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Yes, you can apply peel-and-stick wallpaper over wood paneling, but it requires significant preparation for a good result. Peel-and-stick wallpaper has a weaker adhesive than traditional wallpaper and works best on smooth, non-textured surfaces like painted or primed drywall. Because wood paneling is often textured with grooves, any flaws in the underlying surface will likely be visible after application. To prepare the paneling, you must ensure the surface is free of cracks, holes, and protrusions by filling any indentations and sanding rough spots to create a smooth surface. An alternative is to remove the paneling and apply the wallpaper directly to the underlying drywall or plaster, provided it is in good condition.

Walls should be as smooth as possible before applying peel-and-stick wallpaper. Although you technically can apply wallpaper on textured walls, the peel-and-stick variety won’t last long without a clean, smooth surface for the adhesive to stick to. If you have textured walls, consult a pro about removing the textured finish before moving forward with wallpaper.

If you need a stronger magnetic surface, or you need to use a different type of paint in the room (like waterproof paint in a damp basement), there are other accessible options. You could fit a steel panel over the wall, try magnetic wallpaper, or apply chalk paint instead. 

If you want an inexpensive shortcut, hang a pinboard or chalkboard on your wall. These removable options are ideal if you’re a renter who can’t repaint or plan to move in the near future.

It’s possible to hang your own wallpaper, but the process is tedious and potentially frustrating, and it can be challenging to get seams to line up and look clean and professional. Plus, depending on the type of wallpaper you’re installing, using too much or too little adhesive could cause damage to your drywall or plaster, peeling, and bubbling in the final product. It’s usually a better idea to hire a professional wallpaper installer to do the work for you, as the relatively low cost is justifiable, if only to avoid damage to your walls.