Can I wallpaper over wood panelling?

Dear Susanne,
I can understand your concerns! Wood panelling might have been fashionable a few decades ago, but it feels kind of outdated nowadays. One can only look at wood panelling for so long before developing a strong desire to do something about it. As to your question: in short, yes, following the right steps it is possible. Let’s discuss your topic more in detail:

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Can I install wallpaper over wood panelling?

It is possible to cover your old wood panelling with wallpaper as long as you are willing to do some preparation work and pick the right wall décor.

• Pick the right wallpaper
  Not all wallpapers are suitable for covering textured surfaces like wood panelling. Stay away from delicate paper-based wallpaper models. Instead, choose a model that is thick enough to hide the texture and grooves of the panelling. Heavy-duty wallpaper is more difficult to puncture and easier to adjust as needed. Textured or embossed wallpapers can work well here.
• Clean and prepare the surface
  Before you get started, you need to make sure the wood panelling is clean and free from any dirt, dust, or grease. Check for signs of mould and perform a careful inspection, particularly if it has been up for a few years. Pass your fingers along the surface and get a feel for it. Does it feel too rough? You might need to slightly sand down the surface and create a smoother texture for the wallpaper to adhere to.
• Fill the grooves
  This step depends on the depth of the grooves in the panelling. If they are more than 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) deep, you will need to fill them with caulk or similar sealant, otherwise you risk puncturing the wallpaper. To achieve optimal results, I recommend caulking the grooves in any case, no matter how shallow they are. Once dry, sand down the surface until smooth and clean it again.
• Apply a coat of primer
  This step should always be performed as wallpaper primer will help create a better surface for the wallpaper to stick to but is particularly important if your wood panelling has a glossy finish. I recommend using a latex primer and letting it dry for at least 24 hours.
• Hang your wallpaper
  The surface is now ready to install your chosen wallpaper. Starting from the top and working your way down, carefully apply the strips of wallpaper to the wood panelling. Always work with a smoothing tool to eliminate any air bubbles.
• Seal the edges
  Once you have installed your wallpaper and trimmed the excess overlaps, it’s a good idea to seal the edges with a clear sealant to prevent peeling or lifting over time.

Please note that the success of this process depends on the condition of the wood panelling in question. If the surface is unstable or damaged, you might want to consult a professional to decide whether you can proceed.

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Can I install peel and stick wallpaper over wood panelling?

You might think: why don’t I bypass the steps above and opt for a simple peelable wallpaper with adhesive backing? As tempting as it might be, I have to advise against this option. Apart from having to negotiate the grooves, wood panelling is too textured and lacks the smooth surface required for peel and stick wallpaper to properly adhere to.

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Can I avoid filling the wood panelling’s grooves before wallpapering?

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If the grooves are very shallow and you have opted for a heavy-duty wallpaper, it is possible to skip this step and hang your wall décor over the panels without caulking. Bear in mind that, however shallow, there will still be a gap between the wallpaper and the surface, so the risk of puncturing the wallpaper will always be there.

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Can I put paintable wallpaper over wood panelling?

Yes, this is a common option for those who want to decorate over old wood panelling but prefer to have a painted surface. The steps to follow are the same as indicated above. It goes without saying that you have to use paintable wallpaper. Once installed, wait until the paper is completely dry before painting. Choose latex paint, apply a first coat and wait until dry. Once fully dry, apply a second coat to achieve a nice uniform shade.

Your wallpaper expert
Isabel