How to Paint Any and All Exterior Shutters

Difficulty: 3/5

Learn a new skill while beautifying your home.

You are watching: How to Paint Any and All Exterior Shutters

Time to complete: 270 minutes

About 2 1/2 hours per set of shutters, plus drying time.

Cost: $150-$450

If you already own the tools, this DIY is a no-brainer.

What You’ll Need:

Tools:

• Ladder

• Paint scraper

• Wide bristle paint brush

• Sprayer

Materials:

• Paint remover

• Paint

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  Lacquer thinner

• Painter’s tape

• Medium-grit sandpaper

There’s no better way to give your exterior a facelift than by painting your shutters. Over time, shutters can start to fade or peel. And if you went for a trendy color 10 years ago, it might be time for an update.

The good news is that a project like this is relatively simple to DIY and will only take about a weekend to complete. Follow this guide to find out exactly how to paint shutters, no matter what material they’re made of.

How to Paint Wooden Shutters

If your shutters are wood, there’s no need to remove them from the house, especially if they are functioning shutters that open and close. However, if they are flush with the house, careful taping and prep work are required to protect surrounding surfaces like hinges, window frames, and house siding.

1. Cover hinges, window sills, and siding with painter’s tape if necessary.

2. Using a paint stripper or a sander, carefully remove old paint layers.

3. Apply primer with a paint sprayer or brush and allow to dry completely.

4. Once your primer is dry, use a broad flat brush and apply paint in a thin, even coat. For solid panel shutters, start in the center and work outward. For slatted shutters, paint the slats first, starting at the top. Be sure not to let paint collect in the corners or slots between slats. Once you’ve finished the slats, move on to the frame.

5. You will need to apply several coats, but be sure each is completely dry before applying the next.

Best Paint for Wooden Shutters

Home improvement stores carry a wide variety of oil and water-based paints (also known as latex paint). Oil-based paints are the best paints for outdoor use, and they are more durable than latex and adhere easily to wooden surfaces.

Water-based paints, on the other hand, are less likely to peel if the surface becomes damaged and dry more quickly than oil-based paints. Either will work fine for this project.

How to Paint Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters have grown in popularity over the last several years due to their durability and how easy they are to care for. But they do need touch-ups every once in a while.

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You can paint your vinyl shutters while they are attached to the house or remove them if you want to be sure to avoid paint transfer to your siding or windows.

1. Prep vinyl shutters by cleaning with a mild bleach solution or a degreaser.

2. If necessary, remove old paint lacquer thinner and a soft-bristled brush. Sanding is not recommended with vinyl shutters.

3. Once the shutter is clean and dry, apply paint with either a sprayer or a broad bristle paint brush.

4. Apply the paint in thin, even coats, and don’t attempt to cover the entire shutter in one pass.

Best Paint for Vinyl Shutters

Latex paint is the best choice for vinyl shutters. Oil-based paints will not adhere well to vinyl and will leave you with a mess. With latex, though, you can try out any brick and shutter color combinations without having to deal with a difficult brick cleaning process after the fact.

How to Paint Plastic Shutters

Plastic shutters can be painted either in place on the house or removed, painted, and then reattached. Be sure to opt for plastic-safe paints.

1. Clean and prep your plastic shutters with any plastic-safe household cleaner.

2. Scrub with a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and mildew.

3. Apply primer.

4. Once the primer is dry, apply paint in thin, even coats with a wide bristle brush or sprayer.

Best Paint for Plastic Shutters

You can use latex paint on plastic shutters, just be sure to use a primer meant for plastic surfaces before painting. Remember to choose your color wisely while you’re at it, as this can have a huge impact on your home’s overall appearance. For example, a black painted brick house will look best with similarly neutral shades, like grays and beiges.

Paint Types for Shutters

Keep the following table on hand when choosing your shutter paint to ensure you buy the right type for your material.

Kristi Pahr contributed to this article.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor