- Make sure that all nails are set correctly. Exposed nails will snag the rollers and paintbrushes and cause the paint to run. Replace missing nails so the paneling doesn't bulge; the paint will cause the paneling to expand and contract. Mask any baseboard, crown or other trim with painter's tape.
- Wearing goggles and a dust mask, sand the surface of the paneling with medium- and fine-grit sandpaper. New paneling, such as classic bead board, will be very rough, and existing paneling may be scratched. Some paneling has a glossy surface that will need to be roughed with sandpaper so that it will hold paint. Wipe the paneling with a damp cloth after you have completed the sanding.
- There are many varieties of paint for paneling. Oil-based paint dries faster but water-based is easier to clean up. There are also many finishes, including flat, eggshell, satin, semigloss and gloss. Gloss cleans up well if you are going to have lots of handprints and crayon marks.
Prime the paneling, but remember not to mix base ingredients. Oil-based primer should be paired with oil-based paint. Use a roller and trim brush to apply the primer and paint. Cut in the edges first using the brush, and then come back and roll the larger part. Pay attention to the crevices in the paneling. Use your brush to apply paint to areas the roller won't reach.
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