Pics please/

Is it real solid wood or manufactured/pressboard?

I painted our 'rumpus room' paneling and no regrets. It's held up really well with 2 pretty active kids. I repainted it last year, probably after 10 years of use?

I don't recall that I used primer; I don't believe I washed the walls or did any other prep even. Pretty sure that I just got white paint and started doing impusively. I would think if you used some kind of high-adhesion primer you would be even better off. This second time I painted it, I did caulk the seams (I like paintable clear caulk better than 'painters caulk' that seems to get dingy and yellow).

If you prep and use appropriate paint it shouldn’t be any more of an issue than regular walls would be in a high traffic area. Just keep extra paint for touch ups if necessary. Below is info, but also speak to a pro at paint store.

https://www.learnalongwithme.com/how-to-paint-wood-paneling/

I painted my den over the years a number of times and with 3 kids never had any issues. It can make a huge difference.

Use a high-quality primer made to stick to just about anything. It won't chip off. I've been using a Sherwin-Williams product. Universal primer I think it's called.

Thank you for the advice. I’m still working on this project, thinking about colors. I’m considering SW Latte and SW moderate white but can’t decide which should be on the paneling. Here is a picture.

tear it out most likely has drywall behind it

Tear out the carpet and paint the paneling white.

Paint the paneling the same as the rest of your trim...

Thank you for suggestions.

Painting that will be a real PITA. First needs to be cleaned, then sanded, etc... Tear it out. It's 70's paneling. Nothing special.