I want to paint the wallboard that is under my paneling. When I went to take the paneling off, I discovered that the wallboard underneath is black in color, not moldy or stained. Is this real wallboard and can it be painted. The house was built in 1978?

my husband is building new cabinets for our kitchen and here is our dilemma....on SOME of the wall behind the stove and where the refrigerator was, there is one-inch tile. the builder economized (i guess) and did not put tile all over the wall...only in just enough space to give the appearance that the entire wall is tiled. now i am wanting new cabinets where the tile is...and isn't. what is the best practice here? do i remove the tile? if yes, how? can it be done without damaging, and therefore installing, new wallboard? do i keep the tile? if yes, can i hang the cabinets over the tile -- might be an awkward fit (and husband is an mech. engineer) and what about the open spaces -- is it possible to get more one-inch tile, put those in the bare spaces, and paint the tiles to coordinate with the room? i have also considered putting beadboard over the tile -- however that presents a problem with the stove. ideas, assitance, encouragment needed! :confused: