Painting Over Dark Wood Paneling

You can use any finish you want on it. The norm is Satin or Eggshel finish in the color of choice. Yes you can roll it on, If there are grooves from the paneling , brush that in first , one or two coats depending on the color, then roll over it all ,OR use a long nap finished rollar like 1/2" to get in the grooves depending how deep they are, but that can be messy and you get a better finish with a less napped rollar 3/8ths or 1/4"

By the way... gloss finish is highly washable, but it will make the walls look like plastic,,,,,,,,,,, satin/eggshell, great washability, nice low gloss finish,,,,,,,,flat,if you plan on never touching the walls ,,,lol its just higher maintenance , i mean.

Man, I just finished the same project. What a bear, but it looks awesome. Sanded down the paneling with random orbit sander, then applied two coats of kilz and two coats of flat finish paint.

We debated taking it down, but decided it provides a more solid surface for hanging pictures and shelves, etc.

You should use a longer nap roller to get in the grooves or just use a paint brush for filling the grooves.

Good luck.