How to Paint Shutters | The Drip Free Way

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Today we are going to talk about how to paint shutters. We might also brush on following the directions on the back of your paint can. This sounds easy right? Simple, straight forward, yeah... anyone can do that. Well, you just met the one person in the entire universe who has a very hard time reading that can. On the bright side... it all worked out in the end. Don't worry... I'll share all the things TO do, and all the the things NOT to do!

Let's talk toys. I love new toys... especially the kind that give me yet another way to apply white paint. Yes, I know.. I really do have a problem, but I'll remind you just like I remind my kids... I painted one wall in my dining room bluish/greenish/grayish and my living room wall gray. Yes I know... I'm not veering to far from the white palette... especially since that bluish/greenish/grayish wall is very small area in comparison.

Ok, enough about paint colors... let's talk about these shutters!

You'll notice how it looks like someone did a horrible paint job and you can see through the paint. There are places all over these that look like someone just missed a few spots. But hey... can't complain about 2 shutters for a buck! I've literally carried these things across the country and have been meaning to use them. I'm still not entirely sure where they will find their permanent place in my home, but at least they are painted now! So are you ready to see how to paint shutters without getting drips? Let's face it, nobody wakes up and thinks "today, I'd like to spend hours upon hours brushing in between the slats of shutters" nope, not a single person!

Supplies: 

- Homeright Finish Max
- Paint of your choice

How to Paint Shutters - the drip free way

The Homeright Finish Max is the only way to go! You could spray paint them with a can of spray paint if you want, but your finger would likely never have feeling in it again and you would go through several cans to get good coverage. I decided I would try out the Finish Max and guys I'm sold! I can't believe how little over spray there is.

Let's talk real quick about things not to do. You probably shouldn't paint when the weather is barely above freezing. I have had this thing waiting on me to use, but we got a cold front the day it came in and it hasn't gotten above freezing yet. I was so close to just using it in my basement, but then we got up to 38 degrees. So what did I do? I ran outside set everything up and painted my shutters. Yup... it wouldn't dry, it just kept staring back at me saying "You do know it's on the verge of freezing right? I'm likely to freeze before dry" - said the shutter ; ). Remember how I said you should follow the directions on the back of the can... it says to apply paint above 50 degrees... there is a reason people! Unless of course you want to join me in holding your utility heater over your shutters like a hair dryer. I probably looked like a total freak out in my garage!

Now that we have that cleared up.. let's talk about using this fun little toy!

It's small, light, and so easy to use!

I know we've already talked about following directions because they are there for a reason... let's dive in a little deeper.

Tips on using the Homeright Finish Max

- Strain your paint if it isn't a new can. If you don't want to go through this mess... go buy yourself a quart! You don't want your fancy new toy to get damaged!

- Thin your paint (again following the directions on your can) I used Behr and ended up going with about 7 parts paint 1 part water. I could be off here, but it worked out great for me... I'd double check my math though ; )

- Take a practice run. It took me a few swipes to get the hang of how to use the trigger, but once you get it down... you can do it!

- Find a good distance to paint from to avoid those drips. This is where practicing comes in hand, but I can honestly say I don't have one single drip on my shutters! Woot Woot!!

Tips on How to Paint Shutters

- Paint the edges first, then move on to the slats and top of the shutters.

- I painted side to side going down the length of the shutter, then I turned around and painted side to side again going the other direct to make sure you get in between all those slats.

- Elevate whatever you are working on so it doesn't stick to your drop cloth or plastic (been there done that) Just grab some scrap 2x4's and that will do the trick.

Once you are done with everything, clean out your Finish Max immediately.. I know nobody likes the clean up part of painting.. and if you do, please move in and be my new neighbor because I can fulfill your desires of cleaning paint like no one else ; ) It feels a little daunting at first when reading through the manual... but seriously, it took me like 10 minutes. So WORTH it!

Looking for more painting tips and tricks. I have also shared about how I paint ceilings without making the biggest mess ever ; ) It's life changing!