One of the many benefits of vinyl shutters is that their original color will not fade quickly. However, the colors available from manufacturers may not be a perfect fit for your decorative needs, and you may want to paint newer shutters to suit your preferences. Even if you loved the original color, the color will eventually fade with regular exposure to the elements. This is usually long before the end of the shutters’ useful life. Painting vinyl shutters is the perfect solution. This project may be easier to tackle than you may initially think, but you should follow a few tips to ensure the best results.
What to Do Before Painting Vinyl Shutters
Before painting shutters, you need to determine what type of vinyl shutters are on your home. Most older shutters and some newer shutters are made out of polystyrene. Polystyrene vinyl shutters are easier to paint because the paint will adhere to the surface more easily. If your shutters are made out of polysterene, painting vinyl shutters with latex primer and exterior-grade latex paint is effective.
Many new vinyl shutters are made out of polypropylene. They are specifically designed to maintain their original color for a lengthy time period, and they are not designed to be painted. However, Krylon Fusion paint is specifically designed to be applied to plastic surfaces, and it can be used when painting vinyl shutters. You can use the Krylon Fusion Outdoor Primer, and you can cover this with latex paint designed for outdoor use.
Essential Supplies and Equipment for Your Painting Project
Painting
shutters is a relatively straightforward project to complete after you have all
of the supplies gathered together. Generally, the primer and the paint should
be applied with an airless sprayer rather than a brush. This will give you the
perfect finish. In addition to investing in or renting an airless sprayer, you
will need a ladder, a garden hose or power washer, a scrub brush, a power
drill, a large bucket, a drying rack, the right type of primer and paint and a
black marker.
The black marker will be used to number the shutters for easy re-installation.
Develop a numbering system, and write the assigned number on the back of each
shutter as you remove them from the house.
The Importance of Cleaning
Once the shutters are removed, you need to prepare them for the application of paint and primer. If the paint on shutters is peeling, use a power washer to clean the shutters. Otherwise, a garden hose can be used to get the job done properly. Before rinsing the shutters with the power washer or garden hose, you should scrub them with soapy water and a coarse scrub brush. An alternative is to use a mixture of ammonia and water to clean the surface before rinsing it. This should remove all dirt, mildew and other elements. The surface must be perfectly clean before painting shutters in order for the primer and paint to adhere properly. You should allow the shutters to dry completely before applying the primer and paint.
Color Selection Tips for Painting Plastic Shutters
When
painting shutters on your home, you understandably need to choose a color that
will complement the existing exterior color scheme. This may include the color
of the roof, stone or brick, stucco and siding. However, the pre-existing color
of the vinyl shutters should also be taken into account. Consider that the
paint color that you select will impact how much heat is absorbed by the
material. You may be inclined to paint the shutters a darker color for
saturated coverage, but this is actually not advisable. When you go from a
lighter color to a darker color, the shutters’ exposure to a higher level of
heat must be taken into account. If the shutters are not designed to withstand
that significant level of heat, they may eventually warp.
Some paint colors are specifically designed for use on vinyl shutters. When you
are selecting the right primer and paint for your project, look for these
products. It may be helpful to seek the professional advice of a paint expert
before painting vinyl shutters.
The Priming and Painting Process for Vinyl Shutters
In
rare cases, priming the surface before painting shutters is not needed. For
example, if the shutters are in great condition and the only concern is faded
paint, primer is not needed. However, you should sand and clean the surface
before applying the paint. In addition, you need to apply two coats of paint
with an air sprayer for even coverage.
On the other hand, if the existing paint is peeling, you will need to apply a
suitable primer to the surface. After power washing the surface to remove the
loose paint chips, you should apply a special latex primer that is specifically
designed to coat the old paint. This type of primary prevents the old paint
from continuing to flake away and negatively impacting the results of your
current efforts. Generally, one coat of primer should be applied before
painting vinyl shutters.
Regardless of whether or not you need to prime the surface before painting
vinyl shutters, you should use a drying rack to keep the shutters elevated while
the paint dries. In addition, all coats of primer and paint should be allowed
to dry thoroughly before the next coat is applied.
Painting vinyl shutters can have a profound impact on curb appeal, but it can
take time and energy to complete the project properly. To ensure the best
results when painting vinyl shutters, follow these effective tips.