Shiplap Tutorial-The Easy Way

Faux Shiplap (Using Only a Pencil)

How to add faux shiplap to your walls without using any power tools

 

2024 Update…I had to update this post because I recently had to pull out my pencil again to add vertical shiplap to the back of my built ins.

 

 

 

 

 

I used the same technique as I did to my mudroom many years ago but this time I used a regular old pencil instead of a black colored pencil.

For some reason, the regular pencil looked better.

This whole project took 15 minutes to do and it made such a big difference.

Sometimes it’s those easy DIY projects that make you feel like all is right in the world.

 

Now onto to my original post (and I apologize for the quality of my photos from many years ago. I think this was one of my very first blog posts)

If I’m ever going to win the genius award it’s because of this idea right here. Just kidding, I totally copied this idea from someone on FaceBook talking about their easy shiplap wall.

But I’m here to share with you what this other person did.  I have no idea who it was by the way but if you are her than thank you.

I tell my kids everyday to not draw on the walls and then what do I go and do? I draw on my wall.

But this is different and totally logical. Well, somewhat logical. We all know that shiplap walls are everything right now and there are tons of tutorials on how to install it but I bet I have by far the easiest way to get the look of shiplap for CHEAP, as in under a $1.

All you have to do is steal a black colored pencil from one of your kids and maybe a ruler too.

Now, I can’t say this is the most professional design you will ever see. I don’t know if I would do this in my formal dining room with all my fancy china (even though I don’t own any). Well I suppose you can if you really want to. It’s your house.  I personally think it’s perfect for a mudroom.

If you read my tutorial on how to paint your vinyl floor you probably noticed my “shiplap” walls. Can you tell I just drew lines on my wall with a colored pencil???

Yep, that’s all I did. You can use a Sharpie for a darker effect but I knew I’d slip a few times and pencil is alot easier to fix than a sharpie. I painted my wall white (Sherwin Williams Dover White if you are interested) and used a semigloss paint to mimic the look of painted wood but you can do any sheen you prefer. 

I spaced my lines about 8 inches apart and with a level I just drew lines going up my walls. It was pretty fun actually.  A magic eraser fixed any of my goof ups and I was done in under an hour.

If you do decide to do this with a sharpie just remember that when you want to paint over it or if you goof you need to use a coat of Kilz to cover those lines.

Here’s another view of my line drawing skills.

I totally kicked butt back in Kindergarten. This was the adult version of connect the dots.

If you want to get real professional with this you can paint the ittiest bittiest lines on your wall like Bower Power did.

This was hands down one of the easiest project I have ever done (almost as easy putting magnets on my garage door).

My kids still ask me why I colored on my wall and I just tell them Joanna Gaines told me to. And when I’m done with shiplap (will there ever be such a time??) I can easily paint over my “shiplap” and move on like it never happened.