Good Questions: Painting Inhabit Wall Flats?

Hey AT! I'm looking to add some texture to my boring walls and I'm very interested in these wall flats by Inhabit. The only thing is that I'd like to paint them and I've honestly never seen these in use and painted in anyone's home. Does anyone out there actually own these and have any advice on the best way to paint them? Thanks so much! Lindsay

(Include a pic of your query and your question gets posted first! Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: boston (at) apartmenttherapy (dot) com)

We actually just spotted these wall flats in one of this year's Small Cool entries...but they aren't painted. We agree that this wall treatment gets a lot of press but we've yet to see it really manifest in real homes. We're also interested in hearing from anyone who owns these: are you satisfied with your purchase and, if you painted them, how would you rate the experience?

Thanks for your question, Lindsay!

(Include a pic of your query and your question gets posted first! Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: boston (at) apartmenttherapy (dot) com)

Comments (7)

The website says they're paintable. Just use a good quality primer or drywall sealer for your first coat and you'll be fine.

posted by HeritageWoodworks on April 21st 2009 at 9:24am
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While I have no experience painting these, it stands to reason that neither a roller or brush would work well. I'd use a spray bottle.

That is, if I lost my mind and wanted to paint them. These panels are all about texture-- do you REALLY feel it necessary to add color? White is beautiful.

posted by shirley-temple-of-doom on April 21st 2009 at 9:27am
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You need to follow the Inhabit directions exactly to get that finished look in the photo. That includes using dry wall mud, priming and painting. they are not simply peel and stick if you want them to look "finished".

posted by PixP on April 21st 2009 at 9:59am
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i have a wall of the "braille" design. we painted them with a brush, which did take forever but worked. i think the bigger concerns are 1) they get SO dusty. it's impossible to keep them clean; and 2) it's very difficult to get them to look seamless, like they do in the photo above. if you think you can overcome both of those problems, then i say go for it.

posted by muro.lamere on April 21st 2009 at 10:08am
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I used these on my wall as an art piece over the bed in order to prevent them from getting dirty (close to the ground). So far, they have worked very well.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/small-cool-2009-adams-edited-bare-essentials-little-division-37-082076

posted by adamgibson on April 21st 2009 at 11:41am
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I wonder if using gloss or semi gloss paint would help with the dusting problem? And a Swiffer?

posted by SherryBinNH on April 21st 2009 at 12:09pm
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adamgibson - Loved your place in the small cool contest. I've been thinking of using the inhabit flats as a pseudo headboard/art piece as well. Did you attach them directly to the wall?

posted by firecracker on April 21st 2009 at 1:00pm
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