Painting Oak Wood Panel Walls?

Here are a few things to know.

If you have oak wood panel walls in your home and want to update its look, painting is a great option. Oak paneling can become dated and dull over time, and a fresh coat of paint can give it a modern and updated feel.

Painting not only allows you to change the color of the walls but also enhances their texture and detail, making the paneling a focal point in the room once again.

Whether you want a bold, modern look or a more traditional feel, painting your oak wood panel walls can help you achieve the desired aesthetic. It is an affordable and relatively easy way to refresh the look of your home, and with the right preparation and products, the results can be long-lasting and beautiful.

 
 



Calling the right person for a project like this is vital. Call us for a free estimate.


  1. You will need a primer for painting Oak Wood Panel Walls.

Priming wood oak panel walls is a crucial step in the painting process as it helps to create a smooth and uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. Primer acts as a sealer, filling in the wood's pores and providing a base for the paint to bond to. It also helps to prevent the natural tannins in the oak from bleeding through the paint, resulting in an even and long-lasting finish. Additionally, priming can help to prevent moisture and mildew damage, making the walls more durable over time. In short, priming wood oak panel walls helps to ensure that the final paint job will be flawless and will last for many years.

Primers we use for priming wood oak panels are first a Vinyl Bonding primer. We apply this after we have sanded down the entire area, wiped, and degreased it. The next primer that we will use is to block out the stains. We will typically use the Kilz Stain Blocker or the Bulls-Eye 123 Stain Blocker.


Make the area POP!

Oak Wood Paneling can look amazing. Painting it the same color and sheen as your walls will unify the area. You can also paint them a feature color to really make them stand out.

 

 

2. Should I Paint the Oak Wood Panel Walls Eggshell or Semi-Gloss?

The choice between eggshell and semi-gloss paint for your oak wood panel walls will depend on the desired look and function of the room.

Eggshell paint has a subtle, low-sheen finish that is perfect for creating a soft, warm, and inviting atmosphere. It's a great choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where you want to create a cozy and relaxed feel.

On the other hand, semi-gloss paint has a more reflective, high-sheen finish that can make the walls look brighter and more vibrant. It is a good choice for areas that require a more durable finish, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms, where moisture and heat resistance is a priority. It is also easier to clean than eggshell paint, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Ultimately, the choice between eggshell and semi-gloss paint for your oak wood panel walls will depend on your personal style, the purpose of the room, and the look you want to achieve.

In the end, that decision is up to you. If you want the wall to blend in with the rest of the walls, use an eggshell. If you would like to POP, use a semi-gloss or even High-gloss.

Paint it white or any color.

Both light or dark colors look great on Oak Wood Panel walls.

 

 

3. What other Prep Work Should I do for the Oak Wood Panel Walls?

On these panels, they usually are not filled between joints. To create a seamless look, you may have to use some Dap (caulking) to fill in the joints.

Grab a tube or a few from Home Depot or your nearest paint store, and between the primer and final coat of paint, fill in all edges, cracks, and joints. You may even find that there are nail holes that need to be filled. You can use drywall mud at the same time you are filling in the joints. Just apply a little over the nail hole and sand lightly when it is dry.

Make sure that you are using paintable dap or caulking.


We love helping people love their homes. You want your home to be a place that motivates you and inspires you. You want your home to be a place that you love.

Having a professional House Painter, such as Painters Enterprise, will be able to take those dark Oak Wood Walls and really give the home a new look.

Getting an estimate is free and only takes about 15 minutes.
Check our available times so that we can stop by and have a look.

 

 

Schedule a free estimate.

 

Having to trouble finding the right color for those Oak Wood Panels?

We know that finding that perfect color can be so difficult. We have created an easy guide to offer you tips and ideas and help guide you toward a color so you can feel confident that you have chosen the right color for your home.

A color that will change how you and your family live and feel in your home.

Download the guide here.