Exterior Painting Advice

How Do You Paint Shutters & Wooden Trim?

Shutters and trim are vital components for helping your home stand out. Making the right choices will ensure you'll be satisfied with your work for years to come. Shutters and trim are ideal accents that draw attention to your home, and they help emphasize the architectural elements you want to stand out.
Exterior Painting Advice
Shutters are a great addition to your exterior, and they work well with most contemporary styles. Consider using materials that can withstand the effects of weather, including ones made of fiberglass, wood composites, or PVC. When trying to match up the proper size and style, opt for shutters that cover the entire window when closed.

If you’re trying to complement the base color, consider using bold, vibrant colors for your trim and accents.

You can add great looking contrast and interesting visual cues when placing light-colored trim against bold, solid base colors. 

Find All Glidden Paint Colors

Picking your shutters

Home with shutters

Picking your shutters

Shutters are a great addition to your exterior, and they work well with most contemporary styles. Consider using materials that can withstand the effects of weather, including ones made of fiberglass, wood composites, or PVC. When trying to match up the proper size and style, opt for shutters that cover the entire window when closed.

If you’re trying to complement the base color, consider using bold, vibrant colors for your trim and accents.

You can add great looking contrast and interesting visual cues when placing light-colored trim against bold, solid base colors. 

Find All Glidden Paint Colors

  1. Scrape off any loose paint and sand the surface. Clean the surface thoroughly with soapy water and a sponge.*
  2. Use a high-quality exterior Paint + Primer in One with strong adhesion such as Glidden® One Coat Exterior Paint + Primer in a semi-gloss sheen, with a 2-2 ½ inch-wide nylon/polyester brush.
  3. Begin painting your shutter slats starting at the top. Use lighter strokes on freshly painted areas to reduce unwanted stroke marks.
  4. Move to top corner of shutter, and paint the side edge closest to the house. Continue until all sides are covered, and wipe off excess paint that overlapped onto the stiles.
  5. From the top of the shutter, paint the face with long, smooth brush strokes until complete.
  6. Air dry according to manufacturer direction.
  7. Add a second coat if necessary.
  8. Allow second coat to air dry completely.
See What Supplies You'll Need

* WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust or fumes. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST OR FUMES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirator and prevent skin contact to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting USEPA National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. Follow these instructions to control exposure to other hazardous substances that may be released during surface preparation.
** Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.

Refinish your shutters with these steps

  1. Scrape off any loose paint and sand the surface. Clean the surface thoroughly with soapy water and a sponge.*
  2. Use a high-quality exterior Paint Primer in One with strong adhesion such as Glidden® One Coat Exterior Paint Primer in a semi-gloss sheen, with a 2-2 ½ inch-wide nylon/polyester brush.
  3. Begin painting your shutter slats starting at the top. Use lighter strokes on freshly painted areas to reduce unwanted stroke marks.
  4. Move to top corner of shutter, and paint the side edge closest to the house. Continue until all sides are covered, and wipe off excess paint that overlapped onto the stiles.
  5. From the top of the shutter, paint the face with long, smooth brush strokes until complete.
  6. Air dry according to manufacturer direction.
  7. Add a second coat if necessary.
  8. Allow second coat to air dry completely.
See What Supplies You'll Need

* WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust or fumes. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST OR FUMES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirator and prevent skin contact to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting USEPA National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. Follow these instructions to control exposure to other hazardous substances that may be released during surface preparation.
** Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.