The Painting Trick To Give Outdated Wood Paneling A Modern Twist

With a long history stretching back to medieval times, wood paneling has had just as many "eras" as Taylor Swift. From the elegant wainscoting in Victorian mansions, to the groovy synthetic panels of '70s basements, to today's engineered wood designs — every style of wood paneling reflects a distinct era. That said, depending on the interiors of your home, some variations of paneling may end up looking misplaced and often outdated in more modern environments. While we can all appreciate the history of different interior styles, it's normal to feel that your wood paneling would benefit from being refreshed. If you feel that your panels could use a modern upgrade, consider the painting trick designers recommend and incorporate some flair with a high-gloss paint finish.

Walls are a crucial factor within any interior, and their interaction with the surrounding design can determine whether it looks cohesive or awkwardly undefined. If your modern style is clashing with dated wood paneling, a fresh coat of paint could be the key to a refreshing home transformation. Whether you want the wood paneling to look like a regular painted wall or you're hoping to add a contemporary color and style, this simple high-gloss upgrade is bound to have a big impact.

High-gloss paint offers a great way to transform your wood panels from dull and dated to sleek and fresh. Its reflective finish exudes charm, and in spaces with large windows and plentiful natural light, it gives the space a beautiful sheen. Plus, a high-gloss finish is a huge design asset in clean, contemporary homes, as its unique durability makes it harder to damage and easier to clean. Painting your wood panels with this shiny coat will produce a huge visual impact, so you'll want to be confident about your approach. For a more satisfying result, start by defining the kind of look you're aiming for.

If you want a fully modern upgrade to match sleek decor elements, consider bright neutral paint shades like classic whites or a light gray. If your goal is to refresh dated wood paneling while still preserving a rustic charm, warm wood and forest tones can offer that cozy, cabin feel in a more refined fashion. Maybe you want to achieve the Ralph Lauren aesthetic with a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary style, and if so, you'll benefit from deep, neutral shades. However, there's nothing wrong with leaning into color — a bold hue can upgrade outdated panels with a dramatic appeal. You can even use color drenching with a vivid shade to give your paneled walls an elevated touch of sleek, modern style.

High-gloss paint is known for it's chic, radiant look, but the reflective qualities can also emphasize every tiny flaw you previously overlooked. Considering how this finish will highlight the finer details, careful prep work is key. Start by removing dust from your paneling. Then wipe off dirt using a sponge dampened with a mix of warm water and dish soap before soaking the sponge in clean water and rinsing the walls. While you may want to preserve as much of your wood-paneled walls' character as possible, it's best to smooth out any imperfections before painting. You can use spackle to fill in holes, and, if you plan to fully disguise your panels as a regular wall, fill in the grooves with spackle as well. With high-gloss finishes, sanding the paneling and applying primer is a good way to smooth blemishes and ensure that the paint adheres well to the surface.

If you choose to paint the wood paneling yourself, it's recommended to paint in the same direction you applied the primer. Start by painting over the grooves before moving on to the panel surface. For best results, apply several thin layers of topcoat and follow each coat with a roller before it dries. If you're not a confident painter, let professionals handle the project, as they can achieve a smoother result with a paint sprayer.