What Kind of Urethane Should I Use for Indoor Wall Paneling?

Unfinished Real Wood Paneling

• Wood paneling made of raw wood can be protected with a two-in-one stain/poly coating. This helps save time and produces a good finish for the wood. Alternatively, sand the panels and apply at least one coat of stain before using a separate polyurethane product. The surface of real wood must be penetrated for long-lasting protection. In this instance, oil-based polyurethane products are ideal and offer better coverage.

Pre-Finished Wood Composite Paneling

• This type of wall paneling typically comes with a hard finish and does not need extra protection. However, if the paneling is old and the original finish is gone, or if you simply prefer a glossier look to the paneling, polyurethane provides a hard finish. It will protect the paneling over time, particularly if it is thin and is in an area where the potential for breakage is high, such as in a kid's playroom.

Water-based Polyurethane

• Water-based polyurethane products offer a green alternative to traditional oil-based polyurethane. However, there is a trade-off. Water-based polyurethane can cause what is known as "white line syndrome" on real wood. When this happens, white lines will appear between the seams of the wood panels. Water-based polyurethane can be used with success on composite wood and typically will not cause white line syndrome on this type of material.

Prepping the Paneling

• Real wood paneling needs light sanding before applying a polyurethane product. This preparation allows for proper adhesion with the wood. In addition, sand the surface lightly between coats. Real wood paneling will need about two coats of polyurethane. Composite wood paneling does not need sanding before using this type of product, and one coat is enough to give protection and a glossy finish to the paneling.