How to Paint Panelling Beautifully

Panelling brings rhythm, proportion and character to an interior. It can introduce the feeling of original architectural detail or give a contemporary room greater depth and definition.

The colour and finish you choose will shape its character. A soft neutral allows panelling to sit quietly within a room while a richly pigmented shade and subtle sheen will draw attention to every line and moulding.

Whether you are adding a simple dado or transforming a room with full-height panelling, careful preparation and the right paint will create a beautiful finish designed to last.

Arts Club™ No.281

 

Choose a colour that suits the room

Panelling creates natural areas of light and shadow, revealing subtle nuances within a colour as the light changes throughout the day.

For a calm and timeless scheme, consider a warm neutral such as Chalk BH.02 or the soft off-white of Holland Park™ No.5. These understated colours bring definition without overwhelming the architecture.

For greater depth, a rich shade such as Bond Street™ No.219 can create an enveloping sense of elegance. Market Green™ No.38 brings a confident and characterful quality, with blue undertones that feel both dramatic and restful.

Colour drenching the walls, panelling, skirting boards and doors in one shade creates a seamless and considered interior. You can also use the same Mylands colour in contrasting finishes to introduce a quieter distinction between walls and woodwork.

Always test your chosen colour before making a final decision. Paint a generous area or use a large painted sample that can be moved around the room. Look at the colour in natural and artificial light and at different times of day.

Brompton Road™ No.205

Select the right finish

The sheen level will determine how the panelling responds to light and how prominently its details are expressed.

Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paint can be used across walls, woodwork, MDF and trim. This makes it particularly well suited to panelling and complete colour-drenched schemes.

It is available in four finishes.

Dead Matt

With a 5% sheen, Dead Matt creates a beautifully flat and contemporary surface. It allows the depth of the colour to take precedence and helps panelling feel like a natural part of the architecture.

Eggshell

Eggshell has a gentle 15% sheen. Its quiet lustre catches the light just enough to reveal the shape of mouldings while retaining an elegant and understated appearance.

Satin

The smooth 40% sheen of Satin gives panelling a refined and softly reflective finish. It offers greater definition and works particularly well on decorative woodwork and joinery.

Gloss

With an 80% sheen, Gloss celebrates every line and contour. It is a confident choice for richly coloured panelling and statement joinery where a more decorative effect is desired.

Prepare the surface

A beautifully painted surface begins with careful preparation.

Make sure the panelling is clean, dry and free from dust or grease. Fill nail holes and joins before sanding the surface until it feels smooth and even. Take time around corners and mouldings as these details will become more visible once painted.

Bare wood and MDF should be properly sealed. Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Primer and Undercoat creates an even foundation, supports adhesion and helps the finished colour appear at its richest.

After sanding, remove every trace of dust from the panels, grooves and corners. Even a small amount of residue can interrupt an otherwise smooth finish.

Paint the details first

Begin with a good-quality brush and apply paint to the grooves, edges, corners and mouldings.

Once the detailed areas are complete, use a small roller on the broader sections. Work steadily and maintain a wet edge so the painted surface remains even.

Avoid overloading the brush or roller. Light and controlled coats will preserve the definition of the panelling. Heavy applications can collect in corners, soften crisp edges and leave visible runs.

Allow time between coats

Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paint is touch dry in approximately two to three hours and can usually be recoated after three to four hours.

Temperature, humidity and ventilation can affect drying time, so allow the paint to settle fully before applying the next coat. The finish will continue to strengthen as it cures.

Create a finish made for everyday life

Beautiful panelling should be able to withstand the demands of the room around it.

Made using carefully selected plant-based binders and natural earth pigments, Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paint is water based and low in VOCs. Its durable, wipeable and scrubbable finish makes it a practical choice for hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and busy family spaces.

With thoughtful colour, the right level of sheen and careful preparation, painted panelling can bring a lasting sense of structure and character to any room.

Myrtle Green™ No.168

Frequently asked questions

What is the best paint for panelling?

Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paint is ideal for panelling. It can be used on walls, woodwork, MDF and trim, allowing you to create a seamless colour-drenched scheme with one versatile paint.

Do I need to prime panelling before painting?

Bare wood and MDF should be sealed before painting. Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Primer and Undercoat creates an even base, supports adhesion and helps the colour achieve its full depth.

Previously painted panelling may not always need a primer, but the surface should be clean, sound and properly prepared. Check the condition of the existing paint before beginning.

Should I use a brush or roller to paint panelling?

A combination of both will give the best result. Use a good-quality brush for grooves, corners and mouldings, then apply paint to the broader sections with a small roller. Work in manageable areas and maintain a wet edge for an even finish.

How many coats of paint does panelling need?

For the best depth of colour and an even finish, apply at least two light coats over the correctly prepared surface. Avoid heavy applications as paint can collect in corners and soften the definition of the panelling.

Which paint finish is best for panelling?

The best finish depends on the effect you would like to create.

Dead Matt gives panelling a flat and contemporary appearance. Eggshell adds a gentle lustre while Satin brings greater definition. Gloss creates a rich and reflective finish that draws attention to every architectural detail.

Can I use the same colour on walls and panelling?

Yes. Carrying one Mylands colour across walls, panelling and woodwork creates an enveloping and cohesive scheme.

You can use the same finish throughout for a seamless look or introduce subtle contrast through different sheen levels. For example, Dead Matt walls paired with Eggshell or Satin panelling will allow the details to emerge as they catch the light.

Which Mylands colours work well on panelling?

Warm neutrals such as Chalk BH.02 or Holland Park™ No.5 create a soft and timeless effect. For a richer scheme, Bond Street™ No.219 offers deep blue character while Market Green™ No.38 creates a dramatic yet calming interior.

The way each colour appears will depend on the light and surrounding materials, so always test your chosen shade in the room before decorating.

How long should I wait between coats?

Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paint can typically be recoated after three to four hours. Drying time will vary according to temperature, ventilation and humidity, so make sure the surface is fully dry before applying the next coat.

Is painted panelling easy to clean?

Mylands Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paint is wipeable, scrubbable and designed for lasting durability. This makes it well suited to panelling in hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and other busy areas of the home.

Explore the Mylands colour collections and order sample pots to find the perfect shade for your space.