GET PANELLING LIKE A PRO!

ONLINE SEARCHES FOR ‘DIY WALL PANELLING’ HAVE INCREASED 250%, AND IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY. FIXING PANELS TO WALLS ADDS INSTANT TEXTURE AND BRINGS A LUXE, HOTEL-INSPIRED LOOK. IT’S SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE, TOO – FOLLOW OUR GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL-LOOKING RESULTS…

STEP 1

map out your design

Use Pinterest to source images and inspire your panelling. When you’ve chosen a look, measure the length and width of the wall and divide into a grid of squares to fit the space; start from the centre and work outwards, marking the width of the panels and the desired space between them, vertically and then horizontally. Use a pencil or masking tape to carefully mark out the evenly-spaced squares on the walls.

STEP 2 Measure twice, cut once

Be precise when measuring for your grid so you can be sure you have the right dimensions before you start cutting the wood. Homebase, B&Q and Wickes have lots of wood options. MDF is the most obvious choice, but you can also try your local timber yard for reclaimed wood, depending on the effect you’re after. Selected Homebase and B&Q stores will cut the panels for you, or Woodsheets.com can cut to your specific needs and then deliver the panels. If you have the kit at home, use an electric saw and a mitre box at a 90-degree angle to cut the panels to size. Take plug sockets into consideration, too.

STEP 3

Check, prep & stick

Prepare your walls by cleaning them with an all-purpose spray such as sugar soap (available at all hardware stores). Once they are dry, sand the walls to make a smooth surface with no lumps or bumps, ready to apply the panels. Make sure your pencil or masking tape lines on the walls are straight by using a spirit level on the outlines. Apply an adhesive to the back of the panels, and stick them to the walls one at a time, following the pattern you decided on. If your measurements and cutting are right, this will be really easy – like completing a puzzle!

STEP 4

fill and sand

Once the glue is fully dry, check each corner or join for any gaps, cracks or holes, and fill them in using caulk or Polyfilla for a seamless look. Don’t worry too much if it’s messy, as you’re going to sand and paint the panels anyway. Once the filler is dry, sand the whole area ready for paint. An electric sander will be quicker but it’s not a necessity – sandpaper sheets and some elbow grease will do the trick!

STEP 5 prime and paint

Now the fun bit – painting the panels. You can go for one blanket colour to make panels blend into the walls, painting plug sockets too for a seamless look. Or make them stand out by painting them a different colour to the rest of the wall, as Fearne Cotton has done (see right). Prime the wood with an MDF-specific primer first, then paint on two coats of your chosen colour for best coverage.