How to Paint Plastic or Vinyl Exterior Shutters
Ask Danny, Painting & Finishing by Danny Lipford
Can outdoor plastic window shutters be painted, and if so what kind of paint should be used? -Laurie
Hi Laurie,
Yes, you can repaint plastic or vinyl shutters. If they are new, check with the manufacturer to see if they need any special cleaning and follow their painting instructions.
If the shutters have been around a while, you’ll need to clean them before painting. If mildew or mold is present, kill it using a mixture of one part bleach to four parts water in a pump up garden sprayer or spray bottle, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Be sure to protect your skin, eyes, and any plants when working with bleach. Next, scrub the shutters with detergent and water to remove any dirt or chalking. Rinse off the soap with a hose, and allow the shutters to dry before painting.
When painting plastic or vinyl, use a high quality exterior acrylic latex paint or a paint made specifically for plastic, such as Krylon Fusion. Avoid painting the shutters a darker color than they were originally, since this can allow the surface to absorb more heat than it was designed for and may cause them to warp.
Good luck with your project,
3 Comments on “How to Paint Plastic or Vinyl Exterior Shutters”
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February 11th, 2009 at 11:25
where do i buy exterior acrylic latex paint containing urethane?
September 28th, 2009 at 07:08
We just purchased new shutters for our house. After painting them 3 times, The paint is not staying on very well. What’s wrong, and what do we need to do?
Thanks
November 9th, 2009 at 12:43
I was going to paint my vinyl shutters with the same latex paint i painted my front door with. After reading a few articles, I am not sure I can do that. Also, I am not sure if what I have are shutterlocks. If I end up breaking them, where can I purchase new ones?