After years of exposure to the elements, vinyl shutters lose their original color. The easiest solution for this is to repaint the shutters. But what kind of paint and primer should you use?
Acrylic or enamel paint is best for painting vinyl shutters. Acrylic paint will adhere better to the material, giving you longer-lasting results. For best results, use a bonding primer specifically formulated for vinyl. This will create an even surface and help the paint adhere better.
In this article, you will learn:
- The factors to consider when choosing paint for vinyl shutters
- What type of paint to use
- What paint finish is best
- The best paint and primer for vinyl shutters
3 Key Factors for Choosing the Perfect Paint
It’s important to take certain factors into consideration before beginning the painting process. Here are the 3 most important considerations to keep in mind:
(Make sure to check out my comprehensive guide on painting vinyl shutters for further details and a convenient, step-by-step tutorial.)
1. Type of Paint
It is important to choose a paint that has been specifically formulated for use on vinyl. Not using the appropriate type of paint will lead to cracking, peeling, and fading over time.
2. Finish
The paint’s finish is essential when selecting paint for your vinyl shutters. It is important to note that the higher the gloss finish, the more durable it will be. A matte or satin finish is also popular but won’t provide as much protection from the elements.
3. Weather Resistance
The paint you choose for your vinyl shutters should withstand the elements, including harsh sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Some paints contain UV inhibitors that protect the shutters from fading, while others are formulated to resist moisture and prevent mildew growth.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Acrylic
Pros
- Acrylic paints are mildew-resistant, making them a great option for vinyl shutters prone to moisture buildup.
- High-quality, exterior-grade acrylic latex paints can bond well with vinyl shutters, resulting in a long-lasting finish.
- Acrylic paints come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their vinyl shutters to match their aesthetic preferences.
Cons
- Poor surface preparation can lead to cracking or peeling.
Enamel
Pros
- Enamel paints have superior adhesion and durability, making them an ideal choice for painting vinyl shutters.
- Thanks to their hard finish, enamel paints are more resistant to chipping and cracking.
- If applied correctly, enamel paints can resist fading even in direct sunlight and will last for years without frequent maintenance or touch-ups.
Cons
- Enamel paints can be harder to apply, requiring multiple coats and careful surface preparation.
What Paint Finish Is Best?
When painting vinyl shutters, selecting the right paint finish is crucial. Choosing an inappropriate paint finish can lead to a subpar appearance and poor durability, ultimately leading to premature recoating. Therefore, selecting a paint finish that balances durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness is crucial.
Among the different paint finishes available, gloss finishes are often the most favorable option for painting vinyl shutters.
A higher gloss finish is more durable and better at resisting weathering, moisture, and fading. This finish is less prone to cracking or peeling as time goes by.
Gloss finishes also provide a more reflective surface that helps repel dirt and debris, making cleaning and maintaining your shutters easier. However, gloss finishes require more preparation and labor than other finishes.
The Best Paint and Primer for Vinyl Shutters
When painting vinyl shutters, choosing the best paint and primer is paramount. Vinyl shutters, being made of plastic, require specific types of paint and primer that are designed to adhere properly to their surface.
Failure to use the right type of paint and primer can result in peeling, cracking, and fading of the paint, leaving your shutters looking unsightly and needing repainting sooner than expected.
Now, in terms of application, spray painting is a better option when it comes to painting vinyl shutters. Spray painting allows for an even and consistent application of the paint and primer.
It also ensures that the paint reaches every nook and cranny, creating a smooth and even finish. Furthermore, spray painting is faster and more efficient than brushing or roller painting, allowing for a quicker turnaround time and reducing the chances of mistakes or errors.
Best Paint
For painting vinyl shutters, Rust-Oleum’s 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint is one of the best options available.
This premium general-purpose spray paint is specially designed to provide breakthrough double coverage technology, making it possible to cover a larger surface area with fewer paint cans.
The durability of this spray paint is second to none. It can be used both indoors and outdoors without compromising on quality. It is formulated with a long-lasting finish that provides excellent resistance to chipping, cracking, and peeling for a longer-lasting finish.
It dries to the touch in 20 minutes and can be handled within one hour, ensuring you can complete your project quickly.
The Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover spray paint covers approximately 20 to 25 square feet (2m2) with a single 12oz (350ml) can. This makes it possible to paint multiple shutter panels with fewer cans, reducing the project’s overall cost.
Best Primer
Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray is the go-to solution for all your vinyl shutter painting needs. This plastic primer spray can be applied directly to vinyl shutters, creating a firm and even base for any top coat color of your choosing.
With its ability to adhere to hard-to-paint surfaces, this specialist spray is the perfect solution for all your shutter painting requirements.
Rust-Oleum plastic primer is specially formulated to bond tightly with the surface of vinyl shutters, providing superior adhesion and durability for your top coat.
Its fast and easy application ensures that your vinyl shutters are ready to be painted in no time. And with a wide variety of topcoat colors to choose from, you can renew or change the color of your vinyl shutters with absolute confidence.