The easiest way to paint board and batten

October 10, 2011

As many of you know, our new hardwood floors are being installed this week. I’m a jumble of so excited I could pee and totally dreading this – I’m so confused.

They start Tuesday and at least for right now, I’m definitely leaning toward the excited part. Actually, I’m GIDDY at the thought of lovely hardwoods throughout our main floor. By Thursday, when we’re covered in an inch of dust, I may be signing a different tune. ;)

Check out all this hardwood waiting patiently!:

hardwood floors

I’ve been trying to get a few projects done before they get started, especially since I won’t be able to get much accomplished this week. One project I’m ITCHING to get finished up is the office.

I started painting the board and batten six weeks ago – just days before the water issues and the kitchen island was placed in the office for a week and the whole house basically imploded.

At least that’s what it looks like. ;)

So I haven’t gotten back to the painting. Because it’s just not been a priority and OH YEAH, I despise painting board and batten. For reals…it is one of the most dreaded activities EVER.

I’m exaggerating. A wee bit. But not much.

I was out with my friend Beckie the other night and she reminded me that she used her paint sprayer to spray her (awesome!) board and batten project. I kept pushawing it though – whining about taping off walls and protecting floors and wah wah wah

And then I realized I didn’t need to worry about the floors. Cause they were comin’ out! I could spray right over them and it wouldn’t matter one bit! WHOO!

And then Beckie told me about this awesomesauce plastic stuff for the walls:

The bottom part is painter’s tape. You just tape it along the surface, and then the plastic opens up and sticks to the wall all by itself.

It was not cheap -- $8 for the roll. But it was the best eight buckaroos I’ve spent in a long time.

It worked like a charm!:

Then it was time to bust out the sprayer. My Dad got me one for my birthday, at least a year ago – if not two. I just used it for the first time two months ago.

I kept putting it off cause I was sceered. Not sure why, cause it is SO easy to use, and it works GREAT! Mine is the Wagner Paint Sprayer:wagner paint sprayer

You can see it on Amazon here. The reviews are mixed, but I LOVE IT. There’s a few tricks I’ve learned as I’ve used it, and I’m doing a post about it shortly. So far I’m very happy with it!

Even though I use primed mdf, I still start with a primer when painting it. I used that in the sprayer, and I couldn’t believe the difference after just that coat!:

When I did a wall by hand a few weeks ago, I did one coat of primer and two of white. It still looked like it needed another coat. It was driving me MAD.

But when I used the sprayer, I did one coat of primer, and one coat of white – that’s IT.

(I use semi-gloss or high gloss white on all of my moldings.)

It was so, so, SO much easier and quicker than brushing it on! THANK YOU BECKIE!! ;)

I am so in love with the crisp white against the walls!:

DIY drum pendant light

It’s exactly how I envisioned it 18 months ago all that time ago when I started this room redo!

I’m such a sucker for contrast – I could eat it up with a spoon. I can’t get enough of it:

It feels so good to finally have this done. And now I never have an excuse again to paint the board and batten. Which means you’ll probably see it in every. single. room. :)

I realized after the fact that taping off the floor wouldn’t have been a big deal – next time I’ll just get another roll of that plastic and use it along the floors. I did the whole room and used it on the windows and doorway and still have a ton left.

Now you know why I’m giddy – how fantastic are the floors going to look up against all this white??:

Even MORE contrast! Be still my heart.

Here’s an idea of the difference the white paint makes:

  

It took all this time, and it was so easy to get done. I should listen to my bloggy friends more often. ;)

And this room WILL be done this month. I don’t care what it takes – it will be done. It’s soooo close already…just a few or 15 things I still need to do. ;)

Now, I’m off to bed because I need to be up at the bum-crack of dawn to start moving stuff to the basement. The contractor we’re using covers all of the moving of the furniture, but there are a few delicate items I want to get out of the way myself. :)

I will give you some updates on the progress soon! I hope to post on why we picked this installation method and how we decided on all the other details – stain, width, etc. – this week. It was a lot to figure out so hopefully it will help some of you too!

Wish me luck! ;)

P.S. I always get asked about that drum light, and you can see the how-to for that here!

Email subscription form header
Your email:*
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide

Comments

  1. how exciting!!
    can't wait to see the floors done, and I've been thinking about getting a sprayer, i'll have to check this one out!

    Looks gorgeous, as always!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Are we going to be having a sleep over?!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sprayers are the bomb, aren't they? I've used mine to spray a popcorn ceiling because I wasn't ready to scrape it (that came years later) but it was grody and needed a paint job. Nothing else would work without pulling off chunks of texture. (Ask me how I know...it's how a few ceilings got scraped earlier than planned.) Good luck on the flooring installation process!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That looks fantastic, and you're making me want to get a sprayer and some of that plastic wrap! I've been dying to repaint my entire family room, entry, and the adjoining hallways but the thought of all that rolling was overwhelming - this might be just what I was looking for! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. FAB-U-LOUS! I'm coveting your sprayer. All that crazy B&B I painted with a brush at our old house...blah. So not fun! Your office is looking fab! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good luck this week Sarah! I don't know how I would live through all that flooring. Your office is looking amazing! Can't wait to see it all finished by the end of the month. ; ) You CAN do it!!

    ~ Catie

    ReplyDelete
  7. First...Happy Birthday!! I hope you had a fabulous day! Your office is looking so good!! Thanks so much for the tip about the plastic/tape roll. What a smart invention! I NEED this stuff like now!! And I'm glad you mentioned a paint sprayer. I have a boatload of furniture I need to paint (at least 6 pieces + 6 dining chairs), and I've been dreading it. A sprayer is exactly what I need to get the job done without flipping out or poking forks in my eyes! Yay!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. It looks great! That plastic stuff is SWEET!

    Shannon @ Imperfectly-Inspired

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, Sarah dear-- do you know I have ADHD but I still read ev.er.y.sing.le.word. you say?

    Love the office!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just lovely...in fact I've been thinking about completely repainting my living area this color....it reminds me of coffee with creamer in it! hahaha...one of my favorite things in the world...and of course who wouldn't love that color. It is striking against the white you have...I just love ALL OF IT!
    blessings,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the contrast as well, you did a great job. My parents recently did hardwood floors, and even though the instillation was quite the process, the end result was so worth it!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh em gee it looks AH-mazing!! WELL worth it! Can't wait to see the floors go down!

    mylifeasamrsh.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sarah, oh my goodness, it's looking so fly! I have never seen that plastic that sticks to your wall before. I'm for sure going to use that in the future! I'm about to start some board and batten in my daughters room, and I am 100% convinced now to use my paint sprayer.

    Thanks for the tip and your room is looking great.

    Oh, and I'm so excited for you to get your new floor!!!! squeal!

    xoxo

    Allison @ House of Hepworths

    ReplyDelete
  14. It looks perfect!! And I'm looking forward to your blog about the Wagner, since I also have one, but cannot seem to get it to work...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Turned out stunning as always! I love the contrast too - that sand color is so warm. Great tips for painting - things you could usually only learn by frustrating trial and error!

    xo Allison
    Spicer + Bank
    www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow it looks really great ...I can't wait to see the final reveal. I wish I had half your energy! Paint sprayer? You rock!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Just wondering about your cute drum light fixture? Did you make it or buy it? I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. That looks awesome!! The white is totally a crisp white. You should add the paint color to your blog post -- someone's bound to ask about it!

    ReplyDelete
  19. it looks fabulous~! good for you being brave and using the sprayer..
    You outta be proud as punch of yourself- I sure am...

    xoxo
    Sonny

    ReplyDelete
  20. What white color did you use on your board and batten? I am looking for a really pure white right now and it looks like the one you chose would be perfect! Every white paint sample that I have taken home either has too much blue or green or whatever added to somehow "enhance" the white. I just want white :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Looks great! When we did our B&B the painting was the worst part, I wish I hadn't been afraid to use my sprayer (still on box).
    Can't wait to see your gorgeous floors!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sarah! I haven't commented forever, but have been drooling over your beautiful outdoor areas!! We got the Wagner Paint Sprayer (a little different than yours..I think it's the PowerMax) for our kitchen cabinets and have loved it too. The b&b looks so good! Can't wait to hear about your floors...we hope to replace our upstairs carpet in the next few years, so I want to hear your thoughts! Happy Late 26th!! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's gorgeous! All of it...the curtains, ceiling, and the wainscoting is the icing on the cake. So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  24. MDF? You used MDF? Did you buy sheets and rip them? I'm dying to know! Reeallly?? I didn't see a link to a tutorial. Did I miss it?

    ReplyDelete
  25. That looks amazing already. I've been following your progress for awhile. I especially love your color scheme.

    Thanks again for the inspiration! :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. OMG...I have GOT TO get some of that plastic!!! I have not seen it in my H-D or L's store...WHERE did you buy it and what is the name/brand of it??? I love your blog and read you every day...can't wait to see your new floors!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your office is looking FAB-U-LOUS!! I can't wait til its done!! I love all the colors in that space!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love it. I'm going to have to remember that plastic stuff...with the tape on it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. LOVE that room!!!! My husband used to be a professional painter, and he always uses the tape/plastic combo, but not on floors...I think it tears too easily (especially if you're using ladders). There's some great flooring paper you can buy at Sherwin Williams and other paint stores that's really thick and cheap. He uses that (still taped really well) or drop cloths for the floors. :)

    Aloha,

    Charlie

    ReplyDelete
  30. We just purchased that same sprayer after a horrible experience with an 18 volt Ryobi. I'm excited to see your pointers for use! Love the room!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. That looks amazing...I love the board and batten! I want to do that in my house when we finally get around to the decorating stages. Ahhhh, it feels so far away. And thanks for your honest opinion of your paint sprayer. I was keeping my distance from them due to the mixed reviews. It's great to get someone's honest opinion. I'm looking forward to your post on using the sprayer!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lookin' good!!! I have white trim and white doors throughout the whole house. Lucky for me, the builder had to do all the work...HA! And I also have earth tone painted walls and wood floors. I love the contrast, too!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I used the same sprayer back about 2 years ago to spray the beadboard in my nursery. We also used the taped plastic for the top part & it is amazing, well worth the extra money! For the floors, my husband & I got sharp edges & tucked the edges of our heavy duty drop cloths under the baseboards & it worked great!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've been kicking around the idea of buying that exact paint sprayer, and now I know I'll buy it!! Can't wait for your tutorial!! Your office looks great!! Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Very clever! I am going to remember this trick for in the future. Awesome. Thanks for sharing :D

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wonderful! I find it so perfect, easy and very handy.

    ReplyDelete
  37. This looks so amazing. I have a paint sprayer but I've always been scared to use it indoors. I think I might give it a try now. Especially when it comes to ceilings. UGH how I hate painting ceilings. Question for you though, I would love to do similar paneling in our house but I'm worried about the added dusting of all the molding. Do you find this to be that bad?

    ReplyDelete
  38. Happy Belated Birthday. You can say you have 10 years of experience at being 26, lol!

    Love the board and batten! Well done.

    Looking forward to your tutorial on the spray painter as I'm thinking of investing in one for painting furniture. I hate brush strokes on furniture. And I'm tired of inhaling paint fumes from spray paint in cans...!

    ReplyDelete
  39. It looks great. Can't wait to see your floors with all the hardwood. Lucky you.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Divine!!! Love the pop of white against those walls. This room is looking wonderful. :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. That is beautiful...Those colors are so soothing, perfect for a office! I need to check out that sprayer, thanks for the tips!

    ReplyDelete
  42. love it!! just thought you should know my 1 and yr old and i just had a dance party to your music player haha... fist pumping 1 yr olds....awesome. happy birthday!!! that dance party was for you! sort of. haha.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Looks fabulous! And I'm totally in love with my wagner sprayer, too! I just did a set of dining room chairs (and posted about using the sprayer) last month. I had been putting this project off for months, and it took only a few hours with the sprayer! I'm so glad I wasn't swayed by some of the naysayers in the reviews- just used a few tips to make it go smoothly and my painting life is now way easier. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Can you PLEASE give me the color name of your khaki wall paint?! I love it and want to re-do my kitchen! THANKS for your many tips and motivation!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for all the tips, I will look into the sprayer, STILL have not bought one?? Love the drum light, clever covering the cord with fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  46. yep, genius, total, pure genius.

    it looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Beautiful! Look forward to seeing the new floors, too. What will the process entail? It's going to look great in your office for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  48. This looks amazing!!! I love contrast as well... I have chair rails in about half of the rooms in my house for that very reason! :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. It looks so so great -- and fab shot with the pendant, wall and ceiling!!

    happy belated birthday...hope it was the best yet!

    ReplyDelete
  50. That's awesome! I wish I had taken advantage of our floors prior to getting new ones.

    And I'm thinking that a paint sprayer might be a good thing for my birthday list. No one ever knows what to get me, and after seeing this post, I'm thinking I really want one. I have many painting projects ahead of me, and I hate brush strokes. Checking it out on amazon right now ...

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love your board and batten - looks great! I've never used one of those paint sprayers either. (Plus, I don't even have one, lol.)Can't wait to see how your house looks with the hardwood floors. I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  52. The paint sprayer looks like a fab piece of kit, don't really see them here in the UK, but what a great way to paint quickly and give a smooth finish. Do you need to use specialist paint please?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh, you are a home-decorating fiend! Those hardwood floors really do look scary.

    Your house must be a cat's Valhalla.
    ^~~^

    http://phoebedancingcat.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  54. Looks great painted! I used your office b&b as one of my inspirations for my daughter's room. I just started my blog and posted the b&b project today - would love for you to check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi, Sarah! I mentioned your board and batten project on my website today -- I'd love to replicate it in my home! It's just beautiful! http://momhomeguide.com/2012/11/08/beautiful-board-and-batten/

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Sarah! Ok, I am totally following your tutorial for my board and batten in my house and just have one question - What color/brand of white do you use? I'm hopefully going to get it today and I can't wait! Also, you mentioned you like semi-gloss and gloss - Which is your favorite!?
    Thank you so much!! Love your blog :)

    ReplyDelete

If you have a specific question I will do my best to answer you back here!

You can find our paint colors and links to items at the "Our Home" tab at the top of my site.

THANKS so much for reading!