What Can I Spray My Aluminum Shutters With?

Water

• Before you paint your shutters, you can spray them with water. This is the easiest way to clean shutters, which collect dust, leaves and debris easily due to their slat construction and position on the outside of your home. Spray shutters once before removing them from the house to get out any insects or rodents nesting in them. Spray them with a hose again at close range once you have them free of the house.

Latex House Paint

• A conventional paint spray system will work fine for aluminum shutters. Select a latex-based house paint for durability and the ability to stick to the clean aluminum surface. Latex exterior paint from a spray gun will also stick to old layers of paint that cover all or part of the shutters. Remove any paint chips or flakes by sanding before you apply new latex paint.

Flat Finish Paint

• Use a paint that has a flat finish for aluminum shutters. This will help them keep their look for a longer period of time. Glossy paint tends to show small imperfections such as dents and seams, while a flat finish will reduce the visibility of minor imperfections that are common of aluminum shutters. The same principle applies to wood shutters, so a flat finish will help your aluminum shutters look more like traditional wood.

Sealant

• Painted aluminum shutters will be prone to fading and paint chips unless you spray on a layer of sealant once the paint is dry. Depending on the product you choose, you may be able to use the same spray system. Applying sealant with a brush or roller won't get into the shutter slats, where peeling paint can begin. To maintain a matte finish, use a flat finish sealant that protects against water and fading from sunlight, such as a deck sealant.