I purchased a modular home having wall of vinyl wallpaper prefinished gypsum panels.
At the joint of each pair of panels is a wood strip to cover the joint.

I'd like to remove these strips and finish the joints with drywall joint compound, then prime and paint the walls to get rid of the vinyl paper pattern.

Is it safe to do this, and if so, do I need to do any special priming or preparation of the wall boards before finishing the joints with tape and joint compound?

Any advise will be appreciated!!!

If you're doing that much work, you may as well just rip them down and put up drywall in it's place or even just put up 1/4" drywall right over it.

Hi again J,
I have to agree with Bazooka. Tear it out and you'll find it a lot easier to deal with without the worry of the paint coming off.....Mark Hammond