How to Paint Shiplap

If you've ever been in a cave, you already have a good idea of the shiplap trend in home design that's gained momentum in a massive way. Everyone is using the shiplap wall design in their home remodels and upgrades.

Why? Because it's gorgeous, it's affordable, and it's a DIY project that anyone with a little craftiness can complete.

You've probably seen shiplap styles seen on television programs and are eager to implement them at home.

What Type of Paint to Use for Shiplap?

Before you start your painting project, it is important to determine what kind of paint will work best on the shiplap style wall. To get the best results from wood shiplap, you should use water-based primer and paint all-in-one. This will save you time and money since you'll only use 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 determine the best paint sheen to match the design; however, make sure to consider the practicality as well. Flat (also called matte) sheen is great for shiplap; it can be difficult to keep clean, though. Are you unsure of what sheen to choose? This blog about paint sheens will aid!

If the shiplap is located in an area that is heavily used, like the dining room or kitchen, the semi-gloss sheen would be easier to clean. It is also possible to choose an in-between sheen such as eggshell or satin. These can give a more matte look but still be relatively simple to clean.

Tips for Painting Shiplap

Here are some suggestions to help you:

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 put up on the walls.

When the wood is constructed out of engineered lumber (MDF or medium density fibreboard) instead of wood, it is best to seal the wood using an oil-based primer prior to applying a water-based paint with a Urethane enamel for a finish. Avoid using latex paint for walls. This will stop a water-based painting from causing damage to the MDF, which is water-resistant. A separate coat of oil-based primer also gives the shiplap boards extra protection against humidity and water.

Do not forget to fill any gap or nail holes within the shiplap using a spackle or caulk prior to applying paint. If you had painted the shiplap prior to installation, then fill in the holes and gaps after the shiplap has been installed and then cover the areas using paint.

If the shiplap is already put up, paint it as a wall (with the help of a roller, and then cut in using the help of a brush), making sure to take the time to paint the spaces and the shiplap grooves using a small brush.

How to Paint Shiplap in Seven Steps

The floor and the surrounding area should be covered to guard it from drips and paint splatters.

Sand the shiplap board using sandpaper and then wipe off any sawdust that remains.

In the event that you're using a different primer, apply it before painting and let it dry completely. This isn't required when you're using an all-in-one primer and paint.

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

After installing the shiplap or if they're already put in, remove the nails and then fill with paintable caulk or spackle.

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

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