How to Paint Shiplap

If you've not been living under a rock, then you already know that shiplap is a trend in home design that's seen its popularity grow in a huge way. Everybody is incorporating this style of wall into their remodeling and updating.

Why? because it's beautiful It's also budget-friendly and is a DIY task that any homeowner with some craft skills can complete.

What Type of Paint to Use for Shiplap?

Before beginning your painting project, you must know which kind of paint would be ideal for the shiplap style wall. To get the best results from shiplap wood, choose a water-based primer and paint all in one. This will save you time and money since you'll be only using only one product, not primer and paint. Additionally, an all-in-one paint also provides better coverage, meaning that fewer coats of paint will be required.

You'll also have to choose the appropriate paint sheen to match the design you have set in your mind. However, be sure to think about functionality as well. The flat (also called matte) sheens look great on shiplap; it can be difficult to remove. Are you unsure of the right sheen? This blog on paint sheens can aid!

If the shiplap is located in an area that is heavily used, like the dining or kitchen, the semi-gloss sheen would be less difficult to clean. You can also opt for an in-between shine like eggshell or satin. These give an appearance that is more matte but still relatively simple to clean.

Tips for Painting Shiplap

Here are some helpful tips:

If you're planning to install a new shiplap, you should paint it before installing it. It's much simpler for you to apply the paint to the shiplap before the shiplap is installed against the wall.

When the wood is constructed out of engineered lumber (MDF or medium density fibreboard) instead of actual wood, you can seal it using an oil-based primer prior to applying a water-based painting in a Urethane enamel for a finish. Be sure to avoid using latex paint for walls. This can prevent any water-based paints from causing damage to the MDF that is water-sensitive. A separate coat of oil-based primer also gives the shiplap boards extra protection from humidity and water.

Make sure to fill any gaps or nail holes in the shiplap using a spackle or caulk prior to applying paint. If you had painted the shiplap prior to installation, make sure you fill in any holes or gaps once the shiplap is set in place, and then paint the areas using paint.

If the shiplap is already painted, apply the paint like a wall (with an roller and cutting into it with an instrument) making sure to take the time to paint the spaces and the shiplap grooves using a small brush.

How to Paint Shiplap

Protect the floor and surrounding area to guard it from drips and paint splatters.

Sand the shiplap board with sandpaper or using a palm sander. Wipe away any sawdust that remains.

When you're applying a different primer product, you can apply it prior to the paint and let it dry completely. This step isn't necessary for an all-in-one primer and paint.

Apply the initial coat of paint using an airbrush or roller before putting your boards onto the walls, if you can. If you're thinking of how to paint the grooves of shiplap, you'll see that using a tiny paintbrush can help you reach all those corners and crannies that are often difficult to reach.

After installing the shiplap or if they're already put in, take care to clean nail holes and then fill with spackle or paintable caulk.

After the spackle or caulk is dry, sand the caulk or spackle gently.

Brush or roll on the final coat of paint with the tiny paintbrush, and ensure that the grooves and nail holes are fully covered.