This expert’s ‘BRB’ technique is something I'll forever use when painting wall paneling to avoid drips and paint build-up

Painting wall paneling is definitely a DIY-friendly job, but it comes with a few more challenges than a painting a wall. From paint collecting in the grooves to damaging thin composite wood panels through sanding, there's plenty that can go wrong. 

Whether you're looking to add some color to your beadboard paneling with a bold paint idea or you want to completely transform your wall with a smooth surface for the finished look, we're here to explain everything you need to know. With the help of some professional painters and decorators, we've compiled this five-step guide to set you on your way, complete with a genius application technique for the best results possible. 

1. Sand and prime the paneling 

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Any good paint job has to start with sanding. Most forms of wall paneling will have a glossy polyurethane finish, so a light sanding is vital to provide some texture for the paint to adhere to. If you’re dealing with a lightweight veneer, make sure you sand lightly and gently as you can run the risk of exposing the fiberboard underneath.

'Once sanded an oil-based primer or a high adhesion latex primer is best or wood that isn't stained' says Anthony Kulikowski, owner of Five Star Painting, a neighborly company. 'The biggest issues we’ve seen over the years is improper, or lack of, preparation. Not sanding and not using the right primer are usually at the top of the list.' 

Tila Lee of Pretty in Paint School recommends a shellac primer to prevent tannin from bleeding through your finish coat if your wood is already painted or stained. In such cases, the key is to choose a long-wearing, stain-blocking primer. 'Make sure to check with your local paint store for a primer advisable to your unique situation,' she says.

2. Caulk the seams 

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Whether you’re keeping your grooved look for an on-trend shiplap idea or going for a classic Shaker paneling, any seams between panels should be filled in with caulk if you want the best results. 

'Depending on how the paneling currently is, this may mean priming first and then caulking,' says Tila. 'If the surface is already painted, you should be able to caulk first and then prime, but it's also advisable to prime after the caulking as well. The overall prep process should be sand, prime, caulk, prime.'

If you want a smooth surface on your walls, you'll want to use spackle to fill in the seams. This is because it's stiffer than caulk but can still be shaped with sandpaper after it dries so you have an even finish. 

3. Use the right paint 

(Image credit: General Assembly)

Once your paneling is dry, it's time to paint. When it comes to how to paint a wall, you always want to start by cutting in first with a paintbrush before moving on to a roller. It's especially important to avoid overloading your brush or roller with paint when decorating paneled walls as it can easily collect in the groves and drip downwards, resulting in an uneven finish.

'I like to use enamel paints as they look similar to a lacquer and have a nice hard finish to help protect your surface from damage,' explains Tila. 'We like to use All-surface Enamel from Sherwin Williams which has a specific type of roller sleeve (mohair) to use with it to help it self-level.'

Two coats are usually recommended but, as Tila explains, if you're covering a very dark color with a light one, you'll need to plan for more. 

4. With the right roller 

Having the right roller is also crucial when it comes to painting paneling since the grooves will make it difficult to get an even coat. If the grooves in your paneling are especially deep (although caulking should prevent this) it's best to use both a brush and a roller when painting.

'The best roller to use would be a 3/8 inch nap microfiber roller cover to get right into the grooves,' says Anthony. 'This type of roller cover can be used for both the paint and the primer. As for brushes, if using an oil-based primer you’ll need a white china bristle or an ox hair brush.' 

5. Follow the 'BRB' application process

(Image credit: Emma Lee)

For a professional-worthy paint finish, Tila recommends her 'BRB' application, an acronym for 'brush, roll, brush.' 

'First, brush in the cuts and corners, then roll the main surface and everything else that makes sense with the roller,' she explains. 'You then go back in with the brush to knock off any buildup that may have happened in the tricky spots like the corners and unique curves.' 

This is the best-kept paint trick for paneling, railings, and molding since paint build-up and drips are far more common on these uneven surfaces. Going in with a brush one final time before leaving your wall to dry promises the smoothest results possible and only takes a few extra minutes. All that's left to do is stand back and appreciate your expertly painted paneling before the real fun starts - styling your newly decorated space! 

Essentials kit for painting wall-paneling