Painting vinyl shutters can update the look of your home’s exterior. With some preparation and the right paint, you can give vinyl shutters a fresh new color. Follow this guide to learn how to properly prepare vinyl shutters for painting, choose the right paint, and apply it for a smooth, lasting finish.
Assessing Your Vinyl Shutters
Before painting, inspect your vinyl shutters closely to determine if they are in suitable condition for a paint job. Look for these issues:
Checking for Damage
Examine shutters for cracks, holes, warped areas or other damage. Minor cracks and holes can be filled during preparation, but warped vinyl requires replacement.
Testing Flexibility
Vinyl shutters must be flexible enough to open and close. Try flexing a section of the shutter. If it feels stiff and brittle, the vinyl may be too old and weathered to paint.
Cleaning Surface Contaminants
Vinyl shutters accumulate dirt, mildew and chalky surface oxidation over time. Check for these contaminants by scrubbing a small area with soap and water. Rinse and allow to dry. If the surface remains dirty, use a vinyl cleaner to break down and remove stubborn debris.
If shutters are too far gone, consider replacing them. If they are structurally sound with only minor flaws, move on to preparation.
Preparing Vinyl Shutters for Painting
Proper prep work ensures paint adheres well to vinyl. Follow these steps:
Cleaning
Mix a non-abrasive vinyl cleaner according to label directions and wash shutters to remove dirt, mildew and chalky oxidation. Rinse thoroughly.
Sanding
Lightly sand the surface using 220-grit sandpaper to roughen it up for the paint. Be careful not to scratch deeply into the vinyl. Wipe away sanding dust.
Filling Holes and Cracks
Fill small holes and cracks with vinyl spackling paste. Allow filler to dry completely, then sand smooth.
Priming
Choose a high-bond primer made for plastic and apply an even coat. Allow primer to dry completely before painting.
Thorough prep removes contaminants and gives paint something to “grip” for better adhesion.
Choosing the Right Exterior Paint
Look for these qualities when selecting paint for vinyl shutters:
Flexible Finish
Vinyl flexes, so the paint must be flexible too. Seek paints labeled “flexible” or “elastic” on the can.
Adhesion
The paint needs strong adhesion to vinyl’s slippery surface. An exterior paint designed specifically for plastic is ideal.
Color Retention
Darker colors hold up better than light on vinyl. Deep tones like black, navy and forest green resist fading.
Reflective Pigments
Paints containing heat-reflective pigments help vinyl resist warping and discoloration from sun exposure.
Oil-based alkyd paint and acrylic latex paints formulated for exterior vinyl work well.
Painting Vinyl Shutters
Follow these steps for smooth, long-lasting paint on vinyl shutters:
1. Lightly Sand the Primer
Once primer is fully cured, give it a light sanding using 220-grit sandpaper. This helps the topcoat adhere. Wipe away sanding dust.
2. Apply First Coat
Use a high-quality brush to apply the first coat of exterior vinyl paint. Move the brush in smooth strokes, painting in the same direction. Work methodically and avoid drips. Allow to dry overnight.
3. Sand Lightly and Tack Cloth
Lightly sand again with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the first coat. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
4. Apply Second Coat
Apply the second finish coat of paint in the same methodical brushstrokes. Allow the paint to cure fully before opening and closing shutters – check manufacturer’s drying time.
5. Seal with Clear Top Coat (Optional)
For added protection, apply 1-2 coats of exterior-grade polyurethane. Allow proper drying time between coats.
Proper priming, 2 paint coats and an optional protective top coat give vinyl shutters an attractive and durable finish.
Painting Vinyl Shutters Black
Painting vinyl shutters black is a popular update that gives homes a classic, polished look. Follow these tips for successfully painting vinyl shutters black:
- Choose a black exterior paint designed for vinyl and plastic. Heat-reflective paints prevent discoloration from sun exposure.
- Opt for a deeper black hue rather than charcoal or grey-black for best color retention.
- Allow for longer dry times between coats. Dark paints take longer to fully cure.
- Apply paint on a dry, mild day. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on humid days. This prevents blistering.
- Use thin, even brush strokes and avoid applying too thickly. Thick paint is prone to cracking and peeling.
- Add a coat of exterior-grade polyurethane for extra UV protection and durability.
With the right prep and application techniques, black painted vinyl shutters maintain their deep, rich color for years.
How Long Does Paint Last on Vinyl Shutters?
With proper surface preparation and application, painted vinyl shutters can maintain their color for 5-8 years on average. Here are some factors that influence paint’s longevity on vinyl:
- Surface Prep – Thorough cleaning and sanding helps paint adhere better for longer-lasting results.
- Paint Quality – Higher quality exterior vinyl paint lasts longer than standard latex paints. Invest in paints designed for plastics.
- Color Choice – Darker colors resist fading whereas light colors show age sooner. Black, deep greens and navy paints last longest.
- Sun Exposure – South or west facing shutters may need paint touch-ups more often due to harsher sun exposure. Adding a protective clear coat reduces sun damage.
- Climate – Paint holds up better on shutters in drier climates than humid, wet climates. Monitor painted shutters yearly and touch up when needed.
With proper prep and application, vinyl shutters can maintain a freshly painted look for up to 8 years. Check for cracking or fading annually and make touch ups to prolong the paint job.
How to Remove Paint from Vinyl Shutters
To remove existing paint from vinyl shutters, you’ll need to strip the paint down to the original vinyl surface. Here is an effective paint removal process:
What You Need
- Paint stripper
- Plastic putty knife
- Scrub brush and/or abrasive pad
- Rags
- Nitrile gloves & eye protection
Steps
- Apply paint stripper liberally to a small section following product directions. Allow stripper to soften the paint for the recommended dwell time.
- Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape off any loosened paint. Take care not to gouge or scratch the vinyl.
- Switch to a scrub brush or abrasive pad and scrub remaining paint residue. Reapply more stripper as needed to remove stubborn paint.
- Rinse thoroughly when all paint is removed from that section. White vinegar helps neutralize any remaining stripper.
- Wipe area dry with clean rags. Repeat steps on all shutters until they are completely paint-free.
- Once stripped, clean shutters with vinyl cleaner and let dry fully before repainting or leaving bare.
Safety Note: Paint strippers contain harsh chemicals, so always wear protective gear during the stripping process. Work in a well-ventilated area.
With some diligent scrubbing and scraping, you can completely remove paint from vinyl shutters. Take safety precautions when using chemical paint strippers.
Painting vs Replacing Vinyl Shutters
If your vinyl shutters are faded or dated, you may be debating between painting them or replacing them entirely. Here are some things to consider:
Painting
- Less expensive option
- Preserves existing shutters
- Wide range of color options
- Long-lasting with proper application
- More DIY-friendly
Replacing
- Opportunity to upgrade quality and style
- Wider selection of colors and faux wood options
- Requires professional installation for best results
- More disruptive and expensive
- Eliminates need to strip old paint
Key Differences:
- Painting vinyl requires thorough prep and technique for success. Replacement means starting fresh without old paint issues.
- Paint eventually fades or chips, requiring touch ups. New shutters maintain their pristine look longer before needing repainting.
- Painting allows custom color options. New shutters come in set colors and faux wood patterns.
The best option depends on your shutters’ condition, budget and color preferences. In many cases, painting is the more practical and affordable choice for extending vinyl shutters’ life. But for dramatically different color or style, replacement may be the better investment.
Painting vs Staining Vinyl Shutters
You can change the color of your vinyl shutters by either painting or staining them. Here’s how the two methods compare:
Painting
- Wider range of color options from bold colors to black and whites
- Opaque coverage hides flaws
- Long-lasting with proper prep and application
- Easier to touch up over time
Staining
- Provides a translucent “stained” look allowing some vinyl to show through
- Limited color palette of lighter wood tones
- More prone to peeling and fading faster
- Harder to touch up evenly as stain fades
Key Differences:
- Painting requires thorough vinyl-specific preparation while stain can be applied to raw vinyl.
- Top-quality exterior vinyl paint bonds better and lasts longer than stains and translucent tints.
- Stain enhances the natural look of vinyl rather than changing its color completely like paint.
For the most durable and dramatic color change, the full coverage of vinyl-specific exterior paints is preferable to staining. But light translucent stains can provide a subtle weathered wood look on shutters.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Vinyl Shutters?
The cost to paint vinyl shutters depends on whether you DIY or hire a professional:
DIY Cost:
Supplies – $50-$100 for paint, primer, brushes, sandpaper, etc.
Labor – 10-20 hours, with prep being the most time-consuming step
Total cost: $100-$200
Professional Cost:
Labor & Supplies – $300-$800 depending on the size of home and number of shutters.
Professionals can complete the job much faster than DIY, but at a higher cost. Many pros charge an average of $150 per shutter.
Factors that affect vinyl shutter painting costs:
- Number of shutters and their size
- Primer needed based on current surface condition
- Price of paint products selected
- Inclusion of clear protective top coat
While vinyl shutter installation runs $1000+ for a full replacement set, painting costs a fraction of that price. For a budget-friendly way to revive vinyl shutters, proper DIY painting often suffices at the best value.
Painting vs Replacing Vinyl Shutters: Pros and Cons
If your exterior vinyl shutters are faded or damaged, deciding whether to paint or replace them can be tricky. Consider the pros and cons of each option:
Painting Vinyl Shutters
Pros
- Less expensive than new shutters
- Wide range of color options
- Preserves existing shutters
- DIY-friendly project
Cons
- Requires thorough prep work
- Paint fades over time
- Not as drastic of a change as new shutters
Replacing Vinyl Shutters
Pros
- Total refresh of color and style
- Long-lasting new quality and appearance
- Lower maintenance than painting
- Wide selection of colors and faux wood types
Cons
- More expensive than paint
- Existing shutters must be disposed of
- Needs professional installation
- Limited color options with pre-formed styles
Key Takeaways
- Assessing current condition of vinyl shutters is an important first step before painting.
- Proper prep work like cleaning, sanding and priming helps paint adhere securely.
- Use flexible, exterior vinyl paint for the most durable and long-lasting painted finish.
- Allow adequate dry time between coats, especially with darker paint colors.
- Painting costs considerably less than full shutter replacement in most cases.
- Both painting and replacing have pros and cons to weigh based on your specific needs and goals.
With the right painting approach, you can give tired vinyl shutters a much-needed transformation at a fraction of the cost of installing brand new shutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint vinyl shutters?
Yes, you can paint vinyl shutters to change their color or update their appearance. Use a high-quality exterior paint designed specifically for vinyl and plastics to ensure it adheres and lasts well through weather and sun exposure.
What kind of paint is best for vinyl shutters?
Look for exterior paints made for vinyl, such as specially formulated acrylic latex or oil-based alkyd paints. Avoid standard exterior latex paints which lack the flexibility and adhesion that vinyl shutters require.
How do I prepare vinyl shutters for painting?
To prepare vinyl shutters for painting, clean them thoroughly with vinyl cleaner, sand lightly to roughen the surface, fill any holes or cracks, and apply a primer coat designed for plastic and vinyl. This helps the paint stick.
Can vinyl shutters be stained instead of painted?
Yes, vinyl shutters can be stained but the color options are more limited. Stains in general also tend to fade faster compared to quality exterior vinyl paint. Painting vinyl shutters is typically the longer-lasting option.
How long does paint last on vinyl shutters?
With proper prep and application, painted vinyl shutters can last 5-8 years before needing touch ups. Factors like sun exposure, climate and paint quality impact longevity. High-quality vinyl paint lasts longer than standard exterior latex paint.
Should vinyl shutters be replaced or painted?
It depends on your budget, goals and the condition of existing shutters. Painting costs much less but replacement lets you change the style and get factory-fresh shutters. Painting suffices for minor updates while replacement completely transforms the look.
Conclusion
Reviving vinyl shutters with a fresh coat of paint can update the exterior of any home. By taking time to properly clean, prep, prime and paint using exterior-grade vinyl paint, you can achieve shutters that look like new again with any color you desire. With some basic DIY skills and the right supplies, you can paint your vinyl shutters and enjoy their transformed appearance for years before needing to redo the paint job. So don’t replace those vinyl shutters just yet – make them look brand new again with a little TLC and a durable paint job designed specifically for vinyl’s unique needs.