Update paneling. How can I paint or plaster over it?

Hi Loretta, you've got some work cut out for you but it's doable, for sure. If you just want a wall painted all one color, there's something called a segmented foam roller that will paint popcorn ceilings and stucco. It's also sold as a rough surface roller. It's available at any big box store. It would not cover the flowers to make a completely flat wall, but it might be enough to make you happier.

Then I found this website with some Interesting ideas. It might be worth it to wander through:

http://www.housepaintingtutorials.com/wall-painting-techniques.html

The only other option I found was to skim coat the wall with plaster compound. Don't let them intimidate you or tell you only a professional can achieve this. I didn't know a thing about drywall, skim coating or feathering in, and I did half the upstairs - after I built a wall to put drywall onto!

A technique you might try is to put the drywall compound on and then pinch and plop in a little texture with a damp sponge. It would have less texture than the flowers and - best part! you don't have to do any sanding because you're not aiming for smooth. (It might be frowned in by the pros, but I used a damp sponge instead of most of the sanding. Looks fine!) Let us know what you decide to do and be sure to take a ton of pictures to share techniques and finished project. Thanks for asking!

You can buy heavy wall paper, it is very thick. Used for covering paneling. Apply as you would any other wall paper.