Panelling is a covering that is found on walls or ceilings. It can sometimes have an old-fashioned look which makes some people want to modernise it. There are many products available such as paints and stains. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of renovating wood panelling, and then we will introduce you to stains and paints for modernising wood panelling.
WHY MODERNISE YOUR WOOD PANELLING ?
First of all, even if you don't like your panelling, it is sometimes not advisable to remove it. Removing panelling can lead to your house being re-insulated. Whether it's ceiling or wall panelling, we advise you to renovate it rather than remove it.
We also advise against covering the paneling with another covering. This substrate lacks adhesion and a new covering glued on top could easily peel off.
Also, from a practical point of view, modernising panelling will save you from having to remove everything and redecorate a room.
MODERNISING PANELLING WHILE PRESERVING THE NATURAL APPEARANCE OF THE WOOD: THE CHOICE OF A STAIN
Wood stain protects the material from stains and water. It is a long-lasting protection, maintenance is done several years later (between 3 and 5 years depending on the quality of the wood, its exposure to aggressions...) by applying a new coat of woodstain after having slightly sanded the surface. We advise you to use a water-based stain, as these products do not release any toxic substances during drying and application.
From an aesthetic point of view, this product will allow you to preserve the natural aspect of the wood by letting its grain appear. A colourless stain will protect your wood without changing its colour. If, on the other hand, you wish to modernise your panelling, we advise you to choose a tinted stain such as the Interior Wainscot Wood Stain LL500 (also available in a colourless version). A white stain will bring softness. The more coats you apply, the more intense the colour. All the stains in our range are formulated in water phase.
The stain is applied in 1 to 2 coats on a well-dusted raw wood. If your panelling has an old finish, you will need to sand it down first.
MODERNISING PANELLING BY OPAQUING THE WOOD: THE CHOICE OF A PAINT
The paints will allow you to hide the grain of the wood panelling and achieve the most modern look. Painting wood panelling will hide the defects of the surface. Within our range, you will find a coloured paint (the Interior Wood Paint PBI900) and a white paint (White Interior Wood Paint BLI900). White paints are often used to modernise ceiling panelling.
On raw panelling, the paint is easily applied in layers to the raw wood.
On painted, varnished or stained panelling, you must remove the old finish by sanding with 100 or 120 grain.
On waxed or oiled panelling, you will need to sand. We advise you to use a 40, then 60, then 100 grit. It is very important to find a rough wood surface because the paint will not adhere properly to a greasy panel. After sanding, degrease with a cleaner such as Wood Cleaner N100 or with a cloth soaked in alcohol or acetone. This step will remove any residual grease.
Whether you choose a stain or a paint for panelling, it is advisable to apply an undercoat before the protective product to maximise its adhesion. Do not hesitate to consult the product sheets and the associated instructions for use.
