So, our basement is covered in the most awful wood paneling. Actually, some of it isn't even wood. Half is covered in high quality wood paneling, half is what I can only guess is particle board with textured pictures of wood on it (cute, huh?) My latest endeavor is to cover this disgusting stuff and make the basement an actual living space.
Note the TWO types of paneling
After much googling, I discovered that the best method to take care of the paneling is to cover it with drywall mudding. So, I purchased a 61 lb. container of mud and set off to cover this awful stuff. I made a decision early on in the process to do one full wall completely, so I could develop better techniques. Wise move! After covering two walls twice with mud, I came to the realization that I could mud the cracks between panels first, then do a full coat over everything. This definitely lessened the workload.
After a little mudding!
Next came sanding. To put it mildly, it sucked to the nth degree. I started with a sanding brick. Not smart on my part. Too much arm effort involved. Then we bought two more hopefully fun toys - a hand sander and an attachment for the drill that sands. The hand sander was definitely easier than the sanding block, but the drill attachment sucked. But we were making progress! I had no idea how dusty the process was going to be! Our basement looks like Columbian drug lords have been messily cutting cocaine in our basement. Next toy was an electric sander, also known as my new favorite toy! My dad had it laying around un-opened in his basement and didn't think to offer it up until I asked him if he had one. The electric sander is amazing! Not only does it minimize the mess that ends up on the floors, but it is so damn efficient! The only drawback is that it makes a whole lot of dust in the air. Thank goodness for goggles and breathing masks because the basement now looks like Snoop's tour bus!
Post a round of sanding
Stay tuned ....
Where are the "after" pictures?
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