Painting Dark Wood a Light Color

Excuse my ignorance, but what it primer? I live in Europe and do not know exactly what that means but I sure do need to paint some dark painted wood.

Thanks.

I had an entire room like that. It was very dark. Some people might have thought painting it was a mistake, but I have no regrets. I primed it well first, twice, and then painted it. Ten years later and the paint is still holding up.

You might have to lightly sand the paneling, then put a coat of primer on it, and then paint it a light grey.