Painting - Pickeling Wood Paneling

I have a wall section that the pervious owner used wood (med. brown) paneling, we are in the process of repainting the room a differnt color. It makes the Fireplace area very dark, and I thought that it would brighten it up if I could pickel the wood paneling, that way I would still have texture, but lighter, I do not want to paint the paneling if at all possible. Or even ideas on how to make it look like wainscaoting, which I have seen on TV remodeling shows, anyone Help!! Thanks for any ideas or tips on how to do this.

Hi Pat,

As the paneling likely has a finish on it, you won't be able to get a true pickle finish to it without sanding it first to expose the bare wood. There are so many alternatives with faux finishing that you'd have to consult with a decorator. I just couldn't do it sight unseen, but it sounds like that's the way you're gonna go. Sounds like you're going to paint, but don't want a solid opaque color. That's where faux techniques come to play. Plenty of good text out there on the subject, or consult with a painter who is capable.

Good luck,

sonnie