Abstract: A panel, especially a construction panel, formed from a substantially inflexible cellulosic substrate having a rough or uneven surface is disclosed. The substrate is coated with a layer of a grafted polyolefin and a layer of kraft paper or veneer. The polyolefin is a homopolymer of ethylene or copolymer of ethylene and at least one C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon alpha-olefin having a melt index of less than 20 dg/min that has been grafted with at least 9 ppm of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride. One-step and multi-step processes for the manufacture of the panels are disclosed. The panels may be painted or coated by other means, and are useful in the construction industry, especially for interior surfaces of buildings. The panels may be formed from cellulosic substrates that may not otherwise be useful for the end-uses of the panels.