How to Refinish Paneling

Remove the paneling from the wall, if possible. This will allow you to work on a flat surface, instead of a horizontal one. This might not be possible for all projects, as removing old paneling could damage the material.

Work in a well-ventilated area. If you are able to remove the paneling from the walls, take it outside to work on it. If you have to keep the paneling on the walls, open the windows. Wear gloves and goggles for extra protection.

Wash the paneling using a mild cleanser. Any dirt or debris on the paneling could cause lumps or bumps in the refinished product.

Strip off the paneling's current finish using wood stripper. If you're working indoors, consider using a non-caustic stripper, which is more environmentally friendly and could pose fewer health hazards. The Spartan Trailer website suggests applying the stripper using a spray bottle for even application, and then working to remove the old finish using a scrubbing pad.

Use sand paper on the stripped surface to remove any remaining traces of the previous finish.

Clean off the now-stripped paneling using a damp cloth.

Apply a new coat of stain in the desired finished. For best results, you may want to apply a second coat. Instead of wood stain, you may opt to prime and paint the paneling.