Step 1


See the Before and After
It would cost a bundle to rip out paneling in this space (Image 1). DIY experts give the space a bright new look by simply painting the paneling and hearth to make the most of the natural light (Image 2). They also add plenty of wooden storage units with a light, nontoxic tung oil finish.
Step 2
Sand the Walls
Sand the walls lightly with 100-grit sandpaper, wiping away any dust with a dry cloth. This is important to give the primer a clean surface and also to remove any glossy finish from the paneling.
Clean the hearth bricks, using a stiff nylon brush to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Step 3
Fill the Grooves with Putty
Decide whether to fill the grooves in the paneling. To fill grooves (if desired), use a putty knife to spread putty or drywall compound. Let dry and sand smooth before priming. For this project, the crew chose not to fill the grooves.
Step 4

Cover Floor and Prime the Walls
Lay down drop cloths and mask any areas, such as windows, that won't be painted. Prime the walls and hearth with a latex primer and spray gun. Keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the wall to prevent overspray. Let the primer dry completely. If the finish coat will be a dark color, use a tinted primer for better coverage.
Safety Alert: Make sure to wear eye protection and a breathing mask when working with any kind of sprayer.
Step 5
Apply the Final Coats of Paint
Use thick-nap rollers to apply the thicker finish coats of paint. For a subtle striping effect, mix the final coat with a glaze and paint every other panel
When painting the brick hearth, start with a thick roller and follow up with a brush to get paint into the deepest crevices. Match the color to the wall color for a hearth that fades into the background, or highlight it by picking a bolder, contrasting hue