Instructions for Repairing Exterior Wood Shutters

Crack and Rot Repair

• 1

  Widen cracks, or spots of rot, that are less than a 1/4 inch wide using a putty knife.

• 2

  Clean debris and loose paint from the area with the putty knife and a wire brush.

• 3

  Roughen the surface around the damaged area using 100-grit sandpaper.

• 4

  Remove debris and dust with a damp rag.

• 5

  Cover the damaged area using wood filler or auto body filler. Gently push the product into the damaged area and use the putty knife to feather the edges so the product is level with the shutter surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application directions and drying time.

• 6

  Sand with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the patch so it is the same level as the rest of the surface.

• 7

  Remove dust and debris with a damp rag.

• 8

  Cover the patch with exterior primer and let it dry according to the manufacturer's directions. Finish the patch with paint or stain so it matches the rest of the shutter.

Missing Louvers and Damaged Joints

• 9

  Clean debris and loose paint from the mortise-and-tenon joint area with the putty knife and a wire brush.

• 10

  Set missing louvers into the empty slots on the shutter.

• 11

  Screw a stainless steel screw from the side of the shutter into the rail. Or, you can follow Steps 4 to 6 and use waterproof glue instead of screws.

• 12

  Apply polyurethane glue inside the mortise-and-tenon joint, follow the manufacturer's directions for application instructions and drying time.

• 13

  Clamp the shutter with a pipe clamp, across the width of the shutter, applying pressure to the repaired area.

• 14

  Leave the clamp in place until the glue is dry.

• 15

  Prime and paint the screw head to protect it from the weather and hide it from view.