The way to De-Gloss Paneling
Wood paneling appears glossy when coated in shellac, lacquer or polyurethane. Before you refinish the wood underneath, remove the shiny coating on the paneling. Whether you’re seeking to accomplish a more matte appearance on your wood paneling or planning to paint or stain the wall, then de glossing is the vital first step. Before you begin, open every available window and door in the room to get good ventilation. Be sure pets and children are elsewhere in the house or outside of it completely as you operate.
Cover the floor in front of the wood paneling with a dropcloth and fasten the fabric to the baseboard with high-tack painter’s tape.
Don gloves and mix trisodium phosphate according to package instructions in a plastic bucket. Dip a thick rag in the way and wash the walls thoroughly. This eliminates dirt and accumulation, allowing the solvents to cut through the shiny finish. Rinse the walls with clean water and a clean rag. Let it dry.
Examine the paneling with different solvents to ascertain what type you need to remove the shiny finish. Shellac and lacquer respond to lacquer thinner. Test to get a polyurethane finish with an all-purpose stripper or xylene, and also a wax-based finish with paint thinner.
Put on the de-glosser needed for your paneling to a small 2-by-2 foot section with a thick painter’s brush. Wait a few minutes until small bubbles begin to appear or the end begins to run. Then wash the wall with steel wool or scrape it with a dull scraper, being careful not to damage the wood. Wipe away the end with a clean cloth. Application methods may vary based on what you use; always follow manufacturer instructions.
Repeat this procedure, working your way throughout the wall. Don’t allow the de-glosser dry before you begin scrubbing, wiping or scraping the end away. Wipe the brush off or tool you use frequently to protect against the old end from building up on it.
Rinse the wall with clean water and a clean rag to remove any remaining chemicals, or wipe it down with denatured alcohol. Let the wall dry.
Sand the paneling gently with 80-grit sandpaper to further remove any remaining end or sheen when you plan to paint. This can change the natural look of the wood, especially with very old paneling. If you would like to keep the original look of the paneling, restaining or refinishing it with a transparent item, skip this Step.