When trying to add character to a room, you might have come across beadboard. It's a style of decorative paneling that looks interesting. But, before you decide, you might wonder if beadboard comes in various colors. If that's your concern, we're here to help.
In general, the color of a beadboard depends on where you can get it. Some retailers will have it in a few different colors. If you can't find one that sells beadboard in colors, there's no need to worry. You can also paint one before you install it.
Getting an item in the color you want ahead of time is convenient. However, we have to compromise sometimes. Maybe beadboard color options aren't available to us. So, how can we paint them? These are some of the concerns we cover further ahead.o
The Colors Of Beadboard
When you need a product, it's typically easy to find online. There are a lot of options. However, wall panels are a different situation.
Sure, there are still a lot of results you'll find. Though, that doesn't mean you're getting what you specifically searched for. Most of the time, you're going to find wainscotting panels. Are they the same as beadboard?
Does beadboard come in colors? Yes, they do! They can come in various shades that complement the room you're planning to install them in.
At Lowes, you can find beadboard for shower walls in colors like white granite, gray granite, Tahiti ivory, etc. What if you don't like these colors? Then, you'll have to try another store.
What about Home Depot? Their options include beadboard in colors like gray, green, and blue. Still, it seems like there's a limited amount of options.
If you can't find beadboard panels in the color you want, you'll have to paint them before installing them. This way, you don't have to settle with options you might regret purchasing later.
What Is Beadboard Made From?
We've gone over the color options you have for this decorative panel. Since it's a relatively new option in your eyes, you might be wondering, what is beadboard? Is it wood? Or is it made of another material?
Beadboard is a medium-density fiberboard. In other words, it's an engineered wood product.
Manufacturers will break down hardwood or softwood into wood fibers. Then, they'll combine it with a wax and resin binder.
After applying high temperatures and pressure, we get products like beadboard. They're a wood paneling with long vertical grooves and raised beads spaced every inch or two.
What About Wainscoting?
When you're looking for beadboard, you might find the term wainscoting along with it. What is that exactly? Is it another form of beadboard?
No, not exactly. Wainscoting is a broad term that refers to paneling used for:
- Wall accents
- Insulation
- Protecting walls from damage
- Covering damaged walls
The two main parts in wainscoting are the panel and the frame. The type of panel it uses determines the name of the wainscoting. Beadboard happens to be a type of it. In between each plank is an indentation that professionals would call a bead.
So, if you're looking for beadboard online, now you know why you might see the term wainscoting along with it. Beadboard happens to be a type of wainscoting.
Painting Beadboard
Even with the information above, you still might not find a beadboard panel in colors you'd like. So, what can you do then? If this describes your situation, you'd have to buy white beadboard paneling. You can also purchase paint in any color you'd like.
Once you have your painting tools, it's time to paint the beadboard! Before we get to that, what are some of the tools we can use to paint it?
Can You Roll Paint On Beadboard?
One of the quickest and easiest ways to cover an item with paint would be using a paint roller. Can you use one on beadboard? Yes, you can! It's one of many ways you can paint the paneling.
What Kind Of Roller Should I Use To Paint Beadboard?
The paint roller you can use on the beadboard will mostly depend on the paint. There are four kinds of rollers. Each one uses a different material to hold and spread the paint.
Paint rollers that use natural fibers like lambswool work best with oil-based paints. You can use natural fiber paint rollers to paint any surface.
The other option you might run into is synthetic fabric foam rollers. They will use materials like polyester or nylon. If you're planning to use water-based latex paint, synthetic fabric foam rollers is your best option. Lastly, they're also suitable for any surface texture.
When you're working with oil-based or high-gloss latex paints, foam rollers are your best bet. However, they don't last as long as the others. It works best on porous surfaces like bare wood.
Lastly, other paint rollers use a combination of natural fibers and polyester. These rollers are effective for any painting project. Regarding paint, they work well with any kind.
Prepping The Beadboard
Before you start painting the beadboard, you'll have to start by cleaning the surface. Use a cleaner that is meant to degrease surfaces. Don't forget to clean the grooves too.
Then, dry the paneling completely. Now, you'll have to think about the paint you want to use. Some suggest using interior enamel paint. It's a durable paint that can withstand scuffs and scrapes.
You might also want to use a satin or semi-gloss sheen. It makes cleaning up smudges a lot easier. Of course, the color is all up to your preference.
Priming The Beadboard
You can start by applying a coat of primer. Yes, you will need to use a coat of primer even if your paint has primer in it. Use your paint roller and roll up and down.
Don't forget to prime the trim and baseboard if you want them to match the beadboard. If you'd like, you can use a 2-inch angled sash brush and run it along the grooves. This way, you can ensure you didn't miss a spot with the paint roller.
It's important to note that you should also prime the back. Priming the back will ensure it also gets protection from moisture. After priming both sides, let it dry completely.
Applying Your Paint
Once the primer has dried completely, it's time to start painting! There are a few ways you can do so. It all depends on how quickly you want to finish the job.
For the first method, you can use a hash brush the start painting the grooves. Start at the top and work your way down. Be careful with how much paint you use. Using too much can leave drip marks.
Once the grooves have paint, you can paint the flat surfaces with the paint roller. Apply the paint in two-foot sections at a time. If you notice any streaks, you can use the paintbrush to smooth them out.
Alternative Way To Paint Your Beadboard
Instead of starting with the grooves, you can apply the first coat of paint using the paint roller. However, roll it side to side, not up and down. Of course, this won't end up looking smooth.
So, after applying the paint, use a paintbrush to smooth out all the stippling from the roller. You also smooth out excess paint from the bead detail.
You start from the top and work your way through the bottom.
Here's a YouTube video demonstrating how to do this painting method:
Once the first coat of paint dries, you can apply the second coat. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. From there, you can enjoy the beadboard with your preferred colors!
Can You Spray Paint Beadboard?
Spray painting is an even faster way to get over a painting job. If you're wondering if you can use spray paint, you can! It's the pro's go-to tool of choice.
You can still follow the painting steps above if you go with this method. However, it's going to be a lot faster.
Here's a YouTube video demonstrating how a job using spray paint would go:
Do You Caulk Beadboard?
The topic of caulking beadboard is a tricky one. Although some people feel it is necessary, caulking might make the beadboard look worse if you don't do it properly.
If any future accidents make their way into the areas that aren't caulked, it might be a headache to clean up. Still, most people would advise you to do it only if you can caulk it cleanly.
Otherwise, it's going to be an eyesore. It will draw attention to the detailing. Thus, it all falls on your preference. Do you value sealed cracks and crevices, or does the overall look matter more?
Regardless, you might want to get a secondhand opinion from a professional to see what your options are.
To Wrap Up
Beadboard is one of the best ways to add character to a room. There are colored options that you can buy. But, if you can't find it in a color you like, there's no need to panic! You can color it yourself! We hope you found the information above helpful.
Before you go, do you have other paneling concerns? What about paint? If you'd like to see the best paint for wall paneling, check out our post:
What's The Best Paint Finish For Wall Paneling?
What about the trim? If you plan on using a different paint for the trim, check out our post: