Outdoor shutters can be a handsome way to decorate the outside of window fixtures. However, like any surface exposed to the outdoors, these shutters will get dirty, and paint will start to fade. Cleaning and painting outdoor shutters will bring a fresh new look to your home and is fairly inexpensive and easy to do.
Instructions
1. Remove the shutters from the window fixtures and move them to a shady, well-ventilated area. With cleaning and painting, use an area that is out of direct sunlight, as too much sunlight will cause soap and paint to dry quickly, and therefore not work as well.
2. Mix one part bleach to four parts water into your spray bottle. Spray lightly onto your shutters; the bleach will kill mold or mildew that has developed on the shutters.
3. Fill the bucket with warm water and soap, usually a mild detergent. Using a brush or sponge, scrub the shutters clean to remove dirt and other particles. Be thorough; dirt and grime left on the shutters will cause an uneven paint scheme and will prevent the paint from sticking effectively to the shutters. For wooden shutters, if you are wary about water leaking into the grain, blow compressed air or use a regular feather duster to clean.
4. Rinse the soap off of the shutters using a garden hose. Allow time for the shutters to dry completely before attempting to paint.
5. Choose a type of paint. Acrylic paint is the most popular, and will be effective in coating the shutters well. Consider the make of your shutters when choosing paint; for instance, vinyl shutters respond well to paint with a touch of urethane resins, which bond well with vinyl, while wood responds effectively to latex-based paints. Address any questions to experts at your local painting supply or hardware store.
6. Apply a coat of primer if your shutters are made of wood. Oil-based primer is most effective; choose a color that is close to the color of your paint. Use a paint gun or paintbrush to apply the primer to the shutters and allow time to dry before continuing. Multiple coats of primer may be required; lightly sand the shutters after each coat has dried.
7. Apply the paint in light, even layers. For a thin paint, a paint gun is most effective. If you use a paintbrush, use a smaller size so that you can get into the grooves between slats and the edges of the shutters. You may need to apply multiple coats; be sure that one coat has dried completely before applying the next coat. Apply a clear coat of sealer for longer life. Keep newly-painted shutters in the shaded area for at least a week to be sure they are dry and weather-resistant.
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