Can You Paint Roller Shutters?

With the current trend of changing colors, it’s natural to consider painting roller shutters. When updating and renovating your home, painting the exterior is often a top priority—usually involving a complete overhaul of your color palette. However, you might find yourself stuck, looking at your roller shutters and wondering if they’ll fit into your new scheme. What are your options?

There are several possibilities to consider when it comes to painting roller shutters. Below is a list of pros and cons for each option, along with some friendly advice. Remember every situation is different.

Painting Roller Shutters

Yes, you can paint roller shutters! Many clients have successfully done this. However, be aware that painting roller shutters will change their original appearance. It’s important to note that, over time, as the shutters have moving parts, the new paint may scratch off and leave marks. Therefore, it’s highly advisable to use a primer followed by a topcoat of paint.

First, clean the roller shutters thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. Then, use a sanding sponge to lightly scrub the painted surface, which helps remove grime and allows the new paint to stick better. After sanding, use a damp cloth to eliminate any fine dust or stubborn spots left behind. You should do this for both the curtain of the shutter and the head box and guides. Remember, in the guides, there may be a rubber or felt seal that helps guide the shutter down, so be sure to tape over this area to avoid getting paint on it.

Applying the Paint

When painting roller shutters, ensure you use a primer to help the topcoat adhere properly. You can choose from a few different types of paint for this process. Epoxy-based products tend to adhere well to most surfaces, while enamel paints might be more cost-effective. Select a quick-drying paint, and avoid painting on windy days to prevent bugs and dirt from settling on your freshly painted roller shutters. Allow the paint to dry completely before operating the shutters. Using a brush will be helpful for getting into the crevices of the roller shutters.

NOTE: Our advice would be to not paint the curtain of the shutter itself, you can successfully paint the head box and the guides – however they will obviously have a different finish than your original shutters do. And the finish will depend on the preparation you give it. We suggest replacing the curtain of the shutter – at a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Replacing the Curtain Only

Another option, depending on the color of your head box and guides, is to simply change out the curtain (the rolling part of the roller shutter). This is often the best way to change colors; you can remove the existing curtain and replace it with a new one in your desired color while keeping the head box and guides as they are. In many cases, the colors of the head box and guides still work well together. This method is generally easier and quicker, making it a cost-effective choice since the curtain is the moving part that may be more prone to scratches. We can easily assist you with this changeover.