Plastic shutters are easy to care for, easy to clean and are actually easy to paint. Whether they adorn the interior or exterior of your home, shutters can be a beautiful and helpful addition to its aesthetic. Selecting the right paint will make the shutters a wonderful addition.
Clean your shutters
Always clean your shutters thoroughly before painting them. Dirt, dust and grime will prevent the paint from sticking effectively and can also lead to uneven painting.
Remove the shutters from the windows while cleaning and painting. Take them to a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. A garage or shady outdoor area is ideal for this type of work, so the fumes from cleaners and paint can blow away. Lay down a drop cloth or tarp to avoid cleaner and paint from staining any surfaces.
Begin the cleaning with a feather duster, can of compressed air or soft brush attachment from a vacuum cleaner. From there, soak a scrub brush or washrag in a mixture of hot water and soap and scrub thoroughly to remove dirt and grime. If mold is present on the shutters, mix one part bleach to four parts water into a spray bottle and apply to the moldy areas. Allow time for the bleach to kill the mold, then wipe away any remaining residue.
Rinse the shutters with a garden hose or rag soaked in plain warm water; towel dry or allow to air dry.
Select a paint
High quality acrylic paint is most popular and most effective for plastic shutters. Certain products, such as Krylon Fusion (http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/), are designed especially for use on plastic. Paints that contain urethane are effective in bonding with plastic.
If you are unsure about the type of paint to use, don't be afraid to consult a professional at a hardware or painting specialty store.
If you are painting exterior shutters, be careful about choosing your color. Do not paint shutters a darker color than they were originally painted. Darker colors absorb more heat from the sun and can lead to fading.
Paint your shutters
Be sure to paint in light, even layers across the shutters. If you are using a relatively thin paint, try to gain access to a paint gun, as this tool will help to evenly distribute the paint across all surfaces.
Painting your shutters will require at least two coats of paint. Be sure one coat has completely dried before applying another, and be sure the final coat has completely dried before returning the shutters to the windows. Remember to keep the shutters out of direct sunlight while painting and drying, or the material may warp.
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