Looking for garage update advice

[gerbilunit]

Hi all,
With the extra time I'm looking at making my garage a little more presentable and less dated.

http://imgur.com/gallery/hRvQ6pK


1. I'm looking at skim coating and primer/painting over the old wood paneling to help fill in the gaps and crevices between the grooves. I know it probably won't be as smooth as drywall but it suits my needs. Is there anything I should take into consideration? I was thinking about sending in a sample for an asbestos test as well (albeit I've already started a small section to see how it would look).

2. The previous owner had these ceiling tiles glued up. They aren't perfectly straight and quite frankly just look really bad. I'm concerned that the glue used may contain asbestos as well. I was think of just leaving the surface as is, prime, and paint to at least refresh the look. I considered painting the ceiling flat black to perhaps help conceal some of the lines. Any recommendations or suggestions there?

3. I have some copper and metal piping along the back of the garage wall. I was hoping I could conceal this to at least tidy up the look. Is it safe to use some sort of pvc plastic to cover it or is there a better product to do so?

Thanks for any of your suggestions!

 

[Bondo]

I was thinking about sending in a sample for an asbestos test

Ayuh,...... Never heard of asbestos in Wood paneling,.....
'n if you paint the ceiling, asbestos in the glue is irrelevant,....

Skim whatever ya wanta skim, 'n paint whatever ya wanta paint,.....
I think you'll be very unhappy with a black ceiling though,.....

 

[sz0k30]

Black ceilings might work in a bar, NO WAY in hell put one in a garage/work area!!!

 

[gerbilunit]

Ayuh,...... Never heard of asbestos in Wood paneling,.....
'n if you paint the ceiling, asbestos in the glue is irrelevant,....

Skim whatever ya wanta skim, 'n paint whatever ya wanta paint,.....
I think you'll be very unhappy with a black ceiling though,.....

Black ceilings might work in a bar, NO WAY in hell put one in a garage/work area!!!

Thank you guys for the input on the black ceiling. My wife was thinking the same thing. I just was hoping it'd help hide the misalignment of the ceiling tiles.

I'm guessing I should probably just shoot some primer and paint it white...

 

[eastbaysubaru]

I'm guessing I should probably just shoot some primer and paint it white...

This! It may seem counter intuitive, but the white will probably hide any defects better than the black would. Especially if you use a flat paint rather than something shiny like satin/eggshell or semi-gloss.

-Brian

 

[SGKent]

black is one of those colors that turns a small dimple into a cave. Maybe it is time to get some sunshine and spring flowers today instead of focusing on a dark colored ceiling.

 

[gahrajmahal]

A better product for sealing wood paneling grooves is regular painters caulk. Cut the nozzle big, squeeze it into the grooves and use a putty knife to trowel it smooth. Use a wet sponge to feather the edges. Let harden, then prime and paint.

 

[gerbilunit]

This! It may seem counter intuitive, but the white will probably hide any defects better than the black would. Especially if you use a flat paint rather than something shiny like satin/eggshell or semi-gloss.

-Brian

black is one of those colors that turns a small dimple into a cave. Maybe it is time to get some sunshine and spring flowers today instead of focusing on a dark colored ceiling.

Duly noted White it is then. I probably saw "inspiration" from rooms with tall ceilings and more than likely huge spaces but I can see how it would cramp my two car garage now.

Also fortunately I do have a ton of leftover flat white paint that will be put to good use now

 

[gerbilunit]

A better product for sealing wood paneling grooves is regular painters caulk. Cut the nozzle big, squeeze it into the grooves and use a putty knife to trowel it smooth. Use a wet sponge to feather the edges. Let harden, then prime and paint.

I was considering caulking the seams but each of the tiles themselves have a protruding groove design. Maybe I can still get the seams cleaned up. I'll test in an inconspicuous area and see if it turns out well. I just worry troweling will start edging off the wavy groves and cause a bigger headache.