Painting Your Shutters: What You Need To Know

The shutters on your home may not be the color you want any longer, but replacing them can add up. You can paint them instead and save some money, but it could be a lot of work, especially if you have a lot of shutters on your home. If you don't think you can handle this task on your own, hiring a professional exterior painting contractor may be a better idea to ensure they are painted correctly and just to get the job done. If you want to paint them on your own, there are a few things you should know. Read on for helpful tips.

1. Remove The Shutters

Don't attempt to paint your shutters on your home. You could end up getting paint on your siding if you aren't careful. It's best to remove the shutters altogether from your house and paint them. This way you can get the undersides and in all of the crevices, as well as the backsides to be sure the shutter is completely painted.

2. Clean Your Shutters

The shutters need to be cleaned and lightly sanded (if necessary) to ensure the paint adheres properly. Use a cleaner such as TSP or an exterior cleanser to remove dirt and dust that has built up over time on your shutters. If you don't clean the shutters, the paint won't adhere and could easily peel off. Any stains on the shutters may end up coming through the paint. Whatever cleaner you use, be sure to also rinse them thoroughly to ensure the cleaner is rinsed away, or it can also hinder how the paint adheres. Scrub your shutters clean, then allow them to dry thoroughly.

3. Use The Right Paint

Be sure to buy the right type of paint when painting your shutters. You should use exterior paint no matter what type of material your shutters are made out of. Exterior paint will hold up to the outside elements better than any other type of paint. If your shutters are made of wood, use paint made for wood, and if your shutters are made of vinyl, use paint that adheres to vinyl. Using the right paint will help to ensure your paint will adhere properly.

4. Add Extra Coats If Necessary

If your shutters need an extra coating or two, do so, but be sure you allow each coat to dry in between. You should allow the paint to dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours before applying another coat.

If your shutters are in need of some new life, use paint to update them. Hire a professional painter to get the job done for you if you aren't up for all of this extra work.

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