With its storied history as material for ship hulls and exterior siding, shiplap boards have come a long way to the interior of farmhouse, country and even modern homes. Shiplap walls, kitchen islands and fireplaces lend contemporary appeal to numerous spaces throughout your home, even working as an interesting alternative to drywall materials for your ceilings. Part of getting your shiplap project right, however, comes down to knowing how to paint shiplap, preferably with a high-quality medium such as milk paint by The Real Milk Paint Co.
The Appeal of Shiplap and the Importance of Proper Painting
When you want to add an accent wall to your space, a shiplap wall is often the way to go. The easy-to-install shiplap boards go on over your drywall, and you can paint them properly with a paint sprayer or paintbrush. The versatile DIY project material you can mount as horizontal or vertical shiplap is often economical as well when purchased as raw wood, helping you better complete your home decor on a strict budget.
How to Paint Shiplap for a Professional Finish
Painting shiplap correctly enhances its charm and ensures long-lasting durability. The key steps involve careful preparation, the right painting technique, and proper drying and sealing. Below is an in-depth guide to achieving a smooth, flawless finish with Real Milk Paint®.
Step 1: Preparing the Shiplap for Paint
Clean and Smooth the Surface
- Before painting, ensure your shiplap boards are free from dust, dirt, and oils. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a mild cleaner if necessary.
- If you’re working with reclaimed or raw wood shiplap, lightly sand the surface with 80- to 120-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or imperfections.
- Fill nail holes and gaps with Real Wood Filler for a seamless look. Avoid vinyl-based or color-changing fillers, as they may not be compatible with Real Milk Paint®.
Prime the Wall Behind the Shiplap (Optional)
- If the shiplap will have gaps between the boards, painting the wall behind it in a similar shade prevents stark contrast from showing through.
- Use a high-quality primer or an initial coat of Real Milk Paint® in your chosen color.
Mask Off Adjacent Surfaces
- Use painter’s tape to protect ceilings, baseboards, and other surfaces you don’t want to paint.
- Lay down a tarp or drop cloth to prevent paint drips on flooring.
Step 2: Mixing and Preparing Real Milk Paint
Mixing the Paint Correctly
- Real Milk Paint® comes in a powdered form and must be mixed at a 1:1 ratio with water.
- Use a paint stick or a whisk to stir the mixture thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- If using a paint sprayer, filter the paint before use and thin it slightly if needed for optimal flow.
Adding an Anti-Foaming Agent (Optional)
- If you want to begin painting immediately, add an Anti-Foaming Agent to minimize bubbles in the paint.
- Allow the paint to sit for a few minutes after mixing so any remaining bubbles settle.
Step 3: Applying Paint to Shiplap Grooves
Use a Small Brush for Precision
- Since shiplap boards have tongue-and-groove connections, start by painting the gaps first.
- Use a small angled brush to get into the grooves and ensure full coverage.
- Avoid applying too much paint in these areas, as excess can pool and create an uneven finish when you paint shiplap grooves.
Step 4: Painting the Shiplap Surface
First Coat Application
- After painting the grooves, use a paint roller or a high-quality paintbrush to apply the first coat to the flat sections of the boards.
- Roll in long, even strokes along the grain of the wood to minimize streaks and brush marks.
- Work in small sections to ensure even coverage.
- Don’t forget to continue mixing your paint as you apply to keep pigments suspended and the color even throughout your project.
Second Coat for Full Coverage
- Once the first coat is dry (typically in a few hours), apply a second coat for a more opaque and uniform finish.
- In between coats, use a putty knife to clear out excess paint from the grooves, preventing dried buildup.
Step 5: Drying and Curing
Understanding Dry Times
- Real Milk Paint® dries typically within an hour, but grooves and corners may take longer.
- If you live in a humid environment, allow for extended drying times before applying a second coat or sealant.
Curing for Maximum Durability
- If applying a finish like Pure Tung Oil, expect a 7- to 15-day cure time to the touch and a full cure in 30 days.
- Avoid excessive handling of the painted surface during this curing period.
Step 6: Sealing for Long-Lasting Protection (Optional)
- For a matte finish: Apply Real Milk Paint Soft Wax to protect the paint while maintaining its natural look.
- For water resistance: Use Pure Tung Oil to create a durable, water-resistant surface that enhances the wood grain. Keep in mind that any oil-based topcoat will change the color of Real Milk Paint®.
- For high-traffic areas: Consider Hemp Oil for added protection and an easy-maintenance finish.
Bonus Tips for a Flawless Painted Shiplap Wall
- Use the Right Brush Techniques: Work in even strokes along the wood grain to avoid visible brush marks.
- Avoid Overloading Paint: Too much paint in grooves or on the roller can lead to uneven coverage and drips.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Although Real Milk Paint® is non-toxic and VOC-free, good airflow helps the paint dry evenly.
- Test a Sample Board First: If unsure about the color or finish, test on a scrap piece before committing to the full project.
Painting Pre-Primed Shiplap: What You Need to Know
If you’re working with pre-primed shiplap, the painting process differs slightly from raw wood shiplap. Pre-primed boards come with a factory-applied primer, which helps with paint adhesion but may require extra preparation to achieve the best results. Here’s what to consider before painting pre-primed shiplap with Real Milk Paint®.
Inspecting the Primer Coat
Not all pre-primed shiplap boards are created equal. Some may have a high-quality, smooth primer, while others could have thin or uneven coverage.
- Check for imperfections: Look for rough areas, inconsistent primer coverage, or visible knots.
- Touch up as needed: If you find areas where the primer is patchy or missing, apply an extra coat of high-quality bonding primer before painting.
- Consider sanding lightly: Some factory primers have a glossy or slick finish that can make it harder for Real Milk Paint® to adhere. A light sanding with 120- to 150-grit sandpaper helps create a better surface for paint application.
- Consider doing a test on a scrap piece of the pre-primed shiplap to ensure optimal adhesion.
Cleaning the Surface
Even pre-primed shiplap collects dust, dirt, and oils from handling and transportation. Before painting:
- Dust off the boards with a clean, dry cloth or microfiber rag.
- Use a damp cloth with mild soap to remove any residue, then let the boards dry completely.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they may interfere with paint adhesion.
Choosing the Right Paint Application Method
Because pre-primed shiplap already has a base layer, the painting technique differs slightly from raw wood.
Best Methods for Painting Pre-Primed Shiplap with Real Milk Paint®:
- Brush and roller: A high-quality synthetic brush works well for the grooves, while a foam roller ensures even coverage on flat surfaces.
- Paint sprayer: If using a sprayer, thin Real Milk Paint® slightly and filter the mixture to prevent clogging. Spraying provides a smooth, professional finish with fewer brush marks.
Application and sealing remain the same once you’ve properly prepared the pre-primed boards for painting.
Painting pre-primed shiplap with Real Milk Paint® saves time since you don’t need to apply a separate primer. However, inspecting the boards, prepping the surface properly, and using the right painting technique ensures a flawless finish.
Additional Tricks for a Flawless Shiplap Painting Project
Achieve the perfect look for your home by using these tips and tricks for how to paint shiplap ceilings or walls.
Properly Taping and Protecting Adjacent Surfaces
Masking tape helps you mark off the areas where you don’t want to paint. Be sure to tape those areas off carefully and cover your flooring with a tarp or canvas drop cloth to prevent drips from causing extra cleanup.
Using the Right Brush Techniques for Painting Shiplap
A small brush with a slight diagonal slant helps you easily paint shiplap cracks and tongue-and-groove elements. Work in quick, even strokes to get a smooth finish, then blend it all together with your paint roller.
Dealing With Common Shiplap Painting Issues
The most common issue when painting shiplap walls is gunked-up paint along the tongue and groove. To solve this issue, run your putty knife along the undersides of the boards after painting to remove any excess paint that’s pooled there.
Why Real Milk Paint Is the Ideal Choice for Painting Shiplap
Look no further than Real Milk Paint® when you need the perfect medium for painting shiplap. Whether you’re using shiplap to accentuate your fireplace, create an interesting visual effect on your ceiling or improve the look of your gallery wall, our high-quality paint confers numerous benefits, including a customizable consistency for easy application with a paint sprayer. Our milk paint is more than just a labor and time saver, however — it’s also a sustainable option for your shiplap projects that’s good for the environment, lasts the long haul and cleans up easily after you finish your paint job.
Environmentally Friendly, Nontoxic Shiplap Paint
When you want sustainable, environmentally friendly shiplap paint, Real Milk Paint fills the bill with a nontoxic formulation made from all-natural ingredients. Our 100% organic milk paint contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so you can paint shiplap anywhere in your home without noxious fumes. Additionally, our milk paint is safe for use on food contact surfaces like cutting boards, and if you mix too much, you can compost the biodegradable excess paint easily for added peace of mind.
Rich, Beautiful Shiplap Paint Colors and Finishes
Picking a paint color for painting shiplap walls and surfaces is simple with Real Milk Paint on your side. Our range of 56 colors runs the gamut from light and airy to rich and dark to help you find the perfect shiplap paint color, and the paint finish is always matte for added beauty. We also offer paint samples so you can easily select the right shades for your painting project. Many of our all-natural finishing oils provide a smooth finish over Real Milk Paint®, which allows you to customize the level of protection and sheen over your freshly painted shiplap.
Check out these popular shiplap paint colors!
Long-Lasting Durability on Shiplap Wood
Create a durable accent wall by using Real Milk Paint® to paint shiplap — without the need to prime the shiplap before painting. Our paints stand the test of time and easily handle the bumps and dings of everyday life, even if you refrain from adding a hard-wearing finish atop your painted shiplap wall. If you do want to keep out water and dust while adding superior abrasion resistance, consider finishing the shiplap boards with our Soft Wax or Pure Tung Oil.
Easy Shiplap Paint Color Application and Cleanup
Speed up the shiplap painting process by using Real Milk Paint®. Our milk paint is powdered, so you can mix just what you need for the project and thin down the consistency if you’re using a paint sprayer. The water-based formulation likewise enables quick, simple cleanup when you put the final coats of paint on a faux shiplap, MDF shiplap or tongue and groove raw wood wall surface.
Transform Your Space With Beautifully Painted Shiplap by Using Real Milk Paint
Whether you’re creating an accent wall for your dining room, updating your living room hearth or lending extra beauty to bedrooms or bathrooms with shiplap elements, the best paint for the job is Real Milk Paint®. Environmental friendliness, beautiful paint colors, and easy cleanup put our paint colors ahead of competitors like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. Real Milk Paint® will give you a beautifully flat finish that accentuates the wood grain when your shiplap wall finally comes together.
