How To Paint Cedar Shutters Outside?

This article provides expert tips on how to paint exterior cedar shutters like a pro, focusing on a smooth finish and long-lasting results. To paint outdoor shutters, first, choose high-quality exterior paint and primer. Remove the shutters from your home, clean them thoroughly, repair any damage, and sand the entire surface.

For a long-lasting finish, use an oil-based primer tinted as close to the final color as possible and apply it using a spray. Adjusting the appearance of your exterior shutters can dramatically alter the appearance of your home. The best techniques and supplies for painting shutters and maintaining their beauty are provided in this step-by-step guide.

After the shutters have dried, prime them with a high-quality latex primer. If you’re top-coating in a light color, spray a very light fog coat. Use a high-quality Acrylic latex house paint (use exterior grade on each of the four perimeter “sides” – top, bottom, and two vertical sides).

Some people argue that paint won’t adhere to ERC very well, but others believe that using an oil-based primer will work fine. In this blog post, we show you how to make cedar shutters, which is an easy project that could be completed in a weekend or two. Applying exterior latex paint to your wood shutters ensures they don’t chalk or fade as they would with an oil-based paint.

To prepare the shutters, pressure wash the walls, stain/seal the shutters, and preserve the existing cottage look. Shutters are usually painted using a roller and paint brush, and you will usually need to strip or clean them before starting.

Can you paint cedar shutters?

The best finish for cedar shutters is either painted, which allows the fine grain to show through, or an oiled finish for a natural look. Unfinished cedar shutters can turn grey due to natural weathering, giving them a rustic appeal. Cedar shutters can last longer if treated with a protective finish or seal, but red cedar wood, especially milled, is known for its resistance to paint due to its burnished surface.

However, a good shutters supplier can prepare and paint cedar, ensuring a long-lasting product. Whether you choose a natural (stained and sealed) or painted finish, cedar shutters are made to last longer.

Should you spray paint or brush paint shutters?

To paint shutters, spray them with canned spray paint or an airless power sprayer. However, if spraying is not possible, a brush can be used for a quality finish. Clean and scrape the shutters, then hang them from an open ceiling joist in the garage or stand them upright or lay them out on the floor. Keep the brush on the dry side to avoid runs, drips, and sticking problems. Paint the window side first to avoid missed runs. This method ensures a clean and visually appealing finish.

How long will paint last on cedar?

Paint on cedar can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance, provided the surface is free of dirt, dust, and debris. Painting exterior cedar wood can protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance. Proper preparation and selecting the appropriate paint type are crucial for lasting results. Inspect the paint job annually, touch up as needed, re-stain every few years, and apply a sealant.

The best paint for exterior cedar is based on the type of wood and the desired finish. The paint can last for up to 10 years with proper maintenance, and it is essential to follow maintenance tips to maximize the enjoyment of your painted exterior cedar wood surfaces.

Is it better to oil or stain cedar?

Stain is a suitable alternative to oil for Cedar, especially in areas with considerable shade and minimal UV exposure. This is typically when a house is shaded by dense tree cover or has wide soffits, such as villas with roofs that extend over porches. Stain prevents sun damage to weatherboards and ensures a long-lasting appearance. If you have any doubts, an expert can provide an expert opinion on the best treatment for any given job.

Does cedar need to be primed before painting?

Cedar siding is a durable and attractive material due to its rich oils and tannins, which give it its appearance and durability. To prevent stains and tannins from bleeding onto the topcoat, it is essential to prime the siding with an oil-based stain-blocking primer before top-coating with exterior paint. This primer ensures proper sealing of tannins, oils, and mill glaze on the siding. It is not recommended to use latex or water-based primers.

To paint old cedar siding, it should be cleaned first by pressure washing and allowed to dry before applying a solid stain. Alternatively, it can be primed and painted with the best exterior paint available, allowing the wood’s texture to show. However, primed siding may lose the natural wood grain look.

What kind of paint do you use on exterior cedar?

Cedar siding is susceptible to the effects of weather and other external factors. Therefore, it is essential to protect it through the application of a high-quality paint coating. A comprehensive primer coat and 100% acrylic latex paint can safeguard the wood from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation and preserve its natural appearance. Five Star Painting provides expert exterior painting services to assist clients in selecting the optimal paint and ensuring its proper application, thereby preserving the beauty of the siding for years to come.

What kind of paint do you use on exterior wood shutters?

Oil-based paints are the most durable for exterior use, as they dry faster and adhere better to wood surfaces. They should be used with oil-based primers. Water-based paints, also known as latex paints, are easier to work with and have formulas designed for exterior use. They dry faster and form a flexible finish that is less likely to crack or peel. Home improvement stores often carry a full selection of latex and oil paints, and custom colors can be easily mixed.

Does paint stick to cedar?

Cedar is an easy-to-paint substrate, making repainting straightforward. However, bare areas need to be spot primed with Resene Wood Primer instead of Resene Quick Dry. Resene Sonyx 101 or Resene Lumbersider are more suitable for Cedar than high gloss Resene Hi- Glo due to its quarter-sawn board surface texture. Refer to flowcharts 2 and 3 for repainting and prime or spot prime with Resene Wood Primer.

What is the best finish for cedar shutters?

The text recommends the use of “spar varnish” for the finishing of shutters, citing its exceptional properties in the protection of outdoor wood. Furthermore, the text suggests that clean disposable foam brushes be used for the application of the varnish, with the brushes themselves being replaced frequently.

How to seal cedar for outdoor use?

To protect your cedar wood from the elements, apply two coats of clear stain. The first coat serves as a protective seal, protecting the wood from external forces. The second coat is applied afterward. Cedar wood is a popular choice for outdoor projects due to its long-lasting charm and resilience. To enhance its beauty and longevity, apply a wood sealer. This simple yet effective measure helps to protect the wood from moisture damage, mildew, and pests.

When selecting a wood sealer, opt for a top-notch one crafted for outdoor use, as these types enhance the wood’s protective capabilities. This professional treatment will help you unlock the full potential of your cedar wood project.

Should shutters be painted flat or gloss?

Gloss or semi-gloss paints are commonly used for trim and shutters, as they highlight details and can be used to emphasize shutters. Gutters, downspouts, and other elements should be painted similar colors to the siding to help them blend into the house. Shutters and window sashes are typically the darkest colors in the color scheme, helping them stand out and frame windows. It is crucial to choose the right paint for the surface, such as oil-based paint, as it bonds better to tin gutters.

Spring is a great time for exterior painting, as most paint won’t dry below 50 degrees, making it a pleasant day to be outside. When choosing color variations for trim, follow a simple rule: use darker colors toward the first floor and lighter ones towards the top of the house. If you need help picking colors or are unsure about the process, contact a professional for a consultation.