Once you’ve installed your panelling, you may want to paint it. Some styles like acoustic panels generally don’t need painting, or you may have purchased a kit which has been pre-finished. But if you do need to get the paint brushes out, here are some top tips for painting wall panels.
Choosing a shade
The most important part of any paint job is choosing the right colour for your space. Your choice will depend on the mood you’d like to achieve, for example:
When choosing a colour, you can go for something that goes with the rest of your room and blends into the wall, simply being used to add textural interest. Or you can use your panels as an opportunity to add a pop of colour to a space, going all out and painting them a bold, bright shade.
Which paint should you use for wall panelling?
As long as you’ve primed your wood with a water-based undercoat, you can paint the wall and wood panelling with the same paint. There are a few paint options:
Eggshell paint is durable and hardwearing and will give your panelling a great matt finish.
If you’re after a shinier look, gloss paint will help you achieve that.
And if you’re impatient, you can even go for a quick-drying option.
How to paint panelling
Before you start applying any paint to your panels, make sure to sand the wooden mouldings so that it will better absorb the paint. Ideally, this would happen before attaching to the wall, but it can also be done just before the painting process.
Place low-tack masking tape to any section of the wall close to the panelling that you don’t want to be painted.
If made from MDF, lightly dampen your panelling to open up the pores in the wood, helping the undercoat to better adhere to the surface.
Apply a water-based undercoat to the wooden moulding and any other wood that will be painted (e.g. if your wall is made of MDF). Make sure to caulk any gaps that may have been created between the wall and the moulding before you paint. Wait a few hours for it to dry and then apply another coat.
Now it’s time to apply your paint. Use a smaller 2” brush to cover all the nooks and crannies of the panelling, making sure nothing gets missed. Then cover the larger areas with a roller. It’s best to paint the panelling in strips to avoid a patchy finish once everything has dried.
Leave the first coat to dry for a few hours and apply a second coat in the same way.
More panelling inspiration
How to style wall panelling
With many types and different ways to arrange them, here's a guide to help you style your panelling project your way.
