How to Paint Faux Shiplap

Shiplap is definitely on trend, and many homeowners are applying wood to their walls, but what happens if it goes out of style? You can achieve the same look by just using paint. Learn how to paint faux shiplap in this video by Ace Hardware:

1. Wall Prep: Repair any holes or cracks using a spackling compound and a putty knife; let dry. Clean the wall. You can either wash the wall using TSP or sand the wall and follow with a damp cloth to wipe off the dust.

2. Tape the Wall: Using a good quality painters tape, apply it along the perimeter of the wall. Setting the tape is critical for getting crisp edges.

3. Paint the Base Coat: Using a paint and primer in one, start by cutting in and apply the paint about 2-3 inches around the edges using a synthetic brush, then switch to a roller to paint the rest of the wall. Let dry, then apply a second coat. Remove the painters tape, preferably sooner than later to prevent the new paint from peeling off with the tape.

4. Layout: Lay out your lines to create the shiplap look. You can use a laser level or go “old school” with a tape measure and level. Make small pencil marks on the wall, measuring the wall from top to bottom, to determine the layout of your “planking”. Create 1/8-inch gaps by adding a second set of marks under the original marks. Repeat the marking process in the center and at both ends of the wall. Create the lines by applying painters tape to the top and bottom of the marks.

5. Paint the Lines: Paint in between the tape lines. Apply the first coat, let dry, then apply the second coat. Carefully remove the painters tape.