If you’ve ever walked through a modern office lobby, a sleek retail store, or a minimalist residential kitchen, you’ve probably seen honeycomb panels—even if you didn’t notice them right away. These lightweight, strong, and versatile panels made with a honeycomb core (think hexagonal cells, like a bee’s hive, sandwiched between two face sheets) have become a go-to for architects, interior designers, and builders for everything from wall cladding and cabinet doors to ceiling systems and transport interiors. As a honeycomb panel supplier, I get asked dozens of questions every week, but one that pops up more than most is: “Can you paint honeycomb panels?” Honeycomb Panel
At first, this seems like a simple yes-or-no question. But after 12 years in this industry, I’ve learned that it’s not that straightforward. The answer depends on what your honeycomb panels are made of, what they’re being used for, and how you plan to prep and paint them. I’ve seen projects go perfectly when done right, and I’ve seen costly mistakes when someone cuts corners. Today, I want to break this down for you, based on what I’ve seen work (and what I’ve seen fail) over the years, straight from the perspective of someone who sells these panels and works with installers, designers, and contractors every single day.
First, let’s start with the basics: what are honeycomb panels, exactly? The core is almost always one of a few materials—aluminum, fiberglass, aramid (like Kevlar, for high-performance uses), or even paper for lighter, indoor-only applications. The face sheets, the outer layers you see and touch, are also varied: aluminum is the most common for commercial use, but you’ll also find steel, composite, and even wood veneer face sheets for residential or high-end projects. That mix of materials is why painting isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.
Let’s get one thing clear: if you order standard uncoated aluminum honeycomb panels from us, yes, you can absolutely paint them. In fact, that’s one of the biggest advantages of aluminum honeycomb panels—they have a smooth, durable face that takes paint really well, as long as you prep it properly. I’ll talk more about prep in a minute, but first, why would you want to paint them? Some customers want to match their project’s exact color palette, not just pick from the limited pre-finished options we carry. Others need a specific finish for functionality: for example, a hospital might need antimicrobial paint, or a manufacturing facility might need anti-glare coating to reduce eye strain for workers. Painting lets you customize these panels far more than pre-finished ones do.
But here’s where it gets tricky: not all honeycomb panels are meant to be painted. Paper core honeycomb panels, for example, are lightweight and great for indoor use like office cubicle partitions, but their core is absorbent. If you try to paint a paper core panel without sealing it first, the paint will soak into the core, making the panel heavy, warped, and even weak over time. We never recommend painting paper core panels for this exact reason. Aramid core panels, which are used for high-stress applications like aircraft interiors or industrial machinery, have specialized coating requirements that usually come pre-applied from the manufacturer—custom painting after installation isn’t typically needed, and in most cases, it would void the material’s performance warranty. The same goes for panels with wood veneer face sheets: those are usually finished with clear coat or stain, and sanding them down to repaint would ruin the veneer’s thin, delicate layer, leading to peeling or uneven color.
So, if you have a panel that is suitable for painting—usually aluminum face sheet honeycomb panels, either aluminum core or a more durable core like fiberglass or aluminum—what’s the right process? I’ve seen installers skip steps and end up with paint peeling within a year, and I’ve also seen projects that have held their color and finish for 10+ years. Here’s the step-by-step process we recommend to our customers, based on industry standards and our own hands-on experience:
First, prep is everything. Aluminum face sheets have a thin layer of oxidation on them naturally, and any oil or dirt from handling will prevent paint from sticking. The first step is cleaning the surface with a degreaser—we recommend a non-abrasive, phosphate-free degreaser to avoid scratching the face sheet. Wipe it down thoroughly, then rinse with clean water and let it dry completely. Next, you need to etch the surface to create texture for the paint to grip. For aluminum panels, a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper works, or a chemical etcher designed for metal. Skip the harsh etchers that can damage the face sheet—gentle is better here. After etching, wipe away any dust or residue with a tack cloth, and make sure the surface is completely free of debris before moving on.
The next step is priming. This is non-negotiable. Skipping primer is the number one mistake I see. Even if you prep the surface perfectly, paint will peel if it doesn’t have a good primer base. For aluminum honeycomb panels, we recommend a high-quality, rust-inhibiting metal primer. If you’re using a latex or acrylic top coat, a water-based metal primer works fine, but if you’re using an oil-based or enamel top coat, go with an oil-based primer. This creates a barrier between the aluminum face and the paint, preventing oxidation from breaking down the finish over time. Let the primer dry completely—follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but usually that’s 24 hours for full cure.
Now, the paint itself. Not all paint is created equal for honeycomb panels. For indoor use, a high-quality acrylic latex paint works well—it’s easy to apply, low-odor, and comes in almost any color. But for outdoor use, or high-traffic areas like retail stores or lobbies, you need a more durable finish. We recommend a 100% acrylic exterior paint or a two-part epoxy paint for these applications. Epoxy is especially good for areas that will get a lot of wear, because it’s scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and holds up to cleaning chemicals really well. Avoid flat or matte paint for high-traffic areas—it’s much more prone to scuffs and stains. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are a better balance of durability and ease of cleaning, while gloss works for a sleek, modern look in areas that don’t get a lot of wear.
When applying the paint, it’s best to use a spray gun for the smoothest finish, especially on large panels. If you don’t have access to a spray gun, a high-quality synthetic brush or roller will work, but make sure to use a roller with a short nap to avoid leaving lint or texture that shows up on the face sheet. Apply two thin coats of paint, rather than one thick coat—thick coats take longer to dry, can drip, and are more likely to crack or peel over time. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next, usually 2-4 hours between coats, depending on humidity and temperature.
One thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re working with custom-sized panels: paint can change the dimensions of the panel slightly, but for most projects, that’s negligible. However, if you’re installing panels in a tight fit, like between door frames or along a wall, make sure to account for the thickness of the primer and paint when cutting your panels to size.
Now, let’s talk about common mistakes to avoid, because even with the right process, small errors can ruin your project. The first is painting a panel that’s not meant for it—like I mentioned earlier, paper core panels are a bad call. We once had a customer try to paint a set of paper core honeycomb cabinet doors for a restaurant, and within six months, the paint started bubbling and peeling because the paint had soaked into the core and made the panels swell. They had to replace all the doors at their own cost, which was a huge hassle. The second mistake is skipping primer. I’ve seen a customer paint a set of lobby wall panels with just paint, no primer, and within a year, the paint started flaking off in spots where people bumped the walls. Primer adds that extra layer of adhesion that makes the finish last. The third mistake is using cheap paint. We’ve had customers who bought discount paint from a hardware store, and within a year, the color had faded in the sun in their outdoor patio area. Investing in a high-quality paint designed for metal surfaces will save you time and money in the long run.
What about pre-painted honeycomb panels, if you don’t want to do it yourself? That’s another option we offer as a supplier. We work with professional coating applicators to apply durable, factory-finished paint to our aluminum honeycomb panels, which is often more consistent than on-site painting. Factory application means better control over temperature and humidity, so the finish is smoother and has fewer bubbles or runs. We offer a wide range of standard colors, and can also match custom Pantone colors for projects that need a specific brand hue. The downside is that pre-painted panels can’t be modified after delivery—so if you order pre-painted, make sure you have your color and size right before the panels are made.
For any project, whether you plan to paint the panels yourself or order pre-painted, there are a few things to check before you get started. First, confirm the core and face sheet material of your panels. If you ordered panels from us, just reach out to your account rep, and we can tell you exactly what they’re made of. If you bought panels from another supplier, ask them for the material specs. Second, consider the environment the panels will be in. Outdoor panels need a paint that’s UV-resistant and can handle temperature changes, while indoor panels only need to stand up to the wear of foot traffic or cleaning. Third, test your paint and primer on a small sample panel first. It’s always a good idea to get a sample panel from your supplier, do a small test patch, and let it cure for a week or so before painting all your panels. That way, you can check for peeling, fading, or any other issues before you commit to the whole project.
As someone who’s been in this industry for more than a decade, I can tell you that honeycomb panels are one of the most versatile building materials out there, and being able to paint them adds even more flexibility to their use. Whether you’re doing a small residential bathroom reno, a large commercial office build, or a custom retail display, painting honeycomb panels lets you make them exactly what you need for your project. But it’s not a “do-it-yourself-on-a-whim” job—taking the time to prep right, use the right materials, and avoid common mistakes will ensure your finish lasts for years.
If you’re working on a project and have questions about whether your honeycomb panels can be painted, or need guidance on prep, paint selection, or pre-painted panel options, feel free to reach out. Our team has worked on hundreds of projects, big and small, and we’re happy to help you find the right solution for your needs. Don’t cut corners on this part—poorly applied paint can ruin a great project, but when done right, painted honeycomb panels can be a sleek, durable, and cost-effective choice for any space.
Aluminium Solid Panel For more information on honeycomb panel materials and finishes, refer to the following sources:
- Aluminum Association. Aluminum Design Manual: Specification for Aluminum Structures, 2020.
- American Institute of Architects. Interior Materials & Finishes Guide, 2022.
- Honeycomb Structure Manufacturers Association. Best Practices for Honeycomb Panel Finishing, 2021.
- ASTM International. Standard Specification for Structural Sandwich Panels, 2019.
Zhejiang Jusen Building Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
We’re well-known as one of the leading honeycomb panel manufacturers and suppliers in China, also support custom service. Please feel free to wholesale high quality honeycomb panel made in China here from our factory. For more information, contact us now.
Address: No.7, Tongyuan Shiquan Industrial Park, Haiyan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province
E-mail: sales@jusenzj.com
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