|
Fixing Damaged Wall Panels
|
CAUTION!
|
|
Make sure your home is level
before installing interior paneling. Some paneling
is not made for manufactured homes. Check the
reverse side of the panel for any warnings. Determine
where the electrical wiring is before you pound
in that first nail.
|
|
Wall panels can be damaged by stains,
holes or gouges. If the area is small, you can find a way
to avoid replacing the whole wall. To find a matching panel,
check the data plate for the name and address of your manufactured
home manufacturer. The company may still have matching panels
available for purchase. Or, pull a matching panel from a closet
or out-of-the-way place.
If
you can't match the panel, try one of these alternate repair
methods.
- Hang a painting, plaque, clock, mirror
or wall-hanging over the trouble spot.
- Run carpeting up the lower part of
the wall, using a remnant or carpet tiles. This will add
color and softness to your décor while protecting
the wall from nicks and scars.
- If the damage is near the floor,
cover up with baseboard.
- Apply fabric to match curtains or
throw pillows. Apply to the damaged panel only, or to several
panels to create a design.
- Replace marred panel with a contrasting
panel - e.g., a burlap panel or a wood panel on a sheetrock
wall.
- Cover with wallpaper.
- For damage on the lower half of the
wall, add wainscoting over the panels.
|
Fix-It
Tip!
|
|
When
trimming wood panels with a power saw, cut with
the finished side down. When using a handsaw,
cut with the finished side up. Put masking tape
over the area to be cut. This will help prevent
splintering and rough edges. But first make sure
the tape will not destroy the paneling when it
is removed.
|
|
Materials
you will need:
- Plywood paneling with a 200 flame
spread rating
- Molding rabbeted to fit over edge
of panel
- Panel adhesive
- 1 and ¼ inch finishing nails
Tools
you will need:
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- Keyhole saw
- Power saw or handsaw
 Installing
Wainscoting
STEP 1: Measure & Remove Battens
If there are batten strips between panels on your wall,
remove them from wainscoting area for a smooth surface. Battens
cover seams; they have no structural significance. Use a keyhole
saw to cut the strips above the wainscoting line, leaving
space for the top trim molding. Pry off the lower lengths
of batten strips, but leave them in place between panels on
the upper wall.
 STEP
2: Cut & Install
Wainscoting height can vary according to your needs. Start
in a corner. Cut panels so lengthwise edges meet over wall
studs. Use level to be sure the first panel is straight up
and down.
 STEP
3: Glue Panel
Using panel adhesive, squeeze a bead of adhesive on back
of wainscot. Press the board to the wall, pull apart slightly
and wait 30 seconds. Press in place against the wall.
 STEP
4: Fit Panels
The edge of next panel should touch edge of first panel
very lightly. To work around doors and windows, use a pattern
measured and drawn on newspapers. Remove electrical outlet
covers. Cut hole in paneling the size of the outlet box.
 STEP
5: Nail Panels & Molding
Using finishing nails, tack
the edges of the panels to the wall studs. Fit molding over
top of panel. Nail to wall studs. Replace electrical outlet
covers.
|
