anyone try wall paper with a clear coat on top?

[wack 63]

There was a trick that could be done with printed paper that involved soaking the paper until the backing peeled off leaving just the print. It ended up like an Airfix decal which was then placed on the paintwork and lacquered over. May be a tad too hard for full panelwork though.

[Meds]

Google hydro dipping
Hydro dippers will make up any pattern you want.
I like the idea of wood chip and emulsion, in 1970's beige and brown.

Surely it would be magnolia

You are quite right, I forgot my 70's decor

[GBCS]

There was a trick that could be done with printed paper that involved soaking the paper until the backing peeled off leaving just the print. It ended up like an Airfix decal which was then placed on the paintwork and lacquered over. May be a tad too hard for full panelwork though.

Metal flake used to sell a product that did this, I think it was called acrylit.

You painted it on to an image ( magazine page etc ). As it dried, it drew in the ink. once it was dry, you soaked it until the paper came away, and you were left with the image in a translucent for. You then stuck this on a white background, and lacquered over it.

I believe you can achieve the same effect with PVA glue.

A bit like this:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Image-T ... /?ALLSTEPS