Wooden panels are a type of wall covering that consists of thin planks of wood attached to a frame. They can add warmth, texture and character to any room in your home. However, wooden panels can also look outdated or dull over time, especially if they have not been maintained properly.
That’s why painting wooden panels can be a great way to refresh and transform your space. Painting wooden panels can also protect them from moisture, stains and insects, and make them easier to clean.
In this article, we will show you how to paint wooden panels with tips and techniques that will help you achieve a professional-looking result.
We will cover the following steps:
- Preparing the wooden panels for painting
- Choosing the right paint and tools
- Techniques and tips for painting
Preparing The Wooden Panels For Painting
Before painting wooden panels, they must be adequately prepared to ensure a clean and uniform finish.
Here are the actions you must take:
- Cleaning The Panels
The first stage is to remove any dust, grime, oil, or stains from the panels using a damp cloth or sponge. If necessary, you may use a moderate detergent or soap, but be sure to rinse the panels thoroughly and allow them to dry entirely.
- B) Sanding The Panels
The panels are then gently sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to flatten any rough or uneven areas. This will also improve the paint’s adhesion to the wood.
- C) Filling Any Cracks Or Holes
If your panels have fissures, gaps, or cavities, you must replace them with wood filler or putty. Utilise a putty tool or a spatula to apply and smooth the infill.
- D) Priming The Panels
The final process prior to painting is priming the panels with an appropriate primer. This will encapsulate the wood and create a uniform painting surface. Depending on the size and configuration of your panels, you can use a brush, a roller, or a spray cannon to apply the primer.
Choosing The Right Paint, Finish And Ambience
Paint selection for wooden panels is crucial. Different paints affect wood differently. Latex, oil-based, acrylic, and enamel paint are prevalent.
- Latex paint is water-based and simple to clean, but it may not stick to wood.
- Oil-based paint is durable and moisture-resistant, but it takes longer to dry and generates strong fumes.
- Acrylic paint is water-based and odourless, although it may crack or peel with time.
- Enamel paint is durable and shiny, but sunlight can make the panels look yellow and degrade the colour overtime.
Choosing The Finish
Paint finishes indicate gloss or shine. One can choose from Matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.
- Matte finishes hide faults but may not be durable or washable.
- Eggshell finish is simple to clean and somewhat shiny, although it may stain or scratch.
- Satin finish provides a gentle sheen and is attractive, yet it may reveal brush or roller markings.
- Semi-gloss finish is durable and washable but may reflect light and expose imperfections.
- Gloss finish is durable and washable, however some surfaces may be excessively slippery.
Choosing The Right Ambience
A room’s ambience is affected by paint colours. Depending on your style, there are different colours.
Light colours make a room look larger and brighter.
- Dark colours make it cosier and smaller.
- Warm colours create a welcoming and energetic vibe.
- Cool colours create a calm and relaxing vibe.
- Neutral colours create a balanced and harmonious look.
- Contrasting colours create a dramatic and striking look.
Tips And Techniques For Painting Wooden Panels
Painting wooden panels can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavour, but it requires attention to detail and proper technique.
Here are some suggestions for achieving a professional-looking outcome:
1) Use The Right Amount Of Paint
Too much paint can make the panels appear dense and uneven, while too little paint can expose the timber grain and leave spaces. To avoid these issues, use a high-quality paint brush or roller and apply paint in thin, uniform applications. Depending on the colour and opacity of the paint, two or three layers may be required to cover the panels entirely.
2) Avoid Drips And Runs
Drips and runs can damage the clean finish of your panels, making them appear unprofessional. To prevent them, do not overburden your paintbrush or roller and work from top to bottom, following the wood grain.
3) Be Patient During Drying And Curing
The appearance and durability of your painted panels are affected by two distinct processes: drying and curing. Drying is when the paint loses its moisture and becomes brittle, whereas curing is when the paint bonds with the wood and becomes scratch- and stain-resistant. The drying process typically takes a few hours, whereas curing can take up to a month.
4) Protect The Panels After Painting
After your panels are completely dry and cured, you may wish to apply additional protection to maintain them appearing brand new. Over the paint, you can apply a clear coat of varnish or polyurethane to seal and add lustre. Alternatively, you can nourish the wood and enhance its natural attractiveness with a wax or oil-based product.
