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Good Question Today… How To Do Colorwash Painting on Wood Paneling.
Hi Debra - I have a room in my house that is paneled with what my painter says is a very expensive paneling (no grooves) and I was thinking of doing a colorwash over it so we could lighten it up but still be able to see the grain. What do you think? Would it be fairly easy? Thanks!
In reply to your question…
Painters are often hesitant to paint over wood. Especially if the painter is of the male species. Something about the male gene pool and covering real wood with paint. :o)
You can do what is considered white washing over paneling. This will lighten up the wood without loosing the wood grain.
The question is… what is already on the wood. Is it stained, varnished or sealed in someway? I am sure it is… I just need to know what kind of wood it is and what the stain/sealer looks like.
You may not know the exact product that is on the surface, but can usually make an educated guess.
If you run your fingernail across the wood, like scratching it… does anything come of under your nail. If you use nail polish remover (in an inconspicuous spot) does the finish come off… or when the nail polish remover dries, does the wood look the same as it did before? I may be able to help you through this with a bit more information. Debra
It's solid sheets of wood with no discernible finish? I think it was
probably installed in the 1960's. Thanks for your help. Nancy
Hi Nancy…
You should be able to get a premixed faux finish glaze in "white wash" from you local Home Depot or Lowe's. Because you will need more that one bottle of the mix, this ensures that the color saturation will be exactly the same throughout the entire project.
It's kind of like white stain. Don't apply this product on a "wash your walls" motion. You should apply this product on the wood with a vertical motion only. This will be "going with the grain" of your wood.
Woolie #100607 Lambwool Faux Appl Tool
I would also suggest you use a Woolie Pad for application… not a brush. Or… you could use a large car washing sponge… soft. Dip in in a pan with the faux glaze, wring it out good and wipe.
You are looking for coverage… not streaks that a dry sponge or brush would give.
Ask me anything… I'm sure I left out something that will clarify this for you. 
Debra
Thanks so much! I think this will be a perfect painting on wood paneling solution. Nancy
And for those of you that just want to paint your 1950's wood paneling… I found a good video with all the basic tips:
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