What is the best way to paint paneling?

Good Morning Roxann Schamberger, Here is a video showing you step by step how to paint the paneling in a mobile home, AND the man in the video even explains WHY you need to do each step and WHY he uses the type of products he uses. :) If you listen and follow his directions things will be fine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FJ1jmKzqt4

Thanks for asking HOMETALK for information, and have a beautiful Autumn.

preparation is the foundation of any successful paint job; wall must be totally clean, de-glossed with a non-rinse product - just as 'KrudCutter' Deglosser or similar product; paint like you would any other wall.

Wash it with TSP, let dry. Use a good primer like kilz, then paint!

Sand it, prime it and paint it.

I would use chalk paint!

If you degrease it and use a paint with primer in it sanding is minimal if at all. Just be sure to use a high quality paint. Personally I like Behr's latex enamel paint with primer, it covers well and is easy to clean, but any high quality paint would work.

I painted a large room that had been finished with ordinary plywood paneling, using a good latex paint, and it looked amazing when it was done. You would never know that it had been ugly cheap paneling.