can you paint or wall paper over paneling.?

[lucid35]

I have all paneling over drywall in my home, I want to change a couple of the rooms, there's alot of trim work as well. What can I do that's not going to break the bank. Can I wall paper or paint over faux wood paneling? what can I do .PLEASE HELP!!!

[linsan3579]

If you paper over the paneling, you will have to sand the finish off first, otherwise the paper will not stick, even with adhesive paste. I have done both. You should try to use paint other than just flat, it will chip off. A satin finish paint or eggshell will work.

[Carl]

If the paneling is glossy you should rough it up with some sandpaper and use a primer.
I don't think I would put wall paper over it because the surface needs to be very flat everywhere.
If it was my house I would rip off the paneling and go back and fix up the drywall. I like drywall with paint.
But the easiest and least mess is to just paint it!

[mab5096]

I think you should paint it. Wallpaper wouldn't hang correctly over paneling, but paint will be easy and cheap. I painted the paneling in my family room from dark wood to sage green. What a difference! You'll need to prime first, so ask them at your local home store what you need. Good luck.

[extex_cop]

One thing I have found when painting over paneling.....if you paint it 'white' or a very light color...ALL the cracks or seams show up....at that point you need to putty or caulk all those areas...then touch up or put on another coat of paint.

Another bad thing is if there was a heavy smoker in the house...all that smoke or tar coats the walls...and it bleeds through the paint...so make sure you clean the panels really good before you start painting. Soap and water for the first clean....then wipe down walls with a rag soaked with paint thinner....then wash walls again with soap & water if you are using latex. It might sound like a lot of work....but it will be lots of painting...and could be a waste of paint if smoke bleeds through.

[Lauren E]

dont wallpaper over it, it will look like crap. Prime it then paint it.