Installing wood paneling over wood paneling is a perfect way to update the look of your space, giving your room a fresh feel and a modern appearance, too. Many people tend to ask the question; “can you wallpaper over wooden paneling?” the answer is yes. But there are numerous essential things you need to keep in mind if you want to end up with a successful installation that will offer long-lasting results.

Before you install wallpaper over wood paneling, here are things you need to know:

• Surface preparation

Before installing the wallpaper, you must thoroughly clean the wood paneling to remove grease, dust, or dirt that may affect the adhesive. Use a mild detergent solution and a clean cloth to clean the surface. Ensure that the cloth doesn’t have any debris.

From there, you can sand the paneling to create a smooth and uniform surface so the wallpaper can securely adhere to it. Sanding helps eliminate rough spots, glossy finishes, or imperfections that may prevent the adhesive from holding up properly.

If the wood paneling has visible grooves or gaps, fill them with wood filler or sparkling compound. To smoothen the filler, use a putty knife and sand it down again to create a seamless surface.

• Priming the surface

The next important thing you must understand is how to prime the surface. Applying a primer over the wooden paneling before installation is important as it helps promote adhesion and even prevents the paneling from showing through the wallpaper. Of course, it’s important to choose a high-quality primer ideal for wood surfaces and apply it evenly using a brush or paint roller. Allow the primer to dry completely based on the manufacturer’s instructions. You can use a prime-sealer combination product specifically designed for covering wood paneling. These products generally provide sealing and priming, ensuring durable and smooth surfaces for seamless wallpaper installation.

• Choosing the right wallpaper

This is the most important part of wallpaper installation over wood paneling. You must ensure that you choose the right wallpaper. Do you want to use pre-pasted wallpaper that requires activation with water, or do you want paste-the-wall wallpaper that involves applying glue directly to the wall? Both of these wallpapers can be used over wood paneling. However, paste-the-wall wallpaper is a lot easier to install, making it ideal for beginners.

Additionally, consider the type of wallpaper material that suits your budget, needs, and preferences. Vinyl wallpapers are generally more moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and durable. This makes them ideal for areas with high traffic or rooms with humidity. On the other hand, non-vinyl wallpapers offer various textures and finishes, but they must be handled with care during installation since they are quite delicate.

• Installation techniques

Installing the wallpaper is a task that requires extensive skills and care because if you are not careful, you might end up damaging it, which leads to a waste of money. If you are not a DIY enthusiast, hiring a professional to install the wallpaper is the best option.

• Maintenance and care

You must take good care of your wallpaper if you want it to serve you more. Avoid excessive moisture exposure, especially in the kitchen or bathrooms. For any spills, wipe them promptly. Don’t use harsh cleaning detergents that may damage the wallpaper. Gently dust or vacuum the surface to get rid of dirt and debris. This will keep the wallpaper looking its best.