Best Paint for Shiplap: Top Picks & Expert Tips

When it comes to painting shiplap, choosing the right paint is crucial for achieving a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Shiplap, with its distinct vertical grooves, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Here, we'll explore the best paints to use on shiplap, delving into their types, benefits, and application techniques.

Before we dive into the specifics, it's essential to understand that the best paint for shiplap depends on the look you're aiming for - whether it's a sleek, modern finish or a rustic, textured one. Let's explore the top contenders.

Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints, also known as alkyd paints, are a popular choice for shiplap due to their durability and rich color depth. They're known for their excellent adhesion, leveling, and flow, making them ideal for achieving a smooth, professional finish.

However, oil-based paints have a longer drying time and strong odor, which can be a drawback. They also require proper ventilation and cleanup with mineral spirits. Despite these considerations, their durability and finish quality make them a top choice for shiplap.

Benjamin Moore Advance

Benjamin Moore's Advance is a high-quality, water-based alkyd paint that offers the durability and finish of an oil-based paint with the ease of cleanup of a latex paint. It's a popular choice for shiplap, providing excellent adhesion and a smooth, uniform finish.

Advance is available in a wide range of colors and sheens, including a satin finish that's perfect for highlighting the natural texture of shiplap. Its fast drying time and low odor also make it a user-friendly option.

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic is another top oil-based paint for shiplap. It offers excellent adhesion, leveling, and flow, providing a smooth, uniform finish. ProClassic is known for its rich color depth and durability, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

ProClassic has a longer drying time and stronger odor compared to water-based options, but its superior finish and durability make it a worthwhile consideration.

Latex Paints

Latex paints, or water-based paints, are another popular choice for shiplap. They're known for their quick drying time, low odor, and easy cleanup. Latex paints are also more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints.

However, latex paints may not offer the same level of durability or color depth as oil-based paints. They also tend to show imperfections in the wood more than oil-based paints, so proper preparation is crucial.

Behr Premium Plus Ultra

Behr's Premium Plus Ultra is a high-quality latex paint that offers excellent adhesion, durability, and stain resistance. It's a great choice for shiplap, providing a smooth, uniform finish with a wide range of colors and sheens.

Premium Plus Ultra has a quick drying time and low odor, making it a user-friendly option. It's also available in a satin finish that's perfect for enhancing the natural texture of shiplap.

Valspar Signature

Valspar's Signature is another top latex paint for shiplap. It offers excellent adhesion, durability, and stain resistance, providing a smooth, uniform finish. Signature is known for its rich color depth and wide range of colors and sheens.

Signature has a quick drying time and low odor, making it a convenient choice. It's also available in a satin finish that's perfect for highlighting the natural texture of shiplap.

When painting shiplap, it's crucial to prepare the surface properly. This includes sanding, priming, and filling any gaps or holes. The right paint and preparation will ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish. So, whether you choose an oil-based or latex paint, take the time to prepare your shiplap and watch as your space transforms into a beautiful, inviting haven.