Painting Super rough paneling

Painted paneling works so well. I never caulked it but old be sure to fill the sams with paint. Sounds as if a quick sanding would help out in your case...nothing too deep. If the paneling is dark, you might need to prime the first time. Prime, the lightly sand the 'fuzzies', then paint. The primer should stiffen any wood splinters that are loose and make them easier to sand.

You could sand them down a bit and paint them. Would you consider doing something like that?

Since its real wood, it probably wouldn't be too hard to remove either if your not up to sanding it smooth.

I agree. Sand it. Prime it. Then paint it using a very thick nap roller.

We had such a wall and we sponge painted it. First prime it with odor free Kilz primer. Calk all the cracks between the panels. Paint the color you want over it. To sponge paint choose 3 colors similar but different depths of color. For example we did one room with light green, sponge painted with medium green, and finally with a dark green over the other two shades. It is easy! And it does hide wall roughness!

Rough textured paneling. Don't sand it or you will cut into the actual finish. Make sure it's clean and dry. Prime with a good stain blocking primer like Zinsser 123, BIN, or Kilz. I like Kilz but that's me. Then just paint like painting walls. If the paneling has grooves you can fill them in with drywall patching compound. Use the tip of a brush to stipple it while it's wet to match the texture you have. Let it dry overnight. You will need to use a thick nap roller, probably 1/2", to get into the texture and a brush to get into any crevices. One thing good with the texture you don't need to get a smooth finish.

Rough textured paneling. Don't sand it or you will cut into the actual finish. Make sure it's clean and dry. Prime with a good stain blocking primer like Zinsser 123, BIN, or Kilz. I like Kilz but that's me. Then just paint like painting walls. If the paneling has grooves you can fill them in with drywall patching compound. Use the tip of a brush to stipple it while it's wet to match the texture you have. Let it dry overnight. You will need to use a thick nap roller, probably 1/2", to get into the texture and a brush to get into any crevices. One thing good with the texture you don't need to get a smooth finish.

Start with a primer, then roll the rest. Use painter's tape