Should You Repaint, Re-Stain or Replace Your Shutters?
Should You Repaint, Re-Stain or Replace Your Shutters?
Shutters have been an elegant home feature for centuries. The use of shutters dates all the way back to ancient Greece, when people used them to block out sunlight, provide ventilation and shade on hot days and create a sense of privacy. Today, shutters add a timeless charm to our modern homes, combining whimsy with practicality.
Over time, window shutters are subjected to high levels of sunlight, moisture and wear and tear, all of which can compromise their efficiency, function and aesthetic appeal. When it comes time to upgrade your shutters, you need to decide whether to repaint, re-stain or completely replace them.
This article explores everything you need to know to approach your shutter renovations with confidence. Discover the pros and cons of refinishing versus replacing your shutters and find the solution that's right for you.
Reasons to Refinish Your Shutters
Refinishing your shutters is a great way to revive your window coverings without replacing them. The benefits of repainting or re-staining your shutters include:
Cost savings: Refinishing your existing shutters can be more cost-effective than replacing them entirely. Replacing shutters can involve an array of costs, including the removal and disposal of the old shutters and the acquisition and installation of the new ones. However, to repaint or re-stain your current shutters, all you need is your chosen paint or stain and a few simple materials.
Maintain design: Refinishing enables you to maintain your shutter's original style and design. Whether the exact product is no longer made or you want to keep your original choice for sentimental reasons, refinishing existing shutters allows you to retain the aesthetic of the rest of your home, whereas new ones might have a different feel.
Countless color options: Repainting or re-staining gives you the opportunity to revitalise your shutters however you like. Whereas many brand-new shutter replacements are only available in limited colorways, when you refinish existing shutters, you have a much wider array of options.
Sustainable: Refinishing — or up-cycling — your current window coverings is a sustainable approach to improving your home. Instead of wasting valuable materials, if your shutters are in good condition, you can give them a new lease on life and make them go further.
Reasons Not to Refinish Your Shutters
Although refinishing is an appealing and cost-effective option in many scenarios, it might not always be the best decision. In many cases, you need to replace old shutters with new window coverings, which, although potentially more expensive at first, can save you time and money in the long run.
Reasons not to refinish your shutters include:
Preexisting damage: If your current shutters are damaged, it may not be viable to restore them. Depending on the extent of the damage and the condition of the shutters, the cost of refinishing materials could outweigh the shutters' value, and they may not last long enough to make it worthwhile.
Risk of further damage: Old or delicate shutters may not withstand the restoration process. For example, the use of a paint stripper to remove any current paint could damage old wood. Using the wrong kind of paint or stain can also cause damage or unwanted stains.
You can only change the color: If you choose to repaint or re-stain your shutters, you are limited as to how you can change them. Old or used shutters may have a tired aesthetic that cannot be remedied with a lick of paint, and replacing shutters makes it easier to match your vision.
Lack of functional improvements: By only changing the color, you are not changing how the shutters function. Old shutters — particularly wooden shutters — can become warped or damaged over time, or may not be as well-designed as newer styles. New shutters have an array of benefits, including improved insulation and light-blocking capabilities.
Time-consuming: When you refinish shutters, there are often multiple steps to the process, and you need to source an array of materials, including drop cloths, brushes and paint stripper. If they have existing paint, you will have to prepare your shutters by applying paint stripper and waiting for it to act before you can even begin painting. Many paints and stains also require you to apply a layer of primer first. With both paint and stain, your shutters may also need multiple applications before you reach your desired color.
Unsuitable material: Not all shutters are made from materials that are suitable for painting or staining. For example, most polyvinyl, pre-colored vinyl and polyresin shutters are not designed for repainting. Painting over unsuitable materials could lead to cracking, warping and operational malfunctions.
When to Refinish vs. Replace
In some cases, it makes sense to repaint or re-stain your window shutters, instead of throwing them out and investing in a new set.
You can consider refinishing your shutters if:
The damage is minor: If your window shutters are in good condition with only superficial damage, like small chips, scratches and faded color, but the overall structure is still sound.
They're made from the correct materials: Shutters made from wood are best suited to being painted or stained, as long as you find the right kind of paint for your shutters.
You're on a tight budget: If purchasing and installing new shutters is not an option, but you can afford to upcycle them yourself.
You want to keep the original design: Whether their design is too intricate to replicate or you just can't find similar styles online, you may want to hold on to your current shutters.
When to Paint vs. Stain
If you have decided to refinish your existing shutters, you still need to choose whether to paint or stain them.
Painted and stained wood shutters have very different appearances, so it is important to understand which material best suits your needs.
Repaint if you want:
Bold colors
Uniformity
To hide imperfections
Re-stain if you want:
A transparent finish
To showcase wood grain and patterns
A natural aesthetic
When to Replace Your Shutters
In some cases, you can't preserve your existing shutters and your best option is to replace them with a new set.
You should replace your shutters if:
You need a functional upgrade: If your current shutters are warped, don't close properly or no longer shut out light effectively, it may be time for a new set.
You can afford to: Although replacements may cost more than refinishes, there are a range of options available at different price points.
Refinishing isn't an option: Replacing may be your only option, for example, if your current shutters are made from a material that is hard to repaint or stain.
You want a new design: Perhaps you want a change or you want to modernize your shutters to match the aesthetic of the rest of your home.
Alternatives to Shutters
If you need to replace your window shutters but want a totally different look, there are plenty of alternative window coverings to consider.
If you want to modernize your window coverings, consider choosing:
Shades: Shades balance timeless elegance with innovation, made from a range of luxurious fabrics including silks, linens and weaves.
Revitalize Your Home With Colorado Shade and Shutter
At Colorado Shade and Shutter, we have been delivering high-quality, customized window treatments and coverings since 1988. Our expert team is dedicated to creating coverings that match your vision and your budget, and will guide you through the purchasing process from design to installation.
As a leading provider of Norman wood shutters, we offer a selection of premium, custom-made shutters to suit every price point. If you want to find out more about our extensive range of customizable shutters, shades and blinds, visit our showroom or fill out our contact form today.
