Painting and Decorating Concourse
734-464-3883
SM
copyright 2007 Paint-N-Stain Inc. / Terms of Use
 
How to Paint Paneling - pt 2
    Professionals will next usually clean the paneling with a solvent (preferably a solvent  that is less toxic and one which is less flammable), but solvent cleaning involves a few issues including providing good ventilation, to using the proper protective gear,  to fire hazard issues, to hazardous waste disposal.  So if one is not trained in the above, he or she should probably avoid this procedure.  I only mention it because solvents work very well at removing greasy grime, especially if there if a bit of a build up on the surface of such, but you need to know what you are doing to clean with them.
     After the first cleaning, simply repeat again with the Krud Kutter.  If you missed some spots or simply thinned the grime down on the first cleaning, you will now hoping get it all on this round of cleaning.  Regardless of how well you cleaned we are now going to need to do an adhesion test on the paneling.  The primer you will be using should be an **oil based universal primer.  This type of primer will grip to the clear finish on the paneling without too much trouble.  But, since we are painting over a somewhat glossy clear coat we must first do an adhesion test.  Spot prime several spots on all four walls at different locations, this will give you a more accurate test result that just doing one spot.  Let the primer dry for a day or two  and then test the spots using the cross cut method. If you failed on any spots, you will need to clean the paneling further. re-clean and re-test before proceeding.  If all spots pass the test, then you can proceed on to prime the whole surface. 

    In most cases it is more efficient to tint the primer  to match the finish coat color -  if you are painting with a pastel color - you will use the same tint formula at 50% strength, but don't exceed two ounces of tint per gallon.  The tinted primer will act as a first coat of paint and under most circumstances you will be able to apply just one coat of finish paint to achieve good coverage and appearance.

    After the primer is dry , apply you finish paint.. If you are doing one coat,  you will want to double roll the paint.  

    Double rolling is a technique in which the paint is applied rather heavily, allowed to set up for a minute (don't wait too long or the paint will be too dry) then the paint is re-rolled again.  Double rolling will ensure paint coverage and hide and will even out the sheen.  


Our "terms of use" governs your use of our website; by using our website, you accept this disclaimer in full.  If you disagree with any part of our "terms of use", do not use our website.
The Compressor Shop
Portable and Stationary

Electric and Gas Powered
**Do not use a latex primer on paneling it will be too easily repelled by the clear coat on the paneling and by any residual contamination that you did not remove in the cleaning process.
Prepping for Paint

First, you must clean the paneling.   There will be years of grime and perhaps "Pledge" polish - or something similar to it built up on it.  Clean the paneling with a grime remover such as "Krud Kutter" which is a water based type of cleaner.  I use paper towel (like the Scott "Shop Towel" wipes) as you will need to change wipes often.