What do think about rolling diluted spackle on dark, rough paneling?
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In my opinion later on if you decide you do not like the look it will be very difficult to remove. Consider a white wash instead
Personally I don't like rough walls, stylish or not. You can indeed spread spackle on wood paneling, although I've done it mainly to fill grooves and nail holes. Try it on one section and see if it is worth all that work, is what I would recommend. I used a damp sponge to smooth it out so didn't have much sanding. I wouldn't dilute it, if you want to even out the surface.
Here is how I decide how to do things: "how am I going to clean it? Dust? Pet fur?" If those things concern you, maybe rent a sander, sand the walls lightly then prime and paint?
Hey Fran I would agree to first try it on a section before committing to the entire wall. Remember that once the spackle is on there and has dried for a few minutes you can take a putty knife and "knock it down" to make it more smooth.
Fran, how many times have I seen Hometalkers ask how to remove popcorn ceilings? More than I remember. Add to that popcorn, stucco, straw, orange peel, spackle and other surfaces on walls. That's one thing I like about chalk paint. It has some texture, but not enough to snag your sweater as you pass by!
I had the same situation at my previous home. My choice was to use my sander (total pain in the butt, I know!) to get the paneling as smooth/paint ready as was realistic. No way was I about to sand 4 walls to make them perfectly smooth!
Once I applied primer and 2 coats of paint, the room was much brighter, inviting and pleasing to me. I never stood there rubbing the walls thinking, "oh, it's got a rough texture!" lol! even though I don't care for textured walls or ceilings.
As you plan to paint the walls regardless of any finish, my suggestion is to try to decide on a color. Get some primer (you will need this at some point) and a test jar of the color. Paint the area behind the door so you can see a pretty big example. Look at it and live with it for a week or so and then you'll know how you'd like to proceed.
I think that if you put even more texture on the walls, you'll create more work, expense and end up with something that isn't quite what you want as you said in the question "new drywall can't be bought right now".
Let us know!
I don't think you would be very happy with the results if you use spackle or dry wall mud on the walls... it would hang onto dust like crazy and you would have to prep and prime for that... same as you would for paint..... and some paneling will not hold onto paint or dry wall mud because of the finish on it (stuff just flakes off) try a test... see if the stuff will stick...if not you, will be better off tearing it out and putting up dry wall or bead board panels, which will give you the detail you want with a paint-able surface.... which will look better and save you frustration in the long run.
Thank you all for your opinions, many good points. I'm going to look into the chalk paint.
Also, remember that flat paints hide flaws better and glossier paint reflects imperfections more.