What can you do to update paneling in a house?

Hello. You can prime it and paint it. My parents just did this and it looks great! I would recommend using a oil base primer. It covered better.

white wash it for a lighter different appearance

Sand, clean, prime and paint (in that order)

Yes paint it. That will give it a face lift of sorts.

Depending on the quality of the paneling, it can be painted any color.

In a small area.... wash the paneling with TSP (to remove wax, grease, etc).. lightly sand...120 grit, prime and paint... let it dry completely.... if you can lightly scrape the wall with a fingernail, and the paint comes off... then the paint will not hold on the paneling, and any effort you put into painting it is wasted.... Your choice at this point is to remove the paneling and install drywall, or another product like bead board... or... go over the paneling with 1/4 inch drywall or bead board.. both of which can then be painted.

If the paint holds on the paneling after a light scraping or washing.... there you go.... wash down with TSP, lightly sand, use a good primer and then paint.

paint it

I agree with paint. Wash, prime, and paint. if it has grooves you can fill them in with drywall patching compound. Fill the grooves. Let the compound dry overnight. Next day go over the compound with a damp sponge to smooth it out. Prime and paint.

You can paint paneling.

Painting it with primer built in the paint, choose a color theme and paint trim white. This will use you a whole new updated look throughout your home📌