Painting Exterior Red Cedar Shutters

Exterior shutters constructed of durable, decay-resistant western red cedar.
Cedar shutters are naturally decay resistant. If left unpainted they will silver and last for many years.
If a shutter is to be painted it is important that certain steps be followed to ensure that the shutter is protected from moisture and a quality finish is obained.
Painting with an air sprayer is recommended, versus brushing, for the best possible finish.

CUSTOM SPRAY PRE PRIMING BY FABRICATOR
Strongly Recommended $60/pair any size or style.

• They recommend Sherwin Williams 101 as an excellent primer and will assure proper adhesion to the surface as well as block any Tannin bleed that might occur.
• The fabricator will spray prime the panels making them fully ready for painting, assuming no need to retrim sizes.
• Panels will be ordered pre-primed @ $60 per pair, no matter what size or style.
• The pre-priming seals in the tannins of cedar and is a must.
• They obtain 100% coverage!
  

CUSTOM SPRAY PAINTING BY FABRICATOR
Strongly Recommended $17/square foot per panel.

• They recommend Sherwin Williams Super Paint, a latex finish coat is an excellent paint and may last as long as 20 years. They will spray any top grade national paint brand and color.
• Panels will be ordered pre-primed @ $60/pair no matter their size with oil base to seal in tannins
• They will then spray 2 coats of paint in addition to the 2 factory primer coats.
• They obtain 100% coverage!
• The cost is $17 per square foot. A pair of 12x60" panels is 5 square feet for each panel times 2 shutters equals 10 square feet, for this calculation.
• In this example the total cost would be $60 to preprime and $170 for quality paint or $230 total, assuming no crating charge requirement.
• There is a 13 square foot minimum painting charge. Any larger pair or multiple pairs should qualify.
• Due to painting the shipping arrival is usually 2-3 weeks longer than unfinished.
• They will arrive in a fully protected and padded wood crate for safe arrival.
• For 4 pairs or more there is no crating charge. For less, it is $100.

Client DIY/House Painter Painting

• The panels can be ordered with exterior oil pre-primed $60/pair. We recommend the pre-priming. Your painter will appreciate you getting them pre-primed.
• Apply the primer to all six sides of the shutter, especially any end grain. Treat all sides equally.
• Allow the primer to dry as per manufacturer instructions and lightly sand for raised grain or loose fibres with steel wool.
• Apply a second coat to all six sides and resand as needed.
• The finish coat can then be applied to all six sides equally.
• Finally a final finish coat can be applied to all six sides equally.
• While the paint can be brushed, it is recommended that the paint be sprayed.
• Most house painters will spray them with their airless spray systems for latex. Getting even coats everywhere is the challenge.
• Our experience is that "house painters" simply do not like to paint shutters! Keep them happy.

Screw Hole Plugs

• Unfinished panels arrive with the screw cap plugs not installed. That is done so that if any width trimming is required the operator will know that a screw is buried 1" +/- in the wood. This is a press fit and no glue is required.
• The screw plugs should be installed in the screw holes once the width is resolved and before painting.
• Lightly sand the shutter using 150 grit sandpaper, removing any sharp edges or loose fibers.
• Clean off any dust by blowing the shutter with compressed air or using a good clean tack cloth.

Installation By Others

• Sorry, but we are not insured for workman's comp to install exterior shutters.
• You should find a reliable contractor or handyman who is so insured.
• We can provide a list of such folks, but can't guarantee their work or insurance.
• All wood exterior shutters should be mounted to the house with at least a 3/8" or 1/2" spacer between the back of the panels and the house siding to allow for adequate ventilation. Thicker spacers might allow small birds to nest behind the panels.
• We will provide you the needed spacers.
• It is recommended that the panels be attached with rust proof "deck screws" sunk flush to the wood.  Extra paint can be dabbed on them.
  

Crating and FOB Shipping

• Almost all shpments are made by freight truck. They are crated for protection.
  
• Orders for 4 pairs or more and receive free crating.
• Orders for 1 to 3 pairs require a $100 crating charge.
• FOB Shipping Charges: There is free shipping to 48 states USA for any size order.