Repainting Plantation Shutters: The "Honest" Guide for Sydney Homeowners

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. You look at your once-crisp, white plantation shutters and realize they’ve turned a sad shade of yellow, or perhaps they just don’t match your new "Modern Coastal" interior vibe. The first thought is usually, "I'll just grab a tin of paint and give them a quick refresh this weekend."

But before you head down to Bunnings, let’s have a real chat about repainting plantation shutters. While it's technically possible, it is one of those DIY projects that can quickly turn into a weekend-ruining marathon.

The first thing you need to know is what your shutters are made of. Not all shutters take paint the same way.

• Timber Shutters: These are the most "repaint-friendly." Because wood is porous, it holds paint well. If you’re looking at refinishing shutters made of real basswood, you’re in luck.
• PVC or Polyvinyl Shutters: These are a bit trickier. They have a non-porous surface designed to repel moisture, which unfortunately means they also repel paint. You’ll need a very specific high-adhesion primer, or the paint will start peeling off within a month.
• Aluminum Shutters: These usually have a powder-coated finish. Repainting these at home is almost impossible to get right—they really need professional electro-static painting.

If you’re determined to go ahead with repainting plantation shutters, here is the "no-fluff" version of the workload:

1. Deep Cleaning: You have to remove every speck of Sydney dust and grease. Any residue will cause the paint to bubble.
2. Sanding (The Hard Part): You have to hand-sand every single louver (slat) on both sides. If your shutters have 20 slats per panel, that’s a lot of surface area.
3. Priming: You can’t skip this. A high-quality primer is the only thing standing between you and a flaky mess.
4. Painting: This is where the skill comes in.

Between you and me, never use a brush on plantation shutters. Brushes leave stroke marks and cause "drips" in the corners where the slats meet the frame. This can actually gunk up the mechanism, making the shutters hard to open and close.

To get that smooth, factory-like finish, you need a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) spray gun. If you don't own one, renting one adds to your project cost.

Here is the kicker: repainting plantation shutters properly is incredibly time-consuming. If you hire a professional to do it, the labor cost often approaches the price of a brand-new set.

At D&R Blinds, we’ve seen many Sydney homeowners spend a fortune on paint and tools, only to be disappointed with the DIY result. Because we offer factory-direct pricing on new PVC and Timber shutters, many of our clients find that replacing their old, yellowed shutters with a fresh, custom-made set is actually more cost-effective (and much less stressful) than trying to refinish them.

Q: Will repainting void my warranty?A: Almost certainly. Most Sydney manufacturers will not cover any issues with the tension or movement of the slats once they’ve been painted over.

Q: How long does a repaint last?A: If done perfectly? 5–7 years. If done poorly? You’ll see chips within six months, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Q: Can I change the color from dark to light?A: It’s possible, but it will require multiple coats and a lot of patience to ensure the dark undercoat doesn't "bleed" through.

Is it time to skip the sandpaper and go for a fresh look? If your shutters have seen better days, don't spend your weekend struggling with a spray gun. Contact D&R Blinds for a free measure and quote in the Sydney area. We can show you how affordable a brand-new, factory-fresh set can be!