I don't know that there's much architectural value is 70's laminate wood paneling. it was cheap and easy then and it looks cheap now. in any case, plastering directly over it would probably not work because it isn't a suitable substrate for compound or plaster, they won't stick well. if you really want to keep it then drywall over or remove it at keep it in storage somewhere. I removed all of it from my kitchen only to find the original solid wood, vertical grain fir bead board underneath! maybe you'll get lucky and find something of real architectural value under there.

Take off those crazy shelves and paint it, good luck

I agree w/ CTF. always remove before adding drywall. You may uncover something that needs further attention. If you decide to paint you must prep it 1st. You can use a liquid sander, then prime, then paint. Wouldn't just be better to remove the cheap paneling & do it right by applying new drywall. Or you may find gold under there too.

Architectural value usually refers to something that took craftsmanship and / or great design. Very few 70's homes (or any mass produced homes) have any architectural value unless they are a specialty home designed by a renown architect - or maybe have a special history like a Sears Catalog home. I live in a 70's home myself - made of mass produced building surfaces. The one nice thing about that is I had no qualms making it the way I wanted.

"I really don't think there is any architectural value in paneling."

I didn't either until someone told me there was haha. I hate the stuff.

"I don't know that there's much architectural value is 70's laminate wood paneling."

See this is what I thought. That it was only laminated and not "real" wood hence why I was going to just remove it and place drywall.

"plastering directly over it would probably not work because it isn't a suitable substrate for compound or plaster, they won't stick well."

Right this is why you have to clean it, possibly sand it, and paint it first with an oil-based paint.

"I removed all of it from my kitchen only to find the original solid wood, vertical grain fir bead board underneath! maybe you'll get lucky and find something of real architectural value under there"

THIS! Is exactly what I was looking for in terms of something I might be missing. It sounds VERY solid beneath it so something must be under there, but I would have never thought wood. I hope this is the case! That would be great.

THANK YOU CTF!

"Architectural value usually refers to something that took craftsmanship and / or great design. Very few 70's homes (or any mass produced homes) have any architectural value unless they are a specialty home designed by a renown architect"

Yes, this was a specialty home in a very exclusive area. The prior owners (two) made a quite a few changes though including removing a wall and merging the den with what I think was a mud or sun room (first owner) and second owner adding a large (I think 1,000 sq. ft but haven't measured it yet.. may be larger) extension to the house among several other major changes too numerous to list.

Thank you all for your responses.

there isn't any value in 70's wood panelling; you've been misinformed by somebody who doesn't know what they're talking about. either that or their minds-eye vision of wood panelling was proper millwork that WOULD have value.

if you were to still be of the opinion that it DOES have value, you would nullify it by proceeding with compound and paint...ie: nobody is going to restore it to its former glory years from now...

that said, I have treated a similar style of panelling in the same way you've proposed and it turned out fine.

We found 3/4 inch fir T&G under our 70's panelling... but even if it hadn't been there, it was coming down. It's a fire hazard , provides no sound inflation and is butt ugly. Unless you are totally broke and can only spring for a few litres of paint, don't waste your time. And if you do opt for painting, I wouldn't bother about the lines.

Drywall is a much better alternative and if you are trying to stick with a 70's vibe, white walls will be on point.

Maxwell I would temper your expectations for finding gold underneath 70's paneling in a home that was built in the 70's. Mine is a 100+ year old home that was remodeled in the 70's. You may get lucky, you never know, but it's probably drywall underneath if it feels solid when you tap on it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

My 70's home has paneling which was installed as a quick and cheap repair to the damaged drywall from a hurricane. One way you can see what you have under your paneling is by removing a switch plate. You should be able to see the layers of material.

"there isn't any value in 70s's wood panelling; you've been misinformed by somebody who doesn't know what they're talking about."

That's what I was thinking but the person seemed to know their stuff so I shrugged it off and went with it. I'm glad I decided to consult on here.

"either that or their minds-eye vision of wood paneling was proper millwork that WOULD have value."

No, they knew exactly the type of panelling involved.

"if you were to still be of the opinion that it DOES have value, you would nullify it by proceeding with compound and paint"

Right this is why I wanted to be certain either way first.

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"Maxwell I would temper your expectations for finding gold underneath 70's paneling in a home that was built in the 70's."

Yes, I wasn't expecting it... merely hoping, but I see now.... ok.

"it's probably drywall underneath if it feels solid when you tap on it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!"

Drywall would be great! That's what I originally wanted to do, and if it's there it would save me a lot of time and materials. Thank you for the best wishes... very appreciated.

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"One way you can see what you have under your paneling is by removing a switch plate."

Superb! Thank you for this advice. I was going to pry off an entire section haha. This would be much easier and faster.

I think in order to make your home have a high architectural
value, I would suggest looking for nice quality material and decorations for
your home.

Definitely, yes... I highly value quality but on some structural items, I'm still learning haha. This is all new to me. Thank you for your input.

I've taken down quite a bit of 70s paneling in my day. Most of the time, I find at least some drywall underneath. Go figure.

I guess the ugly paneling was considered a lovely fad by some.

If you're lucky, you'll find repairable drywall beneath the paneling. If you're really, really lucky, you'll find something architectural. I don't think so.

Most of the time, I find a mash... part drywall, and part newer walls, all melded with the easy to erect, not much skill needed 70s paneling.

Good luck, and let us know what you find in your treasure hunt! It's an adventure.