Wood paneling
In many homes, wood paneling gives a dark and dated appearance. Many homeowners seek ways to cover up interior wood paneling. Installing drywall over wood paneling is a good way to lose the dated look of wood paneling and update your home. Learn more about this technique before getting started.
Instructions
1. Hold a string against the wood paneling to make sure the wall is straight. Hold the string in one corner of the wall while a partner holds the string at the other corner of the wall. This will help to visualize where the wall paneling may need to be shimmed to make it straight for drywall installation. Use a pencil or marker to indicate where the wall bows or extends.
2. Remove the molding and trim from the wood paneling with a pry bar and hammer.
3. Attach wood shims to areas of the wall that may not be straight. Installing drywall over wood paneling can be difficult if the walls are not straight. Attach the wood shims to the paneling with screws and a screwdriver. However, most wood paneling inside the home should be relatively straight.
4. Measure the wall for the drywall. Transfer the measurements to the drywall with a pencil. Use a utility knife to score one side of the drywall. Snap the drywall from the opposite side and cut the paper on the drywall with the utility knife.
5. Attach the drywall to the wood paneling. While your partner holds the drywall, screw drywall screws into the wood paneling. Place the screws approximately 6 inches apart. Do not sink the screws completely below the paper on the drywall. Install drywall over all of the wood paneling in the room.
6. Cut spaces for electrical outlets and light switches with a drywall saw. Mark the area for the electrical outlet with a pencil. Pierce the face of the drywall paper with the drywall saw. Use the drywall saw to cut along the marked line, using the saw like you would use a knife to cutout the area.
7. Place fiberglass mesh tape on the joints in the drywall. The mesh tape is self sticking. Once the mesh is in place, apply spackle or drywall compound to the tape with a putty knife. Smooth the compound as much as possible before it dries. Fill screw holes in the drywall with the compound and a putty knife. Allow the compound to dry completely.
8. Lightly sand the dried drywall compound with a sanding pole and sandpaper. Wear a respirator to avoid inhaling dust. Repeat the process by applying more drywall compound and sanding when dry. Do this until the walls are smooth.
9. Apply primer to the walls with a paint roller and paintbrush. Let the primer dry and apply two to three coats of paint.
10. Reinstall moldings and trim in the room.
Related posts
Rooms that have both drywall and wood paneling need to have some sort of transition between the two surfaces. Some people use joint compound and paper drywall tape to finish the seam between drywa...
With some time and patience, you can transform your wood paneling so it looks like drywall.At one time, wood paneling was the norm in home construction. At least the den would receive a treatment...
The fake paneling drywall in a mobile home requires a few special painting and prep techniques.Fake paneling drywall may look attractive when it is brand new and offer a cheaper alternative to rea...
Apply "mud" with a drywall taping knife.A standard room has four inside corners where the drywall panels meet. Drywall panels are standard in interior wall construction, but the seams an...
You can install drywall to cover basement walls.Most basements are dark, dingy, and potentially wet. Homeowners wishing to brighten the space and make it usable need to cover the basement walls an...
