Step-by-Step Guide for How to Paint Shiplap

Painting shiplap can be tricky.

I know the stress of getting those grooves just right – I messed up my first shiplap paint job and had to start over. Paint drips, uneven coverage, and brush marks can make your walls look less than perfect.

But here’s the good thing: after painting several shiplap walls in my home, I’ve found simple methods that work every time.

In this guide, I’ll share my tested steps to paint shiplap walls without the usual problems. I’ll show you the right tools to use, the best painting techniques, and my top tips to get clean lines on those tricky grooves.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to make your shiplap walls look fresh and smooth.

Understanding Shiplap

Shiplap is a type of wooden board siding that fits together with a small gap between each board. I first learned about it when I moved into my farmhouse-style home.

The boards have special grooved edges that help them fit snugly against each other.

Think of shiplap-like puzzle pieces that connect horizontally to your wall. Each board overlaps slightly with the one next, creating neat lines across the surface. These lines give your walls a clean, structured look.

Here’s why I love shiplap in my home:

It adds texture to plain walls
The boards protect your walls from daily wear
You can paint it any color you want
It works well in any room
The boards are easy to clean
It can hide small wall imperfections
The style fits both modern and traditional homes

One thing I like about shiplap is how it makes rooms feel more put-together. The horizontal lines can make your space wider, while vertical shiplap can make your ceilings look higher.

You’ll often see shiplap in living rooms and bedrooms, but I’ve also used it in bathrooms and kitchens.

Just make sure to use the right paint type for each room.

How to Paint Shiplap

Tools and Materials Required

1. For Installation (if not already installed):

Construction adhesive
Finish nails
Level
Miter saw
Multi-tool
Jigsaw
Table saw
Speed square
Tape measure

2. For Painting:

Pre-primed MDF shiplap boards
Paint rollers (small 4-inch and standard size)
Paint brushes (2-inch angled brush)
Paint tray
Wall paint (suitable for interior wood)
Sandpaper (fine grit)
Painter’s tape
Drop cloths
Caulk and caulk gun
Wood filler
Putty knife

Step-by-Step Process to Paint

1. Prep the Space

Put down drop clothes
Remove outlet covers
Tape off any areas you don’t want to be painted
Fill nail holes with wood filler
Sand-filled spots until smooth

2. Clean the Surface

Wipe down all shiplap boards
Remove any dust with a tack cloth
Let the surface dry fully

3. Caulk the Gaps

Apply caulk where shiplap meets trim
Seal gaps between boards if needed
Let the caulk dry completely

4. Start Painting

Begin at the top of the wall
Paint one section at a time
Use the small roller for flat surfaces
Use the angled brush for grooves

5. Apply Paint Properly

Paint in small sections
Work the paint into grooves first
Roll the flat surfaces after
Keep a wet edge while working

6. Check Your Work

Look for missed spots
Check grooves for drips
Fix any uneven coverage
Let the first coat dry fully

7. Final Steps

Add a second coat if needed
Remove painter’s tape while the paint is wet
Put outlet covers back on
Clean up your workspace

Some Amazing Painting Techniques to Try Out

1. Rolling Technique

I’ve learned that the right rolling method makes a huge difference. Here’s my process:

Load the foam roller with paint – but not too much
Start in the middle of a board
Roll side to side with light pressure
Keep your roller strokes overlapping by about 2 inches
Don’t lift the roller until you reach the end of each board
Clean your roller often to prevent paint buildup

2. Brush Stroke Method

Getting the grooves right took me some practice. Here’s what works:

Hold your angled brush at 45 degrees
Start at one end of the groove
Paint in long, steady strokes
Don’t stop mid-groove – go all the way across
Clean excess paint from the brush often
Use light pressure to avoid paint pooling
Check for drips as you go

3. W-Pattern Application

This method helps get even coverage on flat areas:

Load your roller with paint
Make a 3-foot wide W on the flat part
Fill in the W without lifting the roller
Blend the edges as you go
Work in small sections
Keep a wet edge at all times

4. Back-Brushing Steps

This technique gives a smooth finish:

After rolling, take a clean, dry brush
Hold it at a slight angle
Brush very lightly over the wet paint
Use long, straight strokes
Work in one direction only
Don’t press too hard – let the brush glide

5. Groove-First Method

Here’s my step-by-step process:

Paint all grooves in one area first
Let them dry for 5-10 minutes
Clean up any paint that got on flat surfaces
Then, paint the flat areas
This prevents double-coating edges
It helps keep paint from getting too thick

6. Thin Coat Strategy

Getting the right thickness is key:

Mix paint well before starting
Load tools with less paint than you think you need
Apply paint in thin, even layers
Let each coat dry fully
Sand lightly between coats if needed
Plan for two thin coats minimum

7. Edge-Work Method

Edges need special care:

Use a small brush (1 inch works best)
Start at the edge and work outward
Keep a steady hand
Clean up edges right away if needed
Use light pressure
Have a damp cloth ready for quick cleanups

What Type of Paint Finish is Best for Shiplap Walls?

From my experience painting multiple shiplap walls, here’s what I’ve found about paint finishes:

1. Best Overall: Satin Finish

Works in most rooms
Easy to clean
Shows texture nicely
Hides small flaws

2. For High-Traffic Areas

Semi-gloss finish
Good for kitchens
Perfect for bathrooms
Stands up to washing

3. For Living Spaces

Eggshell finish
Looks soft and warm
Great for bedrooms
Good for living rooms

4. Finishes to Skip

Flat paint (too hard to clean)
High gloss (shows every flaw)
Chalk paint (marks easily)

Tips for Success

Use primer first
Pick paint meant for wood
Test finish on a small area
Buy enough for two coats

Overall Cost Analysis While Painting The Whole

Item	Cost Range
Basic Supply Costs
Paint (1 gallon)	$25 – $35
Paint rollers and brushes	$15 – $20
Drop cloths	$10
Painter’s tape	$5 – $8
Sandpaper	$5
Caulk	$5 – $7
Optional Items
Wood filler	$8
Extra brushes	$10
Paint tray	$5
Cleaning supplies	$5
Labor Costs
DIY	Free (4-6 hours)
Professional painter	$200 – $300 per wall
Money-Saving Tips
Buy supplies in bulk if painting multiple walls	–
Share tools with friends	–
Choose good quality paint (fewer coats needed)	–
Keep leftover paint for touch-ups	–
Total DIY Cost Range	$65 – $100 per wall
Total Professional Cost Range	$265 – $400 per wall

Some Advanced Styling Options to Consider

I’ll share some clever ways to style your shiplap walls that I’ve tried in my own home:

1. Two-Tone Effect

Paint the grooves a darker shade
Keep the flat parts lighter
This adds depth to your walls

2. Color Blocking

Paint the top half one color
The bottom half is another color
Use trim pieces to divide them

3. Pattern Play

Paint every third board different
Create vertical stripes
Make checkerboard designs

4. Mixed Finishes

Use matte on flat areas
Add satin finish in grooves
Creates subtle contrast

5. Accent Wall Ideas

Paint one wall bolder than the others
Use soft contrast colors
Match room’s color theme

6. Tone Transition

Start dark at the bottom
Fade to lighter at the top
Use 3-4 shades of the same color

7. Trim Focus

Paint trim separate color
It makes walls pop more
Frames the whole look

Post-Painting Care Tips to Follow

Some Troubleshooting Common Issues

Paint Drips Fix: Sand drip marks gently after drying, wipe clean, and touch up with a thin paint layer.
Patchy Coverage Fix: Wait for the first coat to dry fully, then apply the second thin coat in good lighting.
Paint in Grooves Fix: Use small brush to smooth pooled paint, clean excess with damp cloth right away.
Peeling Paint Fix: Remove loose paint, sand edges smooth, prime bare spots, and then repaint the area.
Brush Marks Fix: Sand marks lightly between coats, use foam roller for smooth finish.

Conclusion

Ready to start your shiplap painting project? I hope this guide helps you skip the mistakes I made when I first started.

The key to a perfect shiplap wall is taking your time with prep work and using the right painting methods.

Remember to check your work in good lighting and keep those coats thin and even.

Keep this guide handy while you work on your walls. And here’s a final tip from my experience: take photos of your paint can labels. It makes touch-ups much easier later.

I’d love to see how your shiplap project turns out! Leave a comment below sharing your experience, or if you have questions before you start, I’m here to help.

Want more home painting tips? Check out my guide on choosing the perfect paint colors.