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How to paint wall panels

By British Paints

Neatly painted feature wall panels

Overview

Wall panelling is a great way to bring personality, warmth and texture to a space and painting it is one of the important finishing steps. Whether you’re working with classic VJ panelling, deep groove, or modern scalloped profiles, a well-prepared and carefully painted surface can make all the difference. Here’s how to paint a variety of wall panel styles for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Safety tip: Always wear appropriate safety equipment, including safety glasses, ear protection and a dust mask. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any tools or hardware you’re using.

Steps

1

Clean the surface

Before you begin wall panel painting, make sure your wall panels are completely clean. Use sugar soap or a suitable cleaner to remove any dust, dirt or greasy marks from the surface. This helps the paint adhere properly and ensures a longer-lasting finish. Once cleaned, allow the panels to dry thoroughly before moving on.
Clean the wall panel surface

2

Mask off trims and fittings

Once your panels are dry, use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you don’t want painted. This includes skirting boards, cornices, power points, switches and trims. Masking properly helps protect surrounding surfaces and gives you neat, sharp lines once the painter’s tape is removed.
Mask off trims and fittings to protect them from paint

3

Fill gaps and imperfections

Take a close look at your wood panels and check for any small holes, joins or uneven areas. Use a suitable filler to patch up any gaps or blemishes. Once the filler is fully dry, gently sand the surface until it’s flush and smooth with the rest of the panel. Wipe away any sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth so you’re left with a smooth base that’s ready for paint.
Fill gaps and imperfections on a wall panel

4

Prime where needed

Most decorative wall panels come pre-primed, but some types will need a coat of primer before painting. Apply a prep and prime product, like British Paints Prep 4-in-1, across the entire panel and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps seal the surface, allowing your topcoat to adhere evenly and deliver a professional-looking finish.
Apply a prep and prime product across the panel where needed

5

Cut in and brush the grooves on VJ panels

Start by cutting in around the edges of the panel using a brush, then lightly brush down the vertical grooves. Be careful not to overload your brush with paint, as this can cause pooling in the grooves. It’s best to work in small sections, cutting in only a few boards at a time so the paint stays wet and blends easily during the next step.
Cut in and brush the grooves on VJ panels

6

Roll over the surface for a smooth finish

Once you’ve brushed the grooves, go over the surface with a short-nap roller. Roll in smooth, even strokes to blend in the brushwork and achieve a consistent finish across the panel. This helps create a clean, professional result without visible lines or streaks.
Roll over the surface for a smooth finish

7

Brush paint into the grooves

Deep-groove panels need a bit more detailed attention. Use a thin brush to carefully paint into the recesses of the grooves. Just like with VJ panelling, it’s best to work in small sections, only brushing a few lines at a time. This approach helps prevent the paint from drying too quickly and avoids noticeable brush lines or overlaps.
Brush paint into the grooves for detailed attention

8

Roll the surface and check for excess paint

Once you’ve finished brushing the grooves, roll over that section with a short-nap roller to create a consistent, even finish. As you work, keep an eye out for any excess paint pooling at the base of the grooves. If you notice build-up, run your brush through the area to smooth it out, then roll over again to blend it in.
Roll the surface and check for excess paint

9

Paint concave scalloped panels

Scalloped panels with a concave profile can hold more paint in their curves, so it’s important to apply your paint carefully. Use a thick-nap roller and roll vertically up and down the shapes. As you work, check for any drips or uneven build-up inside the recesses. If any runs form, gently brush them out, then go over the area with the roller again to smooth and blend.
Paint concave scalloped panels

10

Paint convex scalloped panels

Convex panels have raised curves, so start by brushing paint into the grooves between the curves in the same way you would on a VJ panel. Once that’s done, use a thick-nap roller to paint over the whole surface. Avoid overloading the roller as this helps prevent pooling in the lower areas. If any paint does collect or drip in the recesses, brush it out and roll over it again to maintain a clean, even surface.
Paint convex scalloped panels

11

Remove the tape and clean up

Once your paint has dried to the touch, carefully peel away the painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle to avoid pulling off any paint with it. Dispose of drop sheets and give your workspace a quick clean-up.
Remove the tape and clean up

12

Now that you’ve painted wall panels

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.