Want A New Plantation Shutter Color? Why You Shouldn't Try Painting Shutters

Painting plantation shutters is not recommended for a couple of reasons. Synthetic shutters like Polywood® already come with a superior paint finish that is UV-coated to prevent fading, chipping, and peeling. Painting can compromise those features. Similarly, the best natural wood shutters are treated to withstand moisture. Painting will compromise that protection as well. Besides, it’s a painstaking process, and it may void your window treatment’s warranty! 

Explore the reasons why you shouldn’t paint and what you can do instead to change the look of your windows. 

Why You Should Avoid Painting Shutters

If you have quality plantation shutters, like Polywood® shutters, you know they are built to withstand everything from extreme temperatures to light and humidity. They last longer than any other window treatment. That’s probably why you chose them to begin with!

The fact is that Polywood shutters are made from a unique high-quality polymer, so your louvers won’t warp or crack. Shutters are covered in a specialty, UV-coated finish that adheres well to the material. Painting shutters not only threatens the benefits of this coating but can also impact Polywood’s exceptional insulating qualities.

Painting Plantation Shutters May Hinder Energy Efficiency

Polywood shutters reduce your home’s energy consumption by insulating windows to block heat loss and maintain indoor temperature. To do this, every stile on the shutters has weatherstripping to help block exterior light and temperatures. The problem with painting shutters is that you can easily interfere with the weatherstripping. While you still may get some energy efficiency, your window treatments won’t be as efficient as they should be.

Besides, few paints can match the finish on Polywood or wood products like Ovation® shutters. Not only that, the wrong paint can become tacky or streaky, and painting shutters voids their warranty!

Painting Shutters Is A Hassle

Quality shutters aren’t meant to come off your windows easily. You’ll be hard-pressed to remove and reattach them yourself. It’s also tricky to prep and paint them in place. If you’re still wondering how to paint shutters, consider the process involved.

Steps To Paint Wooden Shutters

First of all, this project should only be considered if you have wood shutters, painting experience, a large ventilated space to work in, and confidence in removing and reinstalling them. Here are the basic steps to painting shutters:

• Remove the shutters
• Clean all surfaces
• Sand the wood and wipe away all sanding dust
• Apply a primer
• Paint the louvers and edges
• Paint the frame
• Apply secondary coats and allow paint to cure
• Reinstall the shutters

Keep in mind that there may be other steps involved, such as scraping and applying a paint stripper, depending on the condition of your shutters. If using a brush, you must be very careful not to leave paint in crevices that can prevent louvers from turning. All in all, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble by not painting your shutters.

What Can You Do Instead Of Painting Shutters?

As tempting as painting sounds, buying window treatments in the color you want or looking for ways to work with what you have are far better ideas. Consider these options:

• Cover shutters with colorful curtains or drapes if you no longer want neutral-colored window treatments. You’ll still enjoy the incredible benefits of your shutters while adding color to the room.

• Replace your shutters with new treatments. If hiding shutters doesn’t give you the look you want, you can pay your installer to remove them when they put in new window treatments. Just be aware that your window frames or walls may need some repairs.

• Change your color palette. Neutral interior shutters coordinate well with most types of decor, so it’s easy to find a color palette that includes them.

Find Plantation Shutters You’ll Never Have To Paint!

Avoid the hassle of painting with plantation shutters from Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions. Our shutters offer unrivaled longevity, style, and light control. You’ll also appreciate the durable finish you never have to paint! Call 877-786-2877 to request a free, in-home consultation with a skilled window treatment specialist today.