This tutorial explains how to paint brand new paintable vinyl exterior shutters and is not intended or recommended for the PVC type of exterior shutters or repainting old exterior shutters. You must have the paint grade shutters for this procedure to work correctly.

First you need to decide whether to spray or brush the paint on with a paint brush. It is recommended that you use a spray system to paint your exterior vinyl shutters, as the result will come out more consistent.

Next is paint selection. There are three basic choices to consider and the choice you make is very personal to you and the style of your home:

1. Exterior flat paint

2. Semi gloss/satin finish paint

3. High gloss paint

Choosing the quality of paint for plastics is different than the paint you would use for painting wood. Whether you are spraying or brushing, I always advise to use relatively inexpensive paints. I recommend this for two reasons. First, you will not have to deal with any moisture issues so the mil thickness of the paint is not important. Secondly, very high quality paints are more globular and intended for use with a roller, which makes the paint too thick for even spraying. Remember that a plastic product is inert and does not absorb or emit moisture vapors so protection from the elements is secondary.

Priming is dependant on the exact type of substrate you will be working with. If the material is a styrene like the Mid-America brand (only color #30) or a high quality copolymer like Alcoa Vintage shutters or other pre-painted product, and if you are using a flat exterior latex paint, you will get excellent adhesion without priming.

If you are using anything other than flat latex, always prime the surface of the exterior vinyl shutters first. The paint supply store will have inexpensive primer (wood primer is fine) and again it does not have to be high quality as it is only to provide adhesion for your top coats of paint.

Follow the directions and pay careful attention to the temperature guideline on the paint can for the best results.

You will need the following items to get started:

1. A pair of sawhorses (or two large boxes)

2. A drop sheet (either plastic or cloth)

3. An equal number of cardboard boxes to the number of exterior shutter panels you are painting (the boxes are for storing the freshly painted exterior shutter panels on while drying)

4. Paint spray gun or for brushing a two inch and a half inch paint brush

5. Paper towels or a clean rag

6. A respirator if recommended by the paint manufacturer

OK, Picasso time to get to work.

Open louver shutters present a big challenge because of the angle of the slats and resultant difficulty of getting full coverage. If you don’t address the space between the slats and you are installing the exterior shutters at eye level or higher, after you install your vinyl shutters unpainted spaces behind the slat will be visible.

If you are spraying, before you actually spray paint on the vinyl shutter use a test area for an even spray pattern and to make certain that the gun is working properly. The side of the cardboard drying boxes will work well for this. To paint louver vinyl shutters, lay the panel face down and begin to spray holding the gun at a forty five degree angle then aim the nozzle directly into the slat cavity. Spray with even strokes and begin before your paint zone and always follow through your paint zone. Go to the other side and repeat. Always inspect for adequate coverage of paint on the exterior shutter before going to the next stage. While the window shutter is face down it’s a good idea to paint the edges to ensure that they will be covered properly. I am always amazed at the missed spots on the edges when I don’t do this.

If you are brushing, you will need the small brush for this job. Paint liberally between the slats, making sure to also paint the sides of the slat about one-half inch. Painting the edges with a brush while the exterior shutter is face down is a good plan as well.

Turn the exterior window shutter over. You do not need to wait for the paint to dry as the back side of the exterior shutter is recessed and will not rest directly against the cardboard box.

If spraying, use the same angle of the spray gun as you used on the back side of the louvers and spray into the slat cavity on both sides. Next, go to the bottom edge of the exterior shutter and angle the gun so you can paint the bullnose (the edge of the louver). Hold the spray gun at about a thirty degree angle and spray from one side to the other in even strokes, again overspray your paint zone to ensure the finish is applied evenly. The next step is to go to the top of the shutter and spray the face of the slat. Here you will hold the gun at a ninety degree angle to the slats (perpendicular to the slat), again over spray your paint zone. Re-spray the edges and paint the stiles (vertical rails). Finish with a second coat, inspect, and re-shoot if necessary.

Brushing is fairly obvious and requires little other than using your two inch brush for the coat of paint. Be sure to inspect the edges of the exterior shutters for full coverage and that you indeed did cover the exterior shutter completely.

Move the freshly painted vinyl shutters onto one of the boxes you set up for the painted shutters to dry and repeat until all of the vinyl exterior shutters are painted.

For more information about installing, removing, and measuring for vinyl exterior shutters visit http://www.shuttercontractor.com/.

Attracting birds to your gardens is a natural. Gardener’s have a distinct advantage in attracting birds. While everyone can put out bird feeders, a gardener can grow natural food that will be the first stop for birds every time. With the right plants, your yard will soon be filled with birds.

We will send you a link to some great software which is network compatible and has motion detection.BirdCamera.com is the ultimate source for capturing the movement of your avian friends. This will allow you to login from anywhere with an internet connection to check what’s going on including your mobile phone or PDA once it’s all set up. The motion detection part of the software allows you to record only when there is movement, which saves hard drive space. The small size means it can be used as a covert hidden camera and is easily installed as a bird camera nesting. You can also hear and record sound with the Audio connection. This full colour wireless Bird camera Box and wireless receiver with black and white night vision is so easy to set up with a Plug and Play USB Easy Cap connection.

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Exterior shutters have evolved into a standard feature on American homes. Functional exterior shutters were initially designed for ventilation, light control, and to protect from wind and rain. With functional hardware, the shutters rotate closed to block direct sunlight while simultaneously allowing for air to pass through the house.? Shutters could also be used as the first line of defense from precipitation and storms.

In the early American development all shutters were constructed from wood. Wooden shutters were strong and maintained integrity when built from an exterior grade lumber (often Cedar or Cyprus).

In years past, functional wood exterior shutters were far more practical than they are today. Modern conveniences make movable outdoor shutters unnecessary. Air conditioners allow homes to maintain consistent indoor temperatures when conditions rise above an acceptable level. Window screens used to protect homes from insects also prevent homeowners from operating exterior shutters when weather conditions are enjoyable.

Southern communities such as New Orleans or the Florida Keys regularly utilize functional exterior shutters. Without much concern for bugs, residents often close exterior shutters to allow cool moderate breezes to pass through the home. Common throughout these areas are multi-functional shutters that are constructed with movable louvers that rotate for adjustable light, ventilation, and privacy. Most all outdoor shutters are solid wood which offers moderate protection from high winds from seasonal hurricanes.

In most American regions functional shutters are primarily used to preserve an authentic historical appearance. Wood shutters mounted with solid metal hinges and shutter dogs present a distinct feel that non-functional vinyl shutters simply can not achieve. Towns or neighborhoods that strive to govern some level of historical accuracy regularly require the use of solid wood functional shutters. Louvered panels are the most versatile functional exterior shutters. Raised panel or closed-weave board-and-batten shutters block all light and allow no ventilation, but may offer more protection.

Non-functional exterior shutters also have their place in American architecture. Stationary shutters are a practical, inexpensive alternative to functional shutters that add definition and character to a building. Often non-functional shutters are constructed in vinyl, plastic, pvc, or other composite material. Synthetic shutters are often easy to maintain, requiring an occasional washing. An open back results in a light shutter that installs quickly and does not trap water between the shutter and the building. Wood shutters can also be non-functioning, but need to be attached directly to a building with spacers to prevent trapped moisture between and often require a strong anchor. Outdoor hardware can be installed to give the appearance of functional shutters. Non-functioning exterior shutters only need to vaguely appear operable, so size is not critical.

All styles are appropriate for non-moving exterior shutters. Raised panels, louvers, or a combination of the two are the most universal and are applicable on most homes. Board-and-batten panels work best on more rustic or rough-sawn decors. Custom designs are offered by some companies for a unique one-of-a-kind application.

Functional or non-functional exterior shutters will add distinction to most any American home.

Ready Shutters supplies durable vinyl exterior shutters in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. Select from louvered, raised panel, board and batten, shaker, combination, and arch top exterior shutters.

ShutterLand provides solid wood exterior shutters. These cedar shutters can be hinged to be functional or attached directly to the house to be non-functional.