How to Wallpaper Over Shiplap: A Seamless Guide

Covering shiplap with wallpaper is a practical solution for renters, design refreshes, or homes with outdated wood paneling. This technique allows you to achieve a clean, modern aesthetic without the permanence of painting or removing the existing wall surface. The key to success lies in treating the shiplap as a proper substrate, which requires meticulous preparation and the right materials. Done correctly, the result is a seamless, high-end finish that disguises the wood grain beneath.

Assessing Your Walls and Material Choice

Before purchasing supplies, evaluate the condition and integrity of your shiplap. The surface must be rigid, non-flexing, and securely fastened to the wall studs. If the boards feel loose or shift when pressed, they must be stabilized with adhesive or new fasteners to prevent the wallpaper from ripping later. The style of wallpaper you select will largely determine the difficulty of the project; thinner, non-woven papers are more prone to showing imperfections, while heavy, textured, or grasscloth varieties are more forgiving and better at masking the grooves between planks.

Essential Tools and Supplies

• High-adhesion wallpaper (vinyl or non-woven recommended)
• Paste (if using pre-pasted, quality adhesive)
• Smoothing brush and plastic smoother
• Utility knife with extra blades
• Metal straight edge and measuring tape
• Drop cloths and painter's tape

Surface Preparation is Paramount

The difference between a flawless installation and a peeling disaster is the preparation phase. Shiplap, especially if stained or varnished, creates a slick surface that wallpaper adhesive struggles to grip. Begin by cleaning the walls with a degreaser to remove dust and oils. Next, lightly sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create a matte, rough texture that the adhesive can hold onto. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth, ensuring the boards are completely dry before proceeding.

Gap Filling and Priming

If the grooves between the planks are deep, you have two options: embrace them as texture or fill them. For a truly flat, seamless look, use a quick-setting caulk or spackle to fill the voids. Once dry, sand the filled areas flush with the board surface. Regardless of whether you fill the gaps, applying a coat of liner primer is a non-negotiable step. This seals the wood, ensures uniform absorption of the wallpaper paste, and significantly extends the life of the installation by preventing the old finish from bleeding through.

The Hanging Process: Precision and Patience

Installing wallpaper over shiplap demands a different approach than standard drywall. Always start from the center of the wall to maintain symmetry and ensure you are not ending with a small, awkward strip at the corner. Measure meticulously and cut the wallpaper slightly larger than the board dimensions. Apply the adhesive evenly to the back of the paper using a notched trowel, ensuring full coverage without creating thick lumps that could dry unevenly.

Aligning and Securing the Paper

Position the first strip carefully, aligning it precisely with the vertical lines of the planks or the corner of the room. Use a level to ensure straightness. Once placed, work from the center outward, using a smoothing brush to press the paper firmly into the grooves. Roll out any air bubbles immediately; you cannot stretch wallpaper to correct a bubble after it sets. Pay special attention to the edges, pressing the paper firmly into the contours of the shiplap to lock it into place.

Trimming and Finishing Touches

After the adhesive has set, use a sharp utility knife and a metal straight edge to trim the excess paper cleanly at the top and bottom of the wall. Run the knife gently along the edge of the baseboard or crown molding to create a perfect seal without cutting into the trim. Inspect the surface under natural light for any missed bubbles or lifting edges; these can be pressed down and secured with a bit of extra adhesive injected through a small pinhole.

For the final touch, consider applying a light coat of a water-based polyurethane sealant if the wallpaper is in a high-traffic or moisture-prone area, though this is often unnecessary with modern vinyl or non-woven papers. The transformation is complete: the rustic texture of the shiplap is neutralized, replaced by a sophisticated, uniform surface that provides the warmth of wood with the elegance of a seamless wall.