1970'S Fake Wood Paneling . Those panels have a phenolic resin top coat on them and it would be like painting plastic laminate, nothing sticks until you sand off the top coat. If your home still has some lingering paneling, and you would like an inexpensive fix, fear not. painted paneling Done but diy project 1970s dark Painted paneling from www.pinterest.com In the morning check to make sure the primer stayed white. 1970's brick and fake wood paneling. The roof is fixed now but we have to redo one of the walls.