1972 Dart Headliner board install.

So, I bought an uncovered headliner board from Rock auto. (cheapest place I could find) my plan was to paint it, and install it as is. The board I took out of the car was just cardboard with a painted surface. So I thought I could just paint this one and be good to go. After getting it, I found it does have some texture to it which is cool, I really didn't want it to be smooth. After receiving the sail panels however, they are thicker and made out of some form of fiber board. I'm not sure if painting them will look good. Has anyone else dealt with this? Am I going to have to put fabric on my headliner? and if so, the foam backed fabric?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!