Is it possible to paint over old polyurethane on wood paneling?

15 September 2025 2 answers
Asked by ColorfulNinja83
I'm looking to brighten up my family room, which has knotty pine tongue and groove paneling. It was coated with an oil-based polyurethane about 25 years ago. My wife wants to paint it. Can we do that, and if so, what steps should we follow?

Answers

DIYWizard2024
Yeah, you can definitely paint over it! Start by cleaning the surface with a mix of water and a bit of dish soap. Once it's clean, lightly sand it using 220-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere better. Then, apply a good quality primer before painting. This prep makes a big difference!
Reply to this answer
CraftyCat99
Absolutely, painting over polyurethane is doable. I had success using liquid sandpaper to scuff up the surface, which helps the primer stick better. You'll want to clean the area and then apply a primer coat before painting. Just keep in mind, if something bangs against the wall, you might need to do touch-ups later.

ColorfulNinja83: Thanks for the tip! I didn't even think about the touch-ups. I'll make sure to be careful!

Reply to this answer

Add your answer

Answers are reviewed before publication.