I'm sure others with more knowledge will also post, but here's our experience. Most of our rooms have cheapy thin paneling, all of it old and all of it dingy gross. We cleaned it with ... um, True Green? "something" Green... I didn't scrub, but I did use full strength. This stuff doesn't need to be rinsed off, which I'm pretty sure the TSP does. I used a floor mop to clean - much easier. Let it dry, went over ALL with a sander, then went over all with a vacuum, and then a tack cloth. 1 coat Zinnser 123 primer, and then painted. It looks soooo much better now!

Thanks for the pics lafonda_ranch and michelle. Our entire LR was paneled also, looking at the before pictures,.. . .am wondering why I was even remotely interested in buying this house, deep down I must have known it had potential. Told DH this room was going to get painted, he decided to tear down the panelling, drywall, add mouldings, tear up the 'lovely' green sculptured rug, install hardwood. I do believe this large project almost did him in...for some reason he seems reluctant to start renovating our 70's bathroom lol. before after to be done (70's bathroom) (note the gold veined mirrors & hanging angel lamps...I've kinda gotten fond of them, great lighting for doing makeup.

Ooooh... I love that island! Is it like an antiqued robin's egg blue? I think you could definitely pull it off in your space if you keep the color light enough. It would be a pretty little accent piece; instead of blending in the with its environment, it would be like a little jewel in it! Delicious. I like your kitchen set, too... and I'm sure your server would look lovely with that finish, although it may be hard to match in case you ever decide to move the piece to the same room as the table. But if you don't, it won't matter! Or what about a chocolate brown? That might look nice against your wall color... or are there any other shades you could pull out of those curtains that you could use for the server? I can't really see what colors are in that pattern. See, your problem is that you have TOO many options! Please keep us posted with what you decide to do! bloomin...

Assume the paneling has vertical ridges, mimicking boards...? If you are not bothered by those and just want a lighter brighter look, there are heavy duty primers that will cover any gloss there is and give a good surface for any paint. We did this back in the 80s, liked the reult and never had a second thought. Just ask a good paint store (pref not big box), they know their business.