By Patricia D. from Hampton, VA
If it's glued on, you aren't going to get it off without damaging the drywall & probably having to replace it. If it was nailed in, you'd still be taking the chance that just filling in the nail holes would be enough. Either way, it's going to be a major amount of work.
I'm not familiar with the wallboard. You could probably use a good primer like Kilz (sp?), which will coat nearly everything.then paint it. If it's textured or has lines on it that would show through. I know they make a wallpaper-type product that is made to put over wall panel to make it smooth so that when you paint it you can't tell it was paneling. I think you have to get it at one of those paint/wallpaper stores.
Best thing would be to take good photos & go into the store & talk to someone who can give you better advice.
You might want to check with a paint store first. I know the kind of wallboard you are talking about as my bathroom had it too when I bought my house. It's surface may not take paint, even primer, very well. Then again, they may have something that will work. As far as taking it down without damaging the sheetrock, impossible. Sheetrock can be repaired if the damage isn't extensive, but you just won't know what you're going to get until the point of no return. Good luck with your project.
I would paint over it. I've learned that if you use an oil based paint as a primer over wall board and wall paper, and then use whatever paint you prefer on top, it works great! I've done this a lot. My favorite top coat is Behr's Paint and Primer in One. It gives good coverage. I've had some projects where the paper or board were too difficult to remove, and would have caused too much damage to the dry wall. This is a good solution. It's also a great way to have texture on your walls!
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