Best Paint for Shiplap: Expert Tips

When it comes to painting shiplap, the type of paint you choose can significantly impact the final look and durability of your project. Shiplap, with its unique texture and gaps, presents both opportunities and challenges when it comes to painting. This guide will help you understand the best types of paint for shiplap, ensuring a beautiful, long-lasting result.

Before diving into the types of paint, it's crucial to prepare your shiplap surface properly. This includes cleaning the surface, sanding any rough spots, and priming to seal the wood and improve paint adhesion. Once your shiplap is prepared, you can choose from several paint options to achieve your desired look.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint, also known as alkyd paint, is a popular choice for painting shiplap. It offers excellent adhesion, durability, and a smooth, even finish. Oil-based paint is ideal for shiplap because it can fill in the gaps between boards, creating a seamless look.

However, oil-based paint has some drawbacks. It has a strong odor, requires mineral spirits for cleanup, and has a longer drying time compared to other paint types. Additionally, oil-based paint may not be the best choice for high-moisture areas, as it can crack or peel over time.

Best Suited for

Oil-based paint is an excellent choice for shiplap in areas with normal to low moisture levels, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. It's also a good option for shiplap that will be painted a dark color, as oil-based paint tends to hide imperfections better than other paint types.

Popular oil-based paint options include Benjamin Moore's Advance and Sherwin-Williams' ProClassic.

Preparation and Application

Before applying oil-based paint, ensure your shiplap is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants. Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe off any dust with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of oil-based primer to seal the wood and improve paint adhesion.

When applying oil-based paint, use a high-quality paintbrush with natural bristles. Apply the paint in long, even strokes, working in small sections to prevent the paint from drying too quickly. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying additional coats.

Water-Based Paint

Water-based paint, also known as latex paint, is another popular choice for painting shiplap. It offers excellent durability, easy cleanup with just soap and water, and a low odor. Water-based paint is available in a wide range of colors and sheens, making it a versatile option for shiplap.

However, water-based paint may not be the best choice for shiplap in high-moisture areas, as it can crack or peel over time. Additionally, water-based paint may not fill in the gaps between shiplap boards as well as oil-based paint, which can result in a less seamless look.

Best Suited for

Water-based paint is an excellent choice for shiplap in areas with normal to low moisture levels, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. It's also a good option for shiplap that will be painted a light color, as water-based paint tends to show imperfections more than other paint types.

Popular water-based paint options include Benjamin Moore's Regal Select and Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.

Preparation and Application

Before applying water-based paint, prepare your shiplap surface as you would for oil-based paint. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants. Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe off any dust with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of water-based primer to seal the wood and improve paint adhesion.

When applying water-based paint, use a high-quality paintbrush with synthetic bristles. Apply the paint in long, even strokes, working in small sections to prevent the paint from drying too quickly. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying additional coats.

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is a popular choice for painting shiplap, particularly in distressed or aged looks. It offers excellent adhesion, a matte finish, and can be easily distressed to achieve a vintage look. Chalk paint is typically water-based, making it easy to clean up and low-odor.

However, chalk paint may not be the best choice for shiplap in high-moisture areas, as it can crack or peel over time. Additionally, chalk paint may not fill in the gaps between shiplap boards as well as oil-based paint, which can result in a less seamless look.

Best Suited for

Chalk paint is an excellent choice for shiplap in areas where a distressed or aged look is desired, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and accent walls. It's also a good option for shiplap that will be painted a light or neutral color.

Popular chalk paint options include Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint.

Preparation and Application

Before applying chalk paint, prepare your shiplap surface as you would for water-based paint. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants. Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe off any dust with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of chalk paint primer to seal the wood and improve paint adhesion.

When applying chalk paint, use a high-quality paintbrush with synthetic bristles. Apply the paint in long, even strokes, working in small sections to prevent the paint from drying too quickly. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying additional coats. Once the final coat is dry, apply a coat of chalk paint wax to seal and protect the paint.

When painting shiplap, it's essential to choose the right paint for your specific needs and the environment in which the shiplap is located. By understanding the different types of paint available and preparing your shiplap surface properly, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result. Happy painting!