Does the thought of faded, dull shutters bring down your home’s curb appeal? You’re not alone! Those once-vibrant window coverings often lose their color thanks to harsh sun and rain. Repainting them seems like the answer, but then you face a new challenge: which spray paint will actually stick and look great? Choosing the wrong can lead to peeling, chipping, and wasting time and money.
It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which cans offer the best adhesion for plastic, wood, or vinyl shutters. You want a finish that lasts, resists the weather, and gives you that crisp, professional look without streaks. We understand that frustration!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best types of spray paint specifically designed for shutters. You’ll learn exactly what features matter most for durability and finish. Get ready to transform those tired shutters into a standout feature of your home!
Top Spray Paint For Shutters Recommendations
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula resists chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Gloss finish provides a fresh, new look for surfaces
- ALL-IN-ONE SPRAY PAINT – Krylon All-In-One Spray Paint delivers best in class adhesion, durability, and rust protection. The aerosol spray paint offers a broad color palette with multiple finishes and sheens for indoors and out.
- STRONG ADHESIVE – This all-purpose spray paint bonds with 5X Stronger Adhesion to difficult surfaces without sanding or priming. This product provides maximum rust protection for all outdoor projects.
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPRAY PAINT - Whether your project is inside or out, this adhesive spray paint offers maximum rust protection. Ideal for use on plastic, wood, metal, PVC, tile, and more.
- QUICK DRY – Best results when temperatures are 55° F to 75°F and humidity is below 60%. The spray paint adhesive is dry to the touch in 25 minutes, dry to handle in 2 hours.
- AMERICA’S FIRST SPRAY COATING – Krylon spray paint has been trusted by consumers since 1947. We offer a wide selection of spray paint products to help restore, refresh and recolor any project. With Krylon, today we spray.
- ALL-IN-ONE SPRAY PAINT – Krylon All-In-One Spray Paint delivers best in class adhesion, durability, and rust protection. The aerosol spray paint offers a broad color palette with multiple finishes and sheens for indoors and out.
- STRONG ADHESIVE – This all-purpose spray paint bonds with 5X Stronger Adhesion to difficult surfaces without sanding or priming. This product provides maximum rust protection for all outdoor projects.
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPRAY PAINT - Whether your project is inside or out, this adhesive spray paint offers maximum rust protection. Ideal for use on plastic, wood, metal, PVC, tile, and more.
- QUICK DRY – Best results when temperatures are 55° F to 75°F and humidity is below 60%. The spray paint adhesive is dry to the touch in 25 minutes, dry to handle in 2 hours.
- AMERICA’S FIRST SPRAY COATING – Krylon spray paint has been trusted by consumers since 1947. We offer a wide selection of spray paint products to help restore, refresh and recolor any project. With Krylon, today we spray.
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula resists chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Ultra matte finish gives projects a no-shine, vintage appearance
- Weather and corrosion resistant coating protects exterior/interior surfaces like wood, metal, concrete, masonry and more
- Oil-based formula provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention
- Dries to touch in 2-4 hours and covers up to 15 sq. ft
- Excellent resistance to abrasion, fading and chipping
- Semi-gloss finish provides a subtle shine on surfaces
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula resists chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Flat finish helps hide surface imperfections
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Flat primer provides a surface ready for painting
- ALL-IN-ONE SPRAY PAINT – Krylon All-In-One Spray Paint delivers best in class adhesion, durability, and rust protection. The aerosol spray paint offers a broad color palette with multiple finishes and sheens for indoors and out.
- STRONG ADHESIVE – This all-purpose spray paint bonds with 5X Stronger Adhesion to difficult surfaces without sanding or priming. This product provides maximum rust protection for all outdoor projects.
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPRAY PAINT - Whether your project is inside or out, this adhesive spray paint offers maximum rust protection. Ideal for use on plastic, wood, metal, PVC, tile, and more.
- QUICK DRY – Best results when temperatures are 55° F to 75°F and humidity is below 60%. The spray paint adhesive is dry to the touch in 25 minutes, dry to handle in 2 hours.
- AMERICA’S FIRST SPRAY COATING – Krylon spray paint has been trusted by consumers since 1947. We offer a wide selection of spray paint products to help restore, refresh and recolor any project. With Krylon, today we spray.
Choosing the Best Spray Paint for Your Shutters: A Buyer’s Guide
Painting your shutters can make your house look brand new! Spray paint is a fast and easy way to do the job. But not all spray paints are the same. This guide helps you pick the perfect can for your outdoor project.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at the paint can. These features matter most for shutters:
- Adhesion: This means how well the paint sticks to the shutter material. Good adhesion stops peeling later.
- UV Resistance: Shutters sit outside all day. The paint must fight the sun’s harsh rays. UV resistance keeps colors bright and stops chalking (a dusty look).
- Durability and Chip Resistance: Shutters open and close. They bump into things. You need paint that resists chips and scratches.
- Coverage: How much area one can covers is important. Better coverage means fewer cans to buy and less time painting.
Important Materials: What Shutters Are Made Of
The material of your shutters changes what paint you should use. Always check the paint can label to see if it works for your shutter type.
Vinyl or Plastic Shutters:
These are common. Vinyl needs a special paint formula. Many standard paints will just fall off plastic. Look for paints specifically labeled “For Plastic” or “For Vinyl.” These paints soften the plastic slightly, allowing the paint to bond strongly.
Wood Shutters:
Wood expands and shrinks with the weather. You need a flexible paint. Oil-based or high-quality acrylic latex spray paints work well on wood. They seal the wood and move with it.
Metal Shutters (Aluminum or Steel):
Metal rusts. You must use a primer first. Look for spray paints that have rust-inhibiting properties built in. This protects the metal underneath.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The final look depends on the paint quality and how you use it.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Oil-Based or Enamel Formulas: These often dry harder and last longer than basic latex sprays. They give a very professional, smooth finish.
- Self-Priming Paints: These save a step! They stick well even without a separate primer coat, but a primer is still best for bare or damaged surfaces.
- High Solids Content: Paints with more actual color pigment (solids) usually give better, thicker coverage in fewer coats.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Painting in Bad Weather: If it is too cold, too hot, or too humid, the paint will not cure (dry) correctly. This leads to bubbling and poor sticking.
- Not Cleaning the Surface: Dirt, chalk, and old paint cause new paint to fail. Always wash and dry the shutters thoroughly before you start.
- Using Indoor Paint Outdoors: Indoor paints break down fast in the sun and rain. They will fade and peel within one season.
User Experience and Use Cases
Spray painting shutters is a great DIY job. It is much faster than using a brush, especially for the slats.
Best Use Cases:
- Quick Updates: Need a fast color change before an open house? Spray paint is the quickest solution.
- Reaching Hard Spots: The spray nozzle easily covers the edges and the hard-to-reach spots between the slats where a brush struggles.
- Smooth Finish: Spraying naturally creates a very smooth, factory-like finish, especially on vinyl or smooth metal.
User Tip: Always use a spray paint trigger handle attachment. Your finger will thank you! Also, lay down plenty of drop cloths. Overspray happens easily.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spray Painting Shutters
Q: How many cans of spray paint do I need for a standard pair of shutters?
A: Generally, you need two to three standard (12 oz) cans per shutter pair if the shutters are medium-sized. Always buy an extra can just in case you need a third coat.
Q: Should I take the shutters off the house to paint them?
A: Yes! Taking the shutters down and laying them flat on sawhorses gives you the best, most even coverage. It prevents drips and allows you to paint the sides easily.
Q: What is the best temperature for spraying shutters?
A: Check the can, but most manufacturers suggest temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 29°C). Avoid painting in direct, hot midday sun.
Q: Do I need to sand vinyl shutters before spraying?
A: Lightly scuffing the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) helps the paint grip better. If you use a paint specifically for plastic, heavy sanding might not be needed, but cleaning is mandatory.
Q: How long does spray paint take to dry completely?
A: Most quality exterior spray paints are dry to the touch in one to two hours. However, they need 24 to 48 hours to fully cure before you should handle them or reattach them to the house.
Q: Can I use regular house paint in a spray gun instead of aerosol cans?
A: Yes, you can, but you must thin the paint correctly and use the right type of sprayer (like an HVLP sprayer). Aerosol cans are easier for beginners because they come pre-thinned and pressurized.
Q: What is the best spray paint finish for exterior shutters—matte, satin, or gloss?
A: Satin is the most popular choice. It looks professional, hides minor surface imperfections better than gloss, and is easier to clean than a flat (matte) finish.
Q: How do I prevent overspray from getting on my siding or windows?
A: Use large cardboard sheets or plastic sheeting to create a barrier around the work area. Tape the edges securely. Move the drop cloth frequently as you rotate the shutters.
Q: What kind of primer should I use if my old paint is peeling?
A: If the old paint is failing, you must remove all loose paint first. Then, use a bonding or direct-to-metal/plastic primer, depending on your shutter material. This seals the surface before the topcoat goes on.
Q: How long will a good exterior spray paint job last on shutters?
A: With proper prep work and using a high-quality exterior-rated enamel or acrylic paint, your new shutter finish should look great for 5 to 7 years before needing touch-ups.