"Plantation" Shutter Blind Painting

If your home has prefinished "Plantation" style shutter blinds that are weathering and need refinishing there are a few things to consider. Many of these blinds come prefinished with a lacquer based paint finish from the factory. Due to the abundant sunlight and moisture (lacquer based paints worst enemy) that these blinds have to endure, eventually they will start to flake and peel and need refinished. My advice being a paint contractor is to hire a professional to take on this task.

You basically have two options. One is to remove them from the windows and doors and find a place to spray them (my recommended option), two is to paint them in place by hand with a brush (not recommened ). Either way they will need properly prepared before painting. If you have a garage or unfinshed area in your home that can be utilized for setting up a spray booth, or if you hire a contractor that has a shop for that can be used, option 1 will bring the best results. With a sprayed on finish they will retain the factory finish appearance.

If you decided to go with the spray method you will first need to sand any flaking areas with a medium grit sanding sponge or 150 grit sandpaper. I also recommend dusting and wiping them down with a tack cloth after this. Next it is best to prime them with an oil base primer like Zinsser Cover Stain or equal to ensure proper adhesion. After allowing to dry I recommend sanding again with a fine grit sanding sponge or 220 grit sandpaper. For a finish coat you will need a high quality paint that doesn't stick when touching another surface that has the finish coat on it also ( like where the shutter closes to the frame ).

I recommend Valspar Signature series paint which you can purchase at Lowe's and is priced reasonibly. After applying the finish coat you will need to wait at least 24 hours before handling and reinstalling the shutter blinds. If you decide to paint them in place ( which I have done by request but don't recommend ) you will need to follow the same preparation instructions as above.

You may decide to skip the priming with the oil for the reason of the smell of the fumes from the oil base product going through the house. If so you will to wipe down the shutters with a bonding agent such as Wil-Bond to help adhesion. This will still have a strong smell but will not linger as long or be as strong as the primer method. You will then need to brush the finish on with a small angle brush such as a 2-1/2 inch Purdy or similar. Depending on your brushing skills and color of the paint this may take two coats of finish or more.

If done correctly your blinds should then hold up for far longer than the factory finish lacquer coat that was used at the factory. For more information on this you may visit our website at http://Dennardbloss.com.

Written by Michael Bloss / Dennard-Bloss Inc. Professional Painting

How to Choose and Buy Shutter Blinds

Shutter blinds are the perfect solution for making your home more private. They can provide many benefits along with privacy. Interior versions can add privacy to your home and a unique look as well. Therefore, you can have the privacy that you have been seeking and your house guests will love the look of them.

If you need a bit of airflow, they can be adjusted slightly to let in the air and still maintain the privacy that you need. They come in all different sorts of colors and designs so that you will have no problem finding ones that match whatever scheme that you may need. You and your visitors will highly enjoy shutter blinds in your home.

They are also very easy to clean. A dampened cloth or dry cloth will easily clean them. As long as you keep up on the dusting of them from time to time, there should be no problems with cleanliness. They can also increase the value of your property just as exterior shutters can.

Once they are installed, the value of your property will raise and the look of your home will also be improved upon. They help to maintain the functionality of your windows and add their own attractive look to your home. They will also help you to save money because they are very cost effective.

They will prevent cold air from entering your house and will prevent the heat of the summer from entering your house. This will save you from having to use expensive heaters and air conditioners during the different seasons. Because shutter blinds block most direct sunlight, it will help to maintain the natural colors of woods in your home that may fade from the sunlight in time.

If you are interested purchasing some, the best place to start looking is the internet. The internet manufacturers will be able to offer you special deals that other retailers cannot. Many of these manufacturers will also offer you free shipping as part of a package deal.

Professional installation will also be an option for internet retailers as well. Of course, you do not have to take part in the professional installation, but it is a nice option if that is what you are looking for. Be sure to search the internet thoroughly to find the best shutter blind deals.