Revitalize Your Shutters with These Tips

There are many great reasons to revitalize your shutters. This is an easy project that can give your home an instant facelift, add curb appeal, and increase the value. You can restore their original color, choose a new color, and tie it in with your home. Take a look at the following tips for making the most of this project.

Make Sure You Prep Your Shutters Before You Paint

Making sure that you prepare your shutters before you paint is the best way to ensure that your shutters look great for years to come. First, you need to decide if you are going to take the shutters down to paint them. It is easier to paint them at ground level over a drop cloth, but you can leave them up as long as you have a ladder and are careful not to drip the paint on the house. 

You should begin by removing old layers of paint. Painting over it will increase the chances of peeling or flaking later. Use a sander to smooth the surface, and then you can wash the shutters to ensure that they are free of debris, dirt, mold, and anything else that will prevent the paint from sticking to the surface. 

Choose Your Paint

If you are looking for durability, oil-based paint is ideal for shutters. However, latex paints are easier to work with, and they dry faster. Whichever you choose, make sure that you use a primer that is appropriate for the paint. You must use an oil-based primer for oil-based paints. You can choose your primer, and then pick a color that will complement your home. You can choose a classic color such as white or black, or one of the popular colors today, including gray, navy blue, or beige. Make sure that the color ties in with the main color of your home.

How to Paint the Shutters

Painting your shutters isn’t hard as long as you take your time. You should avoid using a sprayer unless you plan to remove the shutters from the home. This job is most easily accomplished using a wide paintbrush. Pour some of the paint into a pan, and use a thin layer of paint for each coat. You will want to start with the slats or the panels in the center and finish by painting the edges. You will want to make sure that your shutters have time to dry between coats. If you try to rush the job, you can end up with paint that is uncured, sticky and ends up peeling before it adheres to the shutters. Take your time and apply thin layers of paint. Once the shutters are completely dry, you can hang them back up.

Final Words

A great way to give your home an instant makeover is to revitalize your shutters. This is a straightforward and affordable project that can be very rewarding once it is complete. You can choose new colors that are trending now, or simply revitalize your old colors. Make sure that you take the time to prep your shutters so that they look great for years to come.