When it comes to exterior house painting, little details can have a significant impact. That is definitely the case when it comes to painting shutters. Though small in size, the visual effect of shutters is surprisingly noticeable. In order for that impact to be positive, the shutters need to be kept in good condition, which involves painting. How do you paint shutters to get them looking their best?

Painting Shutters: a Tutorial

The first step in painting house shutters is to remove them from the walls. This allows you to paint them all in one contained area, rather than standing on ladders and moving from place to place around the house. Also, when you remove the shutters, you remove the risk of getting paint on the house by mistake, and you have easy access to every surface of the shutters.

Next, clean the shutters thoroughly. They can be washed by hand using a scrub brush and soapy water, or they can be cleaned with a pressure washer. If there is a glossy coating, this should be scuffed with sandpaper so that the new paint will adhere properly. Finally, if there is any deterioration or damage, such as wood rot, this needs to be repaired.

Priming your shutters is a helpful step in many cases. You will want to consider adding a coat of primer before you paint in the following cases:

• You have any bare wood or metal
• You are painting vinyl shutters that have not previously been painted
• You are significantly changing the paint color on the shutters

Now it is time to paint the shutters. This can be done with a paint brush, or using spray equipment. If you use a brush, be careful to always follow the grain of the wood, which is typically along the length of each surface. Check regularly to make sure there are no drips or runs. It works best if the shutters are lying flat on sawhorses or on scraps of wood.

If you have spray painting equipment, use multiple light coats, and make sure you spray from every direction to get into every crevice.

As you must with all exterior painting, be methodical. Paint one side, let it dry completely, then flip the shutters and paint the other side.

DIY or Hire a Pro for Exterior Shutter Painting?

Painting your shutters is not terribly difficult or complicated. You need to be comfortable working on a ladder and using basic tools to remove the shutters. You need a place to lay out the shutters while you work on them, which will probably take a few days. Mostly, you need to have the time and patience to do the job correctly, and some exterior painting experience definitely helps as well.

Hiring a professional house painter has some advantages, even on a smaller job like shutter painting. They already have all the necessary equipment, plus they have the knowledge and experience to do the job efficiently and correctly. A professional painter can produce spectacular results, with a smooth, crisp finish that will last many years.

Additionally, many exterior painting companies have a shop area where they can set up the shutters for offsite painting. This not only keeps your home tidier during the job, but it also provides a controlled environment for maximum results.

Williams Professional Painting

For all your exterior house painting needs, Williams Professional Painting is the name you can rely on. We provide all kinds of interior and exterior painting services, including carpentry, pressure washing, deck refinishing, kitchen cabinet painting, and much more. Since 1979, we have been serving northern Virginia, suburban Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. region.

For your free exterior painting quote, including shutter painting, use our online estimate request form, or call our office today. It will be a pleasure to serve you!