Are your shutters looking a little worn and dated? A fresh coat of paint on your shutters can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal, without the cost of a full exterior paint job. Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or just want to give your exterior a refresh, painting shutters is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to make a big impact.
If you’re wondering how to paint shutters (especially vinyl ones), or what paint works best, we’ve got you covered!
At Oak City Coatings, we’ve painted hundreds of shutters and exterior features on homes throughout the Raleigh area. In this blog post, we’re sharing pro tips on the best paint for shutters, when to spray paint shutters, and DIY steps for success.
In This Post
What You Need to Know Before Painting Shutters
Before you start shopping for paint, it’s important to understand what kind of shutters you’re working with. Most homes in Raleigh have either vinyl or wood shutters. Both of these are paintable outdoor shutters, if you use the right prep and paint products.
Vinyl shutters require paint specifically labeled for vinyl. Otherwise, the paint won’t adhere properly and may peel over time.
For wood or other paintable outdoor shutters, it’s best to use a high-quality exterior latex paint.
Pro Tip: Always remove shutters before painting. Not only does this make for a cleaner finish and better coverage, but it also helps you avoid drips on your siding or brick.
Best Paint for Shutters
For DIY homeowners, walking into the paint store to choose the best paint for shutters can be overwhelming. There’s so many choices and it can be hard to differentiate what will work best for your specific project.
When it comes to painting shutters, here’s what we recommend:
- For vinyl shutters: Choose a high-quality vinyl-safe paint or paint labeled specifically for vinyl shutters. As professional painters, we recommend the Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe line of paints.
- For wood shutters: A high-quality exterior latex paint is the way to go. Most of the shutters we paint here in the Raleigh area are wood, and we’ve had great results using Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh or Duration lines.
No matter what type of shutters you have, our #1 piece of advice is to avoid cheap paint. It won’t hold up to the hot, humid summers and unpredictable storms here in the Raleigh area.
Should You Spray Paint Shutters?
Another factor to consider when choosing paint for shutters is whether you are going to spray paint them or use a brush or roller. There are pros and cons to both methods, so let’s break it down.
Spray painting shutters can be a great option, especially for vinyl shutters. It provides even coverage, no brush strokes, and can be done quickly and more easily. However, it does require proper setup, such as drop cloths, masks, good ventilation, etc. It’s best to spray paint shutters outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage.
Painting shutters using brushes or rollers works better on shutters with more detailed trim, such as wood shutters with a lot of grooves and decorative trim elements. This is also the best method to use when painting older shutters. Brushes and rollers make it easier to touch up problem areas and reduce the risk of overspraying.
How to Paint Shutters: Step-by-Step Instructions
If you’re ready to tackle this DIY project, here’s the step-by-step instructions on how to paint shutters like a pro.
Step 1: Remove the Shutters
Remove the shutters from your home carefully and label them so you know where each one goes.
Step 2: Clean Shutters Thoroughly
Once you’ve removed the shutters, clean them thoroughly with soapy water or a mild degreaser. Let them dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Lightly Sand
Before priming and painting, lightly sand the shutters down. This is especially important if your shutters are vinyl, glossy, or were previously painted.
Step 4: Prime
If needed, prime the shutters to ensure your paint has a smooth surface to adhere to. If you have bare wood shutters or are going for a significant color change, don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Apply Paint
Apply 2 thin coats of high-quality paint, allowing proper drying time in between coats. It’s important to do 2 thin coats rather than 1 thicker coat, as this can lead to bubbles, drips, and uneven coverage.
Step 6: Reinstall Shutters
After the shutters are fully dry, which typically takes 24-48 hours depending on the humidity level, reinstall the shutters.
Whether you’re brushing, rolling, or spray painting shutters, this is the process you’ll use for the best results.
Pro Tips for Painting Shutters
When painting shutters, there’s a few tips to keep in mind to make the process easier and ensure you get the best results possible.
- Watch the weather: Avoid painting shutters on humid, rainy, or extremely hot days. You can learn more about ideal temperatures and when it’s too hot to paint in this blog post.
- Label each shutter before removal: This makes reinstalling a breeze as you’ll know exactly which spot it goes.
- Use painter’s pyramids or sturdy stands: This helps keep shutters off the ground for easier painting and drying.
These quick tips can save you a lot of time and frustration, especially when painting multiple shutters.
Refresh Your Shutters with Paint
If you’re ready to give your home a boost of curb appeal by painting shutters, decide if you want to take the project on yourself or call a professional painter to help you. While painting shutters can absolutely be DIYd, there are a few circumstances in which you may want to invest in a professional.
You may want to call a pro if:
- Your shutters are faded, brittle, or warped and need restoration.
- You have high-up shutters or a multi-story home that requires ladders or scaffolding.
- You want a professional, long-lasting finish without the mess (or stress).
At Oak City Coatings, we’ve helped dozens of Raleigh homeowners refresh their home by painting shutters. We handle everything from start to finish, including color and paint suggestions, prep, painting, and clean up.
We offer free estimates, use premium vinyl-safe and weather-resistant products, and bring years of local exterior painting experience to every job.
Whether you’re repainting one set of shutters or updating all of the shutters on your home’s exterior, we’re here to bring your vision to life!
Visit our contact page today to request your free estimate!
