint Over Dark Paneling?
There is nothing more reminiscent of an age gone by than the overuse of dark paneling for interior décor. If the time has come for you to rid yourself of the look and you cannot take it down, here is an approach to painting over it. Remove all the cover plates, register covers, and lighting fixtures that are on the walls. Assemble all the tools and equipment you will need for your project. Lay down your drop cloths. Use paneling nails to attach any sections of the walls that might be warping loose. Wipe down the walls with mineral spirits if extremely oily or greasy. Otherwise wash with TSP or other paint prep detergent per instructions. Rinse thoroughly. Fill the grooves in the paneling, if you have them, with drywall compound using a wide drywall knife. Repair any holes or surface flaws with compound as well. Sand smooth and flush with the surface when the compound has set and dried. Vacuum away any drywall dust on the floors and wipe clean from the walls. Tape where the ceiling and
