| 
| 
Can Window Shutters Be Painted? Here’s Why They Don’t Need It
When it comes to maintaining window shutters, a common question is: can window shutters be painted? Specifically, people often wonder about the need to paint internal shutters. The answer may surprise you—most modern shutters, especially high-quality internal shutters, never need repainting. Let’s explore why repainting is unnecessary and the kind of paint used to prevent issues like cracking.
What Are Internal Shutters Made Of?
Internal shutters, such as plantation shutters, are typically made from materials like wood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or faux wood and various types of hardwood. The materials themselves, combined with high-quality finishes, are designed to be durable and low-maintenance, making painting them a rare requirement. Wooden shutters are often coated with specialized, factory-applied paints that are formulated to withstand UV exposure, daily wear, and fluctuating indoor conditions. For faux wood or MDF shutters, the paints used are even more resilient, preventing peeling or cracking, which negates the need for repainting.
Why Shutters Never Need Repainting
High-quality shutters come pre-finished with professional-grade coatings designed to last the lifetime of the product. The key here is that manufacturers use paints and finishes specifically formulated for the material, ensuring that the finish stays intact over time. The factory finishes are heat-cured and baked onto the surface, creating a durable layer that resists fading, cracking, and chipping, even in rooms with a lot of sunlight or humidity.
One of the key reasons shutters don’t need to be repainted is due to acrylic latex paints often being used during the manufacturing process. This type of paint is known for its flexibility and durability, allowing the shutters to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking or peeling.
Blog reference: Arizona Shutters & Blinds
Can You Paint Shutters If You Want To?
While shutters technically can be painted, it’s not something that should be done as part of regular maintenance. Repainting requires careful preparation, including cleaning and light sanding to help the new paint adhere properly. Furthermore, the type of paint used is critical. For wood shutters, acrylic latex paint is recommended, while faux wood shutters should be painted with a formulation designed for plastic or composites. It’s worth noting that you cannot repaint MDF shutters due to the way they are constructed and the specific polypropylene coating.
Did you know that internal wooden shutters have a special layer of UV protection to stop them from fading?
Acrylic latex paint is considered the best for internal wooden shutters because it provides a durable, long-lasting finish while being flexible enough to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of wood. This flexibility helps prevent cracking, chipping, and peeling over time. Acrylic latex also dries quickly, has low odor, and is resistant to moisture, making it ideal for indoor environments where humidity can fluctuate. Additionally, it provides excellent adhesion to wood and maintains its color even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Should you DIY Shutter Painting?
DIY repainting projects come with risks. The wrong paint, insufficient surface preparation, or improper application can result in drips, uneven coatings, or future peeling. Additionally, painted shutters will require ongoing touch-ups, which defeats the purpose of investing in maintenance-free window treatments in the first place. Unless you’re a professional at this kind of thing, we’d recommend not. These window shutters will be the talking point of your home, we need them to look great!
Paint-Free Maintenance: A Big Benefit
A major advantage of internal shutters is that they don’t require the same level of upkeep as other window treatments, such as blinds or curtains. Instead of worrying about repainting, all you need is a simple cleaning routine. Using a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the shutters occasionally will keep them looking fresh. Since the paint finish is robust and resistant to most wear, it won’t scratch or peel with normal cleaning.
This long-term durability is a major reason people choose internal shutters over other window coverings. Instead of repainting, you can focus on enjoying their functionality and style without additional work or expense.
What If I Really Want to Change the Color?
If you’re determined to change the look of your shutters, consider this: repainting can sometimes void the warranty. Many manufacturers specifically recommend against painting the shutters yourself, as it can compromise their durability and finish. If a colour change is truly desired, your best bet may be to consult a professional painter who specializes in shutters. Even then, you might still lose the benefits of the original finish.
For those looking for a colour update, replacing the shutters might actually be more practical than repainting. Many manufacturers offer a wide range of colours, and upgrading to a new style might give your space the refresh it needs without the risks associated with painting.
Resource page: Custom Coloured Shutters by Shuttertec
Conclusion
In summary, can window shutters be painted?, Well yes, but they don’t need to be. Thanks to durable factory-applied finishes and the high-quality materials used, internal shutters are designed to be maintenance-free in terms of painting. The specialised paints used during production ensure that the shutters won’t crack, peel, or fade, making them a worry-free option for years to come.
If you want long-lasting, stylish window treatments that don’t require the hassle of repainting, internal shutters are a fantastic choice. Save yourself time and potential frustration—skip the paintbrush and enjoy the ease and elegance shutters bring to your home.
Let’s Connect!
Ready to make your decision or need more advice? The Shuttertec team are happy to help. You can reach us by calling 01268 956905 or emailing hello@shuttertec.co.uk
We’d love to hear from you!
