Best Paint for Exterior Shiplap: Top Picks & Expert Tips

When it comes to protecting and enhancing the curb appeal of your home, choosing the right paint for your exterior shiplap is crucial. Shiplap, with its distinct vertical grooves, adds a charming touch to any home's exterior. However, not all paints are created equal, and selecting the best one can mean the difference between a beautiful, long-lasting finish and a faded, peeling eyesore. Let's delve into the world of exterior paints and find the best fit for your shiplap.

Exterior paints are designed to withstand the elements, but not all are suited to the unique characteristics of shiplap. The best paint for exterior shiplap should not only provide excellent protection but also accentuate the beauty of the wood grain. It's a balance between durability, aesthetics, and application ease. Let's explore the top contenders.

Understanding Exterior Paint Types

Before we dive into the best paints for exterior shiplap, it's essential to understand the different types of exterior paints available.

1. **Acrylic Latex Paint**: This water-based paint is popular for its durability, ease of application, and quick drying time. It's also highly versatile, suitable for various surfaces, including wood, vinyl, and stucco. However, it may not be the best choice for shiplap, as it can highlight imperfections in the wood due to its tendency to show brush strokes.

Best for Shiplap: Alkyd and Oil-Based Paints

While acrylic latex paints are great for many surfaces, they may not be the best choice for shiplap. Alkyd and oil-based paints, on the other hand, offer superior durability and adhesion, making them ideal for exterior wood surfaces like shiplap.

2. **Alkyd Paint**: This type of paint is a modified oil-based paint that dries faster than traditional oil-based paints. It provides excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to fading and peeling. Alkyd paints are a great choice for exterior wood surfaces, including shiplap, as they can penetrate and seal the wood, preventing moisture from getting in.

3. **Oil-Based Paint**: Traditional oil-based paints are known for their durability, rich color, and excellent adhesion. They provide a smooth, even finish and can be a good choice for shiplap, as they can fill in minor imperfections in the wood. However, they have a longer drying time and can be more difficult to clean up than other types of paint.

Special Considerations: Primer and Stain

Before applying paint to your exterior shiplap, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. This involves cleaning the wood, sanding any rough spots, and applying a primer or stain.

**Primer**: Applying a primer before painting can help seal the wood, preventing tannins from bleeding through and ruining the paint's color. It also provides a better surface for the paint to adhere to, ensuring a longer-lasting finish. Choose a primer that's specifically designed for exterior use and is compatible with the paint you've chosen.

**Stain**: If you prefer a more natural look, you might consider staining your shiplap instead of painting it. Exterior wood stains can enhance the grain of the wood and provide protection against the elements. However, they may not offer the same level of protection as paint and may require more frequent reapplication.

Top Paints for Exterior Shiplap

Now that we understand the different types of exterior paints and their suitability for shiplap, let's look at some of the best paints on the market.

1. **Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint**: This acrylic latex paint is a top choice for exterior surfaces. While it's not an oil-based or alkyd paint, it offers excellent durability, resistance to fading, and a smooth, even finish. It's also easy to apply and clean up, making it a great option for those who want the best of both worlds.

2. **Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT**: This oil-based paint is specifically designed for exterior wood surfaces. It provides superior adhesion, durability, and resistance to fading and peeling. It also has a long open time, allowing for easier application and better leveling.

3. **Behr Premium Plus Ultra**: This acrylic latex paint offers excellent durability, resistance to fading, and a smooth, even finish. It's also easy to apply and clean up, making it a great choice for those who want a high-quality paint that's easy to work with.

4. **Zinsser Perma-White**: This alkyd paint is a top choice for exterior wood surfaces. It provides excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to fading and peeling. It also has a fast drying time, making it a great choice for those who want to get the job done quickly.

Choosing the Right Color

Once you've chosen the best paint for your exterior shiplap, it's time to pick the right color. The color you choose can greatly impact the curb appeal of your home, so it's important to choose wisely.

1. **Neutral Colors**: Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray are always a safe bet. They can make your home look clean, crisp, and well-maintained. They also provide a blank canvas for accent colors and landscaping.

2. **Complementary Colors**: Consider the colors of your roof, trim, and landscaping when choosing a paint color. You might choose a color that complements these elements, creating a harmonious look for your home's exterior.

3. **Historical Accuracy**: If your home is historic or has a specific architectural style, you might want to choose a paint color that's historically accurate. This can help preserve the character of your home and maintain its historical integrity.

Remember, the best paint for exterior shiplap is one that provides excellent protection, enhances the beauty of the wood grain, and is easy to apply. It's also important to choose a paint that's compatible with your home's style and your personal preferences. With the right paint and a little bit of elbow grease, you can transform your home's exterior into a showstopper.