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cmc0007 My 1950's split has paneling in the family room. Did not think any worse than regular painting but did use a primer coat first. Don't have a picture to show right on hand but will upload to show you. I've also painted oak headboard, too. Would say if anything hard about it is the seams.

Kelly Is that paneling or a tongue in groove wall? If tongue in groove painting will be challenging as the seams will expand and contract. But the first things i washing it and priming it correctly. Paint does not like to stick to the finish on paneling. Your paint store will have answers for you. But yes you can paint it if you prep right. If it is just one wall would you consider drywalling it? I little more work, but very worth it. Of course if it is plaster underneath probably a bigger job than you are willing to undertake. Good luck!

cmc0007 Meant to type beadboard. Agree with kklinton, if you could just redrywall, it would be best but who knows what's behind it. The seams and any grooves will suck the paint up so it may be little more time consuming to do the priming but quick fix without getting into complete rip out.once the primer is on, should go quick with regular painting technique.

Bob Michels Construction, Inc. At my home, I had outdated paneling. We dry brushed in a darker stain and re-varnished with 2 coats. The paneling has a much better feel and looks new!

tenshi43 Thanks for your comments, It is veneer not tongue and groove. We thought about just tearing it down and starting again but our budget won't quite stretch. I will be going to our local hardware store to see what I can use in the grooves/seams. I don't mind the labour, I just really want to lighten the area it seams so dull and old fashioned.

Bob Michels Construction, Inc. Try just freshening with a coat of varnish. It will eliminate the dry look and outdated feeling. A can of varnish is pretty inexpensive! Might not be a bad place to start.

olldroo Is your wall actually timber or is it a laminate? If it is a laminate you can purchase a special undercoat and then just paint, but unless you want a timber effect like in kklinton's photo I think the cost of removing it and drywalling would be well worthwhile.

If it is timber, yes you can paint it but it is a big job and once painted it has to be painted forever. My panelled walls, which I love, I oil about every 5 years. I use a Scandinavian Teak Oil which for some reason seems to work on all timber and apply it with steel wool to rub it well into the grain. It is very quick and easy to do and the difference is always amazing.

When you look at Bob Michel's photo his looks amazing too and the area wouldn't be half as effective painted. Gotta LOVE that dog too - what a ham!!!

Your photo doesn't show much, but I'm wondering if you are being kind to your wall with your decorating. Maybe I am misjudging only seeing part of it but it looks a trifle flat. Everything I see is brown and gold - very little variation. Add some cream, darker brown or even blues or greens, maybe some colourful artwork and I think you might see your wall in a whole new light.

[houzz=Portola Valley]

[houzz=Hill Country Residence]

[houzz=Modern Villa - Dining]

Main Line Kitchen Design If you are going to try and fill the seams and verticle groves on the paneling and expect to have the finished product look like a plaster/drywall finish, I wouldn't expect good or cost effective results. Isn't there drywall underneath? Removing the paneling will take a couple of hours and the joint compounding and repair of the drywall underneath will be easier and look far better than trying to fill the paneling seams. Or just paint the paneling.

aladdintn We painted ours the first time 26 years ago. It's been several colors over the years, but is now white. Clean it with something like TSP, prime it, and paint away!

tinaobayonet If you are going thru all the work of filling seams and that kind of prep...you just may want to take it off. I like aladdintn's quick and easy...I've painted paneling (veneered) and yes, prep is good and I really liked the results knowing that down the road, rip out was always an option. The lines/grooves added distinction, like in kklinton's visual. Clean up, prime and paint can go a long way for $50 and give you a whole new, refreshed look as well as time.

tenshi43 Thank you everyone. A painting project for Easter pencilled in and I will post a photo of the finished job, plus I'll be on the hunt for some decorator items to give the whole area a 'lift'.