You will want to wipe down the paneling with mineral spirits and follow that with a wash of amonia and water and if the finish on the paneling is really glossy you should sand first.

The primer to use is Zinsser BIN. The finsih paint can be the latex finish paint of your choice.

thanks for your reply. where does one buy mineral spirits?

You can buy it at the paint store while you are getting your paint it is also called paint thinner.