Paintable shiplap wallpaper: choose the right one

You want that crisp, coastal shiplap look, but the thought of installing real wood planks makes your head spin. Paintable shiplap wallpaper offers a shortcut. It mimics the look of traditional shiplap, but comes on a roll, ready to be applied like regular wallpaper and then painted to match your decor. This guide breaks down what you need to know to pick the right product and install it without major headaches.

Understanding the types of paintable shiplap wallpaper

Not all paintable shiplap wallpapers are created equal. The material they’re made from affects durability, ease of installation, and how well they can be painted. The main types you’ll encounter are:

• Unpasted vinyl: This is a common choice. It’s durable and can usually withstand a good scrubbing. The ‘unpasted’ part means you’ll need to apply wallpaper paste to the back of the paper or to the wall itself. Vinyl is a good option for high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens because it’s more resistant to moisture and stains. Look for brands specifying it’s suitable for painting.
• Pre-pasted vinyl: Similar to unpasted vinyl, but it comes with a dry adhesive on the back. You activate the paste by dipping the paper in water. This can be slightly easier for DIYers, as you don’t have to deal with messy paste. However, the adhesion might not be as strong as with a separate paste, especially in humid environments.
• Peel and stick: While less common specifically for *paintable* shiplap, some manufacturers are developing peel-and-stick options that are designed to be painted over. These are the easiest to install – just peel off the backing and stick it to the wall. They are also removable, making them ideal for renters. However, ensure the specific product is rated for painting, as not all vinyl coatings can handle paint well. Check the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Textured paper (e.g., non-woven): Some paintable shiplap wallpapers are made from a thicker, textured paper, often non-woven. These can provide a more substantial feel and a better surface for paint. They are generally easier to hang and remove than traditional vinyl.

Key features to look for

When you’re shopping, focus on these critical details:

• Paintability: This is non-negotiable. The packaging or product description must explicitly state that the wallpaper is paintable. Some wallpapers have a finish that repels paint, rendering the whole exercise pointless.
• Texture and Embossing: The best paintable shiplap wallpapers have a deep embossment that truly mimics the look of wood planks with a slight shadow line between them. A shallow or flat print won’t give you that realistic 3D effect. The texture also helps the paint adhere better and hide minor imperfections on your wall.
• Durability: Consider where you’re installing it. For a busy entryway or a child’s room, opt for a scrubbable vinyl that can handle wear and tear. For a low-traffic area like a guest bedroom, a thicker textured paper might suffice.
• Match type: Most shiplap wallpapers are designed to be a ‘random match’ or ‘straight across’ match. This means you don’t have to worry about aligning complex patterns between strips, which simplifies installation significantly.
• Weight and Thickness: Heavier, thicker wallpapers tend to be more forgiving during installation, as they are less likely to tear and can hide minor wall imperfections better than thin papers.

Installation steps for a flawless finish

Installing paintable shiplap wallpaper is similar to hanging any other wallpaper, but a few details are crucial for a good result.

Preparation is key

This is where most DIYers cut corners, and it shows in the final look.

• Clean the walls: Ensure your walls are clean, dry, and free of grease, dust, or old, peeling wallpaper. Use a mild detergent and water, then rinse and let dry completely.
• Repair imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or joint compound. Sand smooth once dry and wipe away dust. Uneven walls will telegraph through the wallpaper, especially after painting.
• Prime the walls: Apply a coat of high-quality wallpaper primer. This seals the wall, prevents the paste from soaking in too quickly (especially on drywall), and makes the wallpaper easier to remove later. Let it dry completely according to the primer manufacturer’s instructions.
• Cut your strips: Measure the height of your wall from ceiling to baseboard. Add at least 4 inches (10 cm) to this measurement for trimming at the top and bottom. Cut your wallpaper strips to this length. If your pattern has a specific repeat (though shiplap usually doesn’t), account for that.

Applying the wallpaper

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, as methods vary between unpasted, pre-pasted, and peel-and-stick.

• For unpasted: Apply an even coat of wallpaper paste to the back of the strip or to the wall, as instructed. Fold the pasted sides together (booking) for about 5-10 minutes to allow the paste to activate, making the paper more pliable.
• For pre-pasted: Submerge the strip in a water tray or spray with water according to the product’s instructions to activate the paste. Book as directed.
• For peel-and-stick: Simply peel back the backing a few inches and align the edge to your starting point.
• Hang the first strip: Start in a corner or at a prominent point. Use a level or a plumb line to ensure the first strip is perfectly vertical. This is critical; if the first strip is off, all subsequent strips will be off too, resulting in uneven gaps between planks.
• Smooth out bubbles: As you hang each strip, use a wallpaper brush or a plastic smoother to gently push out air bubbles and excess paste towards the edges. Work from the center outwards.
• Trim edges: Once a strip is in place, use a sharp utility knife or a razor blade and a straight edge (like a metal ruler or the edge of your smoother) to trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. Change your blade frequently for clean cuts.
• Continue hanging: Hang subsequent strips, butting the edges together. Most shiplap wallpapers are designed so the ‘plank’ lines align vertically from one strip to the next, but the ‘gap’ between planks should be a consistent visual element.

For a comprehensive guide to painting over wallpaper, check out Transform Your Walls with Paintable Wallpaper: The Ultimate Guide.

Painting your shiplap wallpaper

Once the wallpaper paste is completely dry (usually 24-48 hours), it’s time to paint.

• Choose the right paint: Use a good quality latex or acrylic paint. Eggshell or satin finishes tend to look best, as they offer a slight sheen that highlights the texture without being too reflective. Avoid high-gloss finishes, which can emphasize any imperfections in the wallpaper or wall.
• Apply primer (optional but recommended): Some people like to apply a coat of primer specifically designed for wallpaper before the topcoat. This ensures even paint absorption and can help the paint adhere better, especially if you’re using a darker color.
• Paint the planks: Use a brush to carefully paint within the embossed ‘grooves’ or ‘gaps’ between the planks. A small artist’s brush or a specialized corner brush works well.
• Roll the surfaces: For the raised plank surfaces, use a small foam roller or a short-nap roller to apply the paint. Work with the direction of the planks.
• Apply multiple coats: You’ll likely need at least two coats of paint to achieve full coverage and a uniform look, especially if you’re painting over a dark or patterned wallpaper. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t let a few simple errors ruin your project:

• Skipping wall preparation: As mentioned, dirty, uneven, or unprimed walls are the number one cause of wallpaper failure.
• Using the wrong paste: If you’re using unpasted wallpaper, make sure you use a paste specifically designed for your wallpaper type (e.g., vinyl paste for vinyl wallpaper).
• Not letting paste activate: For unpasted papers, not booking them properly means the paste won’t fully adhere, leading to bubbles or peeling later.
• Over-wetting pre-pasted paper: Too much water can weaken the seams and make the paper difficult to handle.
• Not checking for paintability: Buying wallpaper that isn’t explicitly stated as paintable is a waste of time and money.
• Painting too soon: Applying paint before the wallpaper is fully dry and adhered can cause it to bubble or tear.
• Using a harsh roller: Scrubbing too hard with a roller can damage the embossed texture or even tear the wallpaper.

When to consider alternatives

While paintable shiplap wallpaper is a great solution, it’s not always the best fit.

• For a truly seamless look: If you need a perfectly smooth, integrated wall without any hint of seams or texture, consider skim-coating your drywall or using actual wood shiplap.
• For extreme durability: In commercial settings or very high-traffic residential areas prone to abuse, real wood or a different wall paneling might be more robust.
• Budget constraints: While generally more affordable than real wood, some premium paintable wallpapers can be pricey. Basic paint is always the cheapest wall treatment.

If you’re looking for a specific color, you might find pre-colored options like grey shiplap wallpaper, but painting over it allows for ultimate customization.

Paintable shiplap wallpaper is an excellent compromise for achieving a popular design element without the significant labor and cost of traditional methods. By understanding the different types and following proper installation and painting techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that elevates your home’s aesthetic.