Painting Metal Shutters

Tools:

high-velocity, low-pressure paint sprayer
screwdriver
sanding sponge
scrub brush
mixing bucket
garden hose
spray can primer
trigger-action adapter for spray can
old piece of cardboard or wood to practice using paint sprayer
rubber gloves
plastic gloves
protective gloves
dust mask
paint
soap

1. Remove shutters from wall. In this situation, the shutters were mounted on a brick wall with anchor screws, which made removal very simple.

2. Stand each shutter in a large mixing tub and clean thoroughly with soapy water and a scrub brush (figure A). If the shutters are dirty the paint will not adhere to the surface.

3. After washing but while the shutter is still in the bucket, wet-sand loose paint free from both sides using a sanding sponge (figure B). Use a fine grit paper to avoid scratching surrounding area.

4. Hose down shutter and set aside to dry. Continue washing and sanding remaining shutters.

6. Take a few practice swipes on a piece of cardboard, make sure that the paint can stays in motion while you are delivering paint to the surface. Hold the can six to eight inches away from the surface to prevent drips (figure D).

7. Spray even coat of primer on shutters in vertical strokes as well as horizontal to even the coat out. Let the primer dry for 30 minutes.

8. Pour paint into sprayer cup of HVLP paint gun, snap on top and connect air hose. Take some practice swings on a piece of cardboard to get a feel for the sprayer. For safety and health reasons, always wear your mask and gloves while applying paint with the sprayer.

10. Let shutters completely dry before reattaching to the house.