How to Paint Shutters - A Budget Blinds Guide
Tired of the look of your shutters? Move into a new home and want to make a quick style upgrade? Painting shutters can be an easy, quick way to give your home some pop! Here is how to paint shutters effectively, a Budget Blinds of Tempe & Central Phoenix guide.Tired of the look of your shutters?
How to Paint Shutters
Before dipping your brush into any paint, there are some steps you’ll want to take to ensure the job goes as smoothly as possible. First, you will need to gather the right materials for the job!
Materials and Tools for the Job
- Drill or screwdriver
- Paint brush, similar size to your shutters’ slats
- Scrub pad
- Dish soap
- Fine grit sandpaper/sanding block
- Primer
- Paint
- A shop vac is nice but not necessary!
With the proper materials sorted, it’s time to create a workspace that is conducive to proper paint jobs! For this case, you want a space that is out of direct sunlight and doesn’t get too hot. In the Valley that can be tough (at least it’s pleasant outside now!) so you might want to work inside your garage or on the patio under shade. The more sun or heat there is, the faster the paint will dry and if it happens while you are actively painting it can make it a little difficult. Painting in too high of humidity can cause problems. Now it’s time to get started!
Step 1 - Remove the Shutters
Take the shutters off the hinges and bring them into your workspace.It is much easier to paint on a flat surface as opposed to a vertical one. Shutters are usually installed with either screws or a few plugs. If plugs, use a flat head screwdriver to pull them out. Do this carefully, if you can, as reusing the existing plugs is a lot easier than going out and trying to find the right replacements.
Step 2 - Prep for Paint
Hold your horses! You can’t just put the paint right on the slats, first you need to prep the shutters and get them ready to hold the paint right. Take some soap and water and scrub the shutters well. Get all the dirt, dust, grime, and any mildew or other build up off them. Rinse the soap completely. This is all critical to make sure the paint is adhering to the shutters proper, and not the layer of build up.
Step 2+ - Scuff Your Shutters
Okay, this one isn’t totally necessary but if you want to only have to do this job once for the next few years give it a go. Take the fine grit sanding material and give the shutters a once over. This will create tiny scratches on the surface of the shutters and make it easier for the primer and paint to grab ahold of.
Step 3 - Prime Time
Make sure you are using a primer that is suited for whatever material your shutters are made of, wood or vinyl being the most common. A primer will create a much stronger bond between your shutters and the topcoat of paint. Is priming necessary? Well, no, but will it make your shutters look better, longer - that’s a big YES!
Step 4 - Paint!
Hey we’re finally here, we can start painting! There’s no one special trick for this stage, just take your time, keep the strokes smooth, enjoy the contemplative activity of simple brushwork. It’s nice, isn't it?
Step 5 - Put the Shutters Up
With the new paint set, reinstall your shutters, take a step back and enjoy the view. You did it! Your house has a new pop of color that looks better than it did yesterday. Not too shabby.
Can You Paint Shutters While Still on the House?
You can. If you do it really carefully. You’ll need to mask off the walls, window, and cover any areas where the paint will drip. You will need to be extra vigilant when it comes to prepping the shutters by cleaning, sanding, and priming. To be completely honest though, for the best results, remove the shutters before getting to work on them - it’s just easier.
If your shutters just need a coat of paint to make them shine, we hope you found this blog really beneficial for you. If however you are one of the many homeowners whose shutters could use a total revamp, give us a call! Schedule your free consultation with Ken to see what kind of shutters will work best for your home and style!
