Oh Shiplap, you might as well have been Joanna Gaines’ child because she brought you to life and years later you are still alive and kicking. There are so many ways to create the “shiplap look” from faux shiplap to real wood with shiplap grooves. Guess what? They all have one thing in common; the separation or crack in between each board that adds so much dimension to any space.
So whats the best way to paint all those spaces? Do you paint the entire wall after it’s been installed or do you paint each board individually. Also, what about shiplap paneling? Let’s talk about it.

First things first, understanding how these boards come together will help you decide how to paint the cracks. You also need to know what kind of look you are going for. Do you want a heavy and dark line between the boards or a subtle line? These questions will help you decide how to paint them too.
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How to paint tongue and groove shiplap cracks
Tongue and groove boards are really the “original shiplap boards.” It is a type of wood paneling with a groove cut at the top and bottom of each board so they overlap to form a tight, waterproof seal. Because of this, you won’t see the wall behind the boards. This make the gaps in between these boards and little trickier to paint!
In my opinion, the best way to paint the grooves in between each board is to paint them BEFORE installing them. Using a paint sprayer before installation is the best and easiest way to do this. This will save you a huge headache! If, by chance, you install them first and need to paint them afterwards (or decide to repaint), use a small detail paint brush to get in between all those little cracks. If you are painting the cracks the same color as you are painting the boards, a paint sprayer should work to extend the paint into the cracks and crevices as well.
How to paint faux shiplap gaps
If you are looking to paint in between those faux shiplap gaps (straight cut plywood or even old flooring, LOL), there are a few things you need to note. Because these boards are straight cut, you will most likely SEE THE WALL BEHIND THEM.
This is where you need to decide
a) will you paint the wall behind the boards with a dark color first? or
b) do you install the boards first and use a tiny paint brush to paint the cracks after?
I think the easiest solution is to paint the wall a dark color first, then install the boards.

You can see pictured above where I went in with a small brush and black paint and painted the lines between the planks after I installed the faux shiplap.
Once this was done, I painted the entire wall white to give it that classic white shiplap look.The faux shiplap wouldn’t look the same without the black paint behind the planks. Those black lines really made a statement with this shiplap wall!
You can also see below where I installed Weaber Lumber wall boards in our mudroom. These white washed wall boards are not perfectly cut, so you can see between them to the wall (which is white). Hindsight, I would have painted the wall a little darker color to accent the lighter wood boards.
How do you paint shiplap paneling grooves and any other paneling cracks?
I recently installed pre-primed shiplap paneling boards in our master bedroom. Shiplap accent walls are a popular thing these days and I wanted to add some shiplap paneling sheets behind our bed. Paneling is a great way to get the shiplap look without installing the individual boards. The best part about these boards is that they are about half the price of regular tongue and groove boards too. As you know, paneling boards DON’T expose the wall behind it, but they do have small grooves. So how do you paint those small grooves?
I did an instructional blog post on how to paint paneling with 7 steps. In a nutshell, after you’ve used paintable caulk and filled all the nail holes, you use an angle brush to paint in between the grooves and then use a paint roller to roll over the rest of the surface.
For best results, sand the surface after filling the nail holes and before paint. I did paint the vertical shiplap the same color (including grooves). I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone paint paneling grooves a different color than the face of the boards.
I think it turned out well and I love the cottage vibe it gives off. It’s really a personal preference as to what look you are going for. If you want a more “stark” Shiplap look with dark grooves and cracks, install faux boards or straight cut boards with a dark line behind them. To me, this style blends better with a rustic look. If you want a more subtle shiplap look, paneling is a good fit.
I hope I’ve shed some light on a few different methods to paint shiplap cracks and a few things to think about before you tackle this project.
I can’t publish this post without giving a nod to my old “sharpie shiplap.” When it comes to painting shiplap cracks, this is all you do to create this look! Let me show you.

P.S. This is a great renter friendly shiplap option if you can’t install boards on the wall. Just paint over it before you move out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of paint to use to paint shiplap?
Honestly, the type of paint you use depends on the type of shiplap you are installing. Are you ripping regular old plywood to make MDF shiplap? If so, you probably need a good primer coat first and then a few coats of paint. Are you painting pre primed paneling? Then no primer needed, just a good wall paint. Doesn’t matter if it’s Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, any wall paint will do. Are you painting the individual shiplap boards? They probably need a primer coat first and then a good wall paint.
There really isn’t a “best paint” for shiplap since this is a personal preference. Just make sure you prime the surface before the first coat of paint to ensure great coverage. As far as paint finish? Just know that the higher the sheen of paint, the more durable. Most people use a satin sheen.
What tools do you use to paint in between the cracks of shiplap?
I’ve touched on this briefly already. IF the boards are already installed, a small detail paint brush works great. If you are a messy painter, I would highly suggest using painters tape to cover the edges of the boards and then go in with a dark or black paint and paint brush.
If you want to install the boards first and plan to paint the entire wall the same color (including the cracks), a paint sprayer is a great idea for a flawless finish. Otherwise use a fine finish paint roller and angled brush.
What is the best technique for painting shiplap cracks to ensure full coverage?
To achieve full coverage in shiplap cracks, it is recommended to use a brush designed for detail work. Applying paint in multiple thin layers allows for better penetration into the cracks, resulting in smoother coverage.
How can I effectively paint shiplap cracks in a bathroom to prevent moisture damage?
Using paint that is specially formulated for high-moisture areas is essential in bathrooms. A mildew-resistant primer can also help seal the cracks before applying the topcoat, reducing the risk of moisture penetration. The higher the sheen of paint, the more resistant it is to moisture.
What type of paintbrush works best for getting into the cracks of shiplap?
A narrow, angled brush is best for accessing tight spaces in shiplap cracks. A foam brush may also be effective, as it allows for a smooth application without leaving brush marks.
Is it necessary to sand shiplap before painting over the cracks, or can this step be skipped?
Sanding shiplap is advisable to create a smooth surface for painting. It helps remove any rough edges or splinters (for raw wood), ensuring better paint adhesion and a more professional finish. This is especially important if you are using a wood product like MDF.
Can shiplap be painted immediately after installation, or is there a waiting period for the wood to settle?
If you are using real wood, it is generally recommended to allow the wood to settle before painting. Waiting at least a few days gives time for any moisture to escape, contributing to a better finish and adhesion for the paint.
Hopefully I’ve given you some good pointers and ideas on how to paint those cracks in between the boards.