The Next Big Task

With the Christmas holidays right around the corner, I’m thinking ahead at what I can do around the house with my time off. And I’ve decided that my next big project will be to paint the wainscoting in my hallway.

This dark wood needs to be lightened and brightened

Currently, this dark brown wood is dreary and doesn’t match our decor or the hardwood floors. So my idea is to paint it afresh coat of white. My Dad is really against this idea – he says that the textured wood is going to be very difficult to get into and suggests I should just rip it down. But I’m against that idea for two reasons. First, I like the look of wainscoting. I think it’s fresh, clean, and will really open up the space. Second, I took a look at what’s behind that wood and really don’t like what I see – dark wallpaper.

My concern is that if I start pulling off the wood I will find a bigger mess on the wall behind it. I realize that the painting may be difficult, but I think it’s worth a try. I found all these great suggestions  for painting the wainscoting and plan on starting in an unseen corner to see how it will look.  I figure that if I start with a good primer, like the Kilz I used in the bathroom, then stippled into the textured areas it will look pretty good when it’s done.

And if that small area doesn’t turn out great, then I guess I’ll have  to pull it off and take my chances with the dreaded wallpaper instead.

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