Is Paint Not Sticking To Vinyl Shutters? Do It Right

Sometimes, when renovating your home, you spend a lot of money on new vinyl shutters for your windows. You may even plan to keep them in your home for years, but do you know that paint needs to be applied first?

The reason is to prevent the paint from pulling off or cracking due to the rough edges of the vinyl.

If you have painted your vinyl shutters, they will likely come back to haunt you. If you’ve been diligent about painting your shutters every year and adding a fresh coat every couple of years, your vinyl has become worn out. The paint has worn off at the edges as soon as it comes into contact with the outside elements.

No one wants expensive, premium paint for their shutters. So why is paint not sticking to vinyl shutters? What is wrong with your paint? These are the questions you must come up with for this DIY project.

This article is perfect for you if you’re looking for a way to paint vinyl shutters. You will learn all the possible causes of your problem and be provided with several methods to help you get your paint on there in one easy move.

Why Is Paint Not Sticking To Vinyl Shutters?

Reason 1: New Vinyl Shutters

There may be a tiny layer of manufacturer grease on the surface of brand-new vinyl shutters. As a result, the surface that your paint will cover is uneven.

Solution

Give your shutters a thorough cleaning before painting if you find it difficult.

Reason 2: Incorrect Paint Application

Inadequate paint application is the other factor contributing to the paint’s refusal to stick to your vinyl shutters. Either you are using the incorrect paint, or you are not giving it enough time to dry between layers.

Solution

Find out if you are using the proper paint with VinylSafe ingredients that are mandated to use on shutters instead of walls.

Reason 3: Not Letting Paint Dry

The paint may bubble up and chip or peel off when it is not given enough time to cure or completely dry between layers. This is very likely to occur if you reside somewhere with warm temperatures.

Solution

Wait after each coat to let the paint sit and dry properly before adding another layer of paint to it.

How To Paint Your Vinyl Shutters Properly?

Step 1: Remove The Vinyl Shutters

Taking off the vinyl shutters before painting them with an airless sprayer is necessary. If you have shutters fastened with metal clips, removing them is relatively easy. Then all you have to do is lift them off the clips.

If the model you have has shutter locks fitted, you must use a hacksaw to cut through them. Last but not least, certain vinyl shutter types include plastic, difficult-to-remove buttons.

You must first wipe them off before beginning. Vinyl shutters can be painted if you choose to do so without taking them down.

Step 2: Prepare The Working Station

Vinyl shutters can be painted right where they are without requiring a workspace. Taping the wall around the shutters will be sufficient protection. Or you can find a flat, elevated work surface where you can set up shutters while doing so.

Make sure to finish painting outside or in a space with good ventilation, such as a shed or garage. In doing so, you will be free from the negative effects of breathing in toxic gases and chemicals.

Step 3: Clean The Vinyl Shutters

Cleaning the vinyl shutters first is essential to prevent painting over mold and filth, which would lower the quality of the project and shorten the paint’s lifespan.

Start by wiping away dirt with a soft cloth and a detergent water solution. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, although you can eliminate mildew stains by adding a little bleach to the soapy water.

Window shutters should be properly cleaned with a hose and soft-bristle brush, then rinsed well before being dried with a fresh microfiber towel. Power washing is an alternative method for removing damaged vinyl colors without harming the fabric.

Step 4: Apply Primer

Better paint retention on the vinyl surface is made possible by this optional procedure. Apply a primer to the vinyl after scraping it up with a fine-grit sanding sponge to cover up any minor flaws and serve as a foundation for the paint layer.

Step 5: Apply Paint

Your preferences will determine the kind of paint and application method you want to use. Spray paint saves time, but traditional painting with a brush doesn’t necessitate taking down the shutters.

An airless sprayer rental fee can cost around $50 to $75. You should ideally apply three thin coats of paint to achieve the best results.

Final Verdict

Vinyl shutters may be painted quickly and easily for a relatively low cost while adding beauty to your home. You have two options: keep the exterior color of your home the same or paint it a different shade.

Instead of investing hundreds of dollars in new shutters, this simple DIY project can improve the aesthetic of your home. Let’s get going!

FAQ

Are vinyl shutters that are marked “do not paint” paintable?

Yes, vinyl shutters with warnings not to paint are indeed paintable.

Additionally, if the old shutters still look beautiful and need painting, you can paint them. However, you MUST use paint with the VinylSafe ingredient to keep it from bubbling, warping, or even buckling while adhering to vinyl.

What kind of paint is ideal for vinyl shutters?

Vinyl shutters are best paired with latex paint. When the plastic shrinks or stretches with the weather, oil paints will not stick to the surface of the shutter very well and will easily peel or split. Spray paints are a fantastic option for vinyl as well, as long as you choose plastic-bonding formulations like Krylon Fusion.