How to Paint Over Gloss Wainscoting Panels

Wainscoting panels can be difficult to refinish because they're textured with grooves and crevices like moldings. Portions of the panels will need to be sanded by hand. Wainscoting that's finished with a glossy paint will need to be sanded prior to refinishing; the paint will not adhere to the slick, glossy surface. The sandpaper will scuff the glossy surface, providing the paint with something to "grasp." Primer will also aid in the refinishing process by sealing the underlying paint to prevent bleeding, and it will improve adherence of the new paint.

Face mask
Protective goggles
Fine-grit sandpaper
Sanding block or random orbital sander
Water
Lint-free cloth
Primer
2 paint rollers
2 edging paint rollers
2 paint trays
Indoor paint

Instructions

- 1
  Apply painter's tape to the wall at the point where it meets the wainscoting panels.
- 2
  Place a dropcloth on the floor. Tape it to the floor, right at the point where the floor meets the wainscoting panels.
- 3
  Don a protective face mask and goggles.
- 4
  Sand the flat, ungrooved portions of panel with a random orbital sander or sanding block.
- 5
  Sand the grooves and crevices by hand. Sand in the direction of the grooves to avoid damaging the carvings.
- 6
  Wipe down the wainscoting panels with a damp lint-free cloth to remove dust and debris.
- 7
  Apply 1 to 2 coats of primer with a paint roller and use a special edging roller to apply primer to the top and bottom of the panel. Allow the coats to dry between applications.
- 8
  Apply 2 coats of indoor paint. Use the edging roller to paint the edges of the panels at the point where they meet the wall and floor. Apply thin, even coats and monitor for drips, which commonly occur when paint accumulates in the crevices and grooves.

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