Wood Paneling

• 1). Remove divider strips from the paneled walls using a flat pry bar or a stiff putty knife. Use a piece of scrap to cushion the wall when removing the strips to avoid scarring the paneling. Pull any nails that remain in the walls. Remove outlet and vent covers
  
  
• 2). Wash the paneled walls with a degreaser to remove any surface oils and dirt. Sand the walls lightly to slightly roughen the finish of the paneling.
  
  
• 3). Fill in the seams and grooves with drywall compound, using a drywall knife. Allow the drywall compound to dry, and sand it smooth. Apply a second coat of drywall compound if necessary to achieve a level surface. Wipe the walls with a damp cloth to remove the sanding dust, and allow the surface to dry.
  
  
• 4). Roll a good quality primer-sealer onto the walls and allow them to dry. The paneled walls are now prepared for either painting or installation of wallpaper.
  
  
• 5). Apply liner paper rather than using drywall compound. Prime the walls before applying liner paper, or it may not adhere. Apply liner paper horizontally on the wall starting at the top and working down the wall. Butt the edges of the liner paper; never overlap them. Liner paper provides a smooth unlined surface for installing wallpaper or painting.
  
  

Textured Vinyl Paneling

• 1). Wash textured paneling with a degreaser; rinse, and allow the surface to dry. Remove divider strips in the same manner as for wood paneling, and fill in the seams with drywall compound. Prime the walls; acrylic sealers will adhere to vinyl textured paneling better than a water-based primer.
  
  
• 2). Paint the vinyl textured paneling with a good quality paint; it can take several coats to fill in the textured surface of the vinyl paneling.
  
  
• 3). Use texture paint to create a stucco appearance on vinyl paneling. Roll the paint onto a section of the wall and use a smooth trowel to create a pattern.