Can You Restore Faded Shutters?
Shutters keep out sunlight and maintain privacy, which are very important things. However, because shutters are on the outside of your house, that means it’s easy for them to get bleached by the sun and worn by rough weather. So, is it possible to restore shutters that have been damaged by the elements?
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If your shutters are wood, then yes, it’s definitely possible to restore them! With a bit of elbow grease, the right tools, and enough time, you can transform your dulled, sun bleached shutters into the richly colored shutters you first installed.
Treating and Re-staining Wooden Shutters
Re-staining your wooden shutters definitely takes a bit of work, but it’s very much in the realm of possible. The first step will be to remove the shutters, and then remove the hardware like hinges from the shutters themselves. This will make it way easier to work on the wood.
Next you’ll want to strip the previous stain job. This will leave a clean surface for you to work on and will also let the wood absorb the new stain properly. Next, you’ll have to sand your shutters down. You can start with a coarser grain, and then gradually use softer grains as you go. Make sure to also clean the wood, so the stain can set in correctly and dust and dirt don’t become unwanted parts of your shutters.
When you’re finished that prep work, it’s time to start staining. A general rule is that the darker the stain, the better it will hold up against UV rays and bleaching from the sun. When it comes to choosing your stain, this is one of those situations where you get what you pay for. Since your shutters have to weather some pretty extreme conditions, it’s best to go for a high quality stain rather than a cheap, lesser quality one.
Once you’ve applied the stain and allowed it to dry completely, you’ll want to add some clear finish. Make sure to choose a finish that has UV resistant properties, as that will keep the UV rays from damaging your shutters again.
Tips to Maintain Your Wooden Shutters
While it’s definitely possible to re-stain and treat old wood shutters, the easier way to keep your shutters looking and working right is to maintain them properly in the first place. There are some easy and efficient ways to maintain your wooden shutters, which means that you’ll have to worry less often about them.
Keeping your shutters clean is, of course, the most obvious and important way to maintain them. Use a microfiber cloth, or even your vacuum to carefully and gently remove dust from the slats. You can also use a damp cloth for more stubborn spots.
When washing your wood shutters, make sure to use a wood cleaner, and clean carefully and gently. Don’t use a pressure washer—this will be too harsh for your shutters and could lift your stain or paint. Inspect your shutters often to check if they require any cleaning, or if it’s time to re-stain and treat them.
Shutters are practical parts of your house, so it’s important to take good care of them. Re-stain and treat them whenever necessary, either by doing it yourself or hiring a professional, clean them regularly, and keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t require any additional work. By following these steps, you’ll keep your shutters looking new and clean, which will in turn improve the overall look of your home.
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