How can I update wall paneling?

White wash it or paint it

Clean it really well, with a good cleaner degreaser. Then prime the paneling with Kilz stain blocking primer. Paint it whatever color you want. If it is dark white looks great. Use a good paint Like Sherwin Williams, [don't forget to look on line for a coupon] Benjamin Moore, or Behr Marquee.

I painted mine and am very happy and satisfied, Used kilts primer then used good semigloss paint, use your color choice, I used off white Really pretty and so much lighter and welcoming

If it is a good installation you should be able to prime and paint it after you clean it. I have a friend that wallpapered over it without filling the grooves but she used a very heavy textured paper.

My neighbor painted hers and it looks wonderful. Its amazing what paint can do.

Paint it or white wash it!

Paint it stencil it

Here's a video that might help - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihVe2zztaRo

Painting it white or navy blue would be cool. Be sure you use a good primer like BIN so any knots in the wood don't bleed through.

If it’s real wood paneling, I would put a gel stain on it and shift the color.

If it’s not real wood, then paint is easy.

But if you want to fill the groves, you’ll need to prime it first and then use spackling compound, sand and then prime again.

Clean it w/ TSP solution first.,