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How to Decorate and Paint on Vinyl Roller Shades

While they are available in many colors, most vinyl shades are a boring shade of white or beige. Vinyl roller shades are practical and inexpensive but they are anything but decorative. One way to jazz up a window and give a room a flair that works with any budget is to paint those boring shades. Colors and patterns are limited only by your imagination. If you can’t draw a straight line, paint over a stencil.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard or poster board (for practice)
  • Household cleaner
  • Painter's tape
  • Latex paint
  • Small containers for paint
  • Stencil (optional)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paint sponges
  • Matte sealant spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test out your design idea on a large piece of cardboard or poster board cut to approximately the same size as the roller shade. If you will be painting stripes, for example, use the ruler to record the width and write the measurement on a notepad so that you can transfer the measurements onto the roller shade.

    • 2

      Roll out the vinyl roller shade flat on a large table. If possible, move the table away from the walls so that you can easily walk around it.

    • 3

      Clean the vinyl roller shade with a sponge moistened with a household cleaner. Wipe the cleaner off with clear water and allow the shade to air dry or dry it with a towel.

    • 4

      Tape the roller shade down to the table with painter's tape so that it will remain stable while you are working.

    • 5

      Open your paints and pour a little into smaller containers. If you are painting a freehand design, start painting. If you will be using a stencil, see Step 6.

    • 6

      Tape the stencil down onto the roller shade. Most stencil kits come with instructions but in general, start by pouring some paint into a small container. Then, use paint sponges or small paintbrushes to daub the paint into the open spaces of the stencil. Start with a small amount of paint and add to it as needed. Release the stencil from the tape and allow the paint to dry.

    • 7

      Coat the vinyl roller shade with two to three coats of matte sealant spray when it is completely dry. Allow the paint to cure for a minimum of three days before hanging up the shades.