Get Rid of Those Ugly Paneled Walls!
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Posted On :
Mar-30-2012
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Article Word Count :
596
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There are still thousands of homes who suffer from the blight of paneled walls. I suppose at some point these walls were considered fashionable or at least cheap and acceptable, but that time has long past. It’s time to get rid of those paneled walls.
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Many homes, especially if they are older homes have an abundance of paneling. Whether it is quality Knotty Pine or just economical grade panel sheeting, it is not considered stylish these days, and much of it is downright ugly. Some homes have full walls and some half-walls with chair rail trim. This is one of the most common interior decorating dilemmas that purchasers of older homes run into; what to do with the paneling that will not cost a fortune, or entail a complete room remodel.
Should I just rip it down?
You always have the choice to rip it all out and install plasterboard or sheetrock. These solutions entail quite a bit of expense. Not only that, these are time consuming and messy solutions. If you are living in a house where these products are being installed; when it comes time for sanding and finishing the joint compound, the dust is unbelievable. It will get into every crack and cranny of your home no matter how much plastic sheeting you may use. Months after the job is complete, you will still be finding dust in every corner.
So, what do you do to resolve the problem?
Where there is a will there is a way, and the solution to this problem is extremely simple. Simply paint that old paneling any color you like! There is some preparation involved in this solution, but nothing like as much trouble, time or mess as the other options.
The Solution!
The first consideration is the height of the walls. If the 8 foot standard sheets of paneling were pieced together at the top or bottom, you will have a horizontal trim strip covering the crack. If the paneling was properly installed the pattern of wide and narrow planks will be matched where it is pieced together. If it is not then the smaller mismatched sections will need to be replaced, so that all of the patterns are properly aligned.
At this point, remove every trim strip covering the seams, including corners and around windows. Check all of the panels and make sure that they are tight to the wall. Add finishing nails to secure them wherever necessary. Clean the paneling with vinegar and a mop to remove any dirt and oil. Caulk all of the cracks thoroughly with painter’s caulk. Make sure to use your finger to leave the caulk indented in the vertical lines that separate individual faux boards, so they will look just like all the rest. If you have a horizontal crack the caulk will need to lay flat on the surface of the boards and be indented in the vertical seams.
No matter what color or how dark the paneling is; it will easily take the paint. First you want to paint the whole thing with Kilz; 1 good coat will do it. Choose good quality paint, such as Behr paint and primer in one. Satin finish paint works and looks best on paneling. Yes, the Kilz is a primer, but if you want to use only 1 coat of Kilz and only 1 coat of paint, you need really good paint with primer included.
Stand Back and Admire Your New Look
You will be amazed at the fantastic looking results. You will actually wonder what was so disappointing when you discovered you had paneled walls. After proper preparation and a paint treatment, the walls will be elegant and beautiful. They will also suit any design style you wish to use in the room.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Get Rid of Those Ugly Paneled Walls!_171495.aspx
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Author Resource :
Paula Morris-Dungan attended Art Institute of Pittsburg for Residential Space Planning and Interior Design. She is a full-time freelance writer who writes for blogs and a discount fabric store about various topics including paint, upholstery fabric, and interior design in general.
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Keywords :
Interior design, design, home decoration, walls,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Interior Design
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