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Not sure what these wall and ceiling panels are made of? Maybe wood veneer? House looks like it was last updated in 1970s.
What paint products would work? Assuming I need to sand, prime and paint.
Hi @Ambrosia,
You will probably need to do a little experimenting before you commit to painting, because these types of 1970s panels are rarely solid timber. The wall sheets are usually a synthetic board with a faux timber finish, very similar to laminate cabinetry, so you need to treat them as a difficult, glossy surface. A light scuff sand is important to break the sheen, then a specialty adhesion primer such as Dulux Max Adhesion Primer will give the best chance of getting a reliable bond. Once the primer has cured for 48 hours, press some strong tape onto the primed area and rip it off. If the primer stays put, that is a good sign that your topcoat will adhere well and you can continue with your project. The same basic approach can work for the vertical wall sheeting throughout the room.
The ceiling panels need special caution. Many products from that era contained asbestos, so you do not want to sand them until you know exactly what they are. Even if the wall panels are safe, the ceiling linings could be a different material. It is worth having the sheets tested before you do any surface prep, because a quick test removes all the guesswork. Until you know for certain, it is safest to treat them as though they might contain asbestos and avoid disturbing them. Once you have confirmed they are safe, you can follow the same scuff and prime approach that you would use on the walls.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
