- 1). Remove the shutters from the windows. Take to an outside, shady area; the location should also be protected from hard wind gusts. Lay a drop cloth under your work area to avoid staining grass, plants or patio area.
- 2). Remove the old paint. If paint is already peeling, use a scraper or putty knife to remove the paint chips. If necessary, use a paintbrush to apply a light coat of liquid paint stripper to the shutters. Allow the paint stripper at least half an hour to work on the old paint, then scrape it away. Certain paint strippers will work better on certain materials; choose your material based on the make of your shutters.
- 3). Wash the shutters to remove any residual paint stripper or dirt. Remaining dirt or grime will prevent the paint from adhering to the shutters, so be thorough with your cleaning. Fill a bucket with hot water and soap, soak a scrub brush or washrag in the soapy mixture, and wash the shutters. Rinse away remaining suds with a damp washrag or garden hose. If the shutters are made of vinyl or plastic, you can choose to towel dry, or allow the shutters to air dry. For wooden shutters, towel dry quickly after cleaning; allowing water to seep into the wood can potentially damage the grain.
- 4). 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.
- 5). Begin painting the shutters. If they are made of wood, apply a coat of oil primer to the shutters. Vinyl and plastic shutters do not require primer. If possible, use a paint gun to ensure light and even layers. Remember that your location should be out of direct sunlight and strong winds; wind will blow your paint unevenly across the surface of your shutters, and direct sunlight can cause the paint to dry too quickly and warp.
- 6). Apply at least two coats of paint to the shutters; allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Be sure the final coat of paint is completely dry before you return the shutters to their windows.
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