Painting Aluminum Shutters

You can change the colors of your aluminum shutters with paint.

If you are changing the exterior color of your home and do not wish to purchase new coordinating shutters, it is possible to paint your existing aluminum shutters in order to keep a few bucks in your pocket, and make the outside of your home look fresh, bright and brilliant.

1. Plan to paint your aluminum shutters on a warm day that is going to maintain a daytime temperature of about 55 to 60 degrees F. If you are planning to paint the shutters outdoors, choose a shady area so the sun does not heat the paint, which will restrict its ability to dry properly and adhere to the aluminum.

2. Remove the shutters from your home and lay them down in your designated work area.

3. Scrub the shutters with a mixture of non-phosphate cleanser and water, and a scrub brush.

4. Rinse the mixture off the shutters and allow them to completely air dry. This process can take anywhere from two to three days, so make sure to store the shutters indoors if there is a potential for inclement weather during that time.

5. Remove any dust on the shutters with a clean cloth or a duster before proceeding with any painting.

6. Apply a layer of primer to the shutters. For best results, use a latex primer.

7. Allow the primer to dry and apply one or two coats of 100 percent acrylic latex outdoor paint onto the shutters.

8. Allow the paint to dry and reattach the shutters to your home.