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The Easiest Wood Paneling in the World

Jonathan Fong shares the steps for adding warmth to your walls with balsa wood.

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5. Apply Wood Conditioner
« 4. Wipe Off Dust | 6. Apply Two Coats of Stain »
Because balsa wood is so soft, it doesn't accept wood stain as easily and evenly as hard woods do but applying a coat of wood conditioner solves this problem. Using a three-inch brush, paint the conditioner on each balsa panel. It absorbs instantaneously and dries in less than fifteen minutes. You may be tempted to skip this step, however, without it, your stain will go on blotchy, and you may end up using more stain in the long run to cover the uneven spots.

Next, on the schematic diagram that you've already created, assign stain colors to each panel so you can plan ahead how you're distributing the various colors. In this project, four different stain colors are used to create a beautiful montage of woods: honey pine, pecan, Bombay mahogany and natural cherry, all in a satin finish. Use a product that combines stain and polyurethane in one so you don't need to apply a sealer in a separate step.



1. Create a Diagram

2. Trim the Wood

3. Number Each Panel

4. Wipe Off Dust

5. Apply Wood Conditioner


6. Apply Two Coats of Stain

7. Polish with Steel Wool

8. Apply Tape

9. Stick the Wood to the Wall

10. Install One Row at a Time
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