Exterior Shutter Paint Sheen Explained

Exterior shutters are an important feature of many homes, providing an attractive and functional way to add privacy, control light and ventilation, and protect against the elements. ShutterLand takes pride in every aspect of the shutter manufacturing process – from selecting the best materials to construction methods to finishing practices. The final step is perhaps the most important because paint serves a dual purpose. A high quality finish provides both long-term protection from the elements and color, which is critical to the overall aesthetic. One crucial detail to consider is the paint sheen, and we unequivocally recommend a satin sheen for exterior shutter use.

Why Use Satin Paint for Exterior Shutters?

When it comes to painting exterior shutters, there are several good reasons to choose a satin sheen over gloss or flat paint.

Satin sheen for exterior shutter paint provides a happy medium between the high shine of gloss paint and the low sheen of flat paint. Satin paint has a slight gloss to it, but not so much that it will reflect too much light or look overly shiny. At the same time, it’s not as flat as matte or eggshell finishes, which can look dull and lifeless. The result is a finish that strikes the perfect balance between sheen and texture, providing a rich, lustrous look that’s ideal for exterior shutters.

Another advantage of using a satin sheen for exterior painted shutters is that it’s more durable than flat paint. Satin paint is slightly more resistant to moisture and fading than flat paint, which can be especially important for exterior surfaces that are exposed to the elements. It’s also easier to clean than flat paint, making it a good choice for shutters that are frequently exposed to dirt, dust, and other debris.

If exterior shutters have any slight imperfections, such as dents or scratches, a satin sheen can help to hide them better than gloss paint. Gloss paint tends to highlight imperfections by reflecting light, while flat paint can actually accentuate them by creating shadows. Satin paint, on the other hand, provides a more forgiving finish that can help to smooth out minor flaws and create a more cohesive overall look.

Finally, using a satin sheen for exterior shutter paint is more versatile than gloss or flat paint. Satin paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, and vinyl, making it a good choice to tie together all of the external features on the home. It’s also available in a wide range of colors from all popular manufacturers, so you can choose the shade that best compliments your home’s exterior.

Drawbacks of Using Gloss or Flat Paint

While there are many benefits to using a satin sheen for exterior shutter paint, there are also some drawbacks to using gloss or flat paint sheens.

Gloss paint can be a good choice for certain exterior surfaces, such as doors and trim, but it can look too shiny and reflective on shutters. This can be especially true if your shutters are made from a material that’s naturally more glossy, such as vinyl. A high-gloss finish can make shutters look artificial or even cheap, detracting from the overall appearance of your home.

A flat paint sheen can also be problematic when used on exterior shutters. The flat finish can make shutters look dull and uninteresting, and it’s also less durable than a satin or gloss finish. Flat paint is more prone to fading, chalking, and peeling, which means you may need to repaint shutters more often if you use flat paint.

Using gloss or flat paint on exterior shutters can be more difficult to clean than a satin finish. Gloss paint tends to show smudges and fingerprints more easily, and flat paint can be harder to scrub clean without damaging the finish. This can be a particular problem if your shutters are located near trees or other sources of dirt and debris.

ShutterLand manufactures PVC, composite and wood shutters with a selection of finishing options. If shutters are ordered unfinished or primed, we provide painting recommendations and suggest using paint in a satin finish for all the reasons outlined above. ShutterLand also offers factory painted shutters in a variety of standard colors or custom matched to any color desired. Our equipment is carefully and permanently calibrated for application of satin sheen paint, and we do not deviate from it. We apply one coat of primer on wood and composite shutters, followed by two coats of high-quality exterior Benjamin Moore Corotech COMMAND paint for a beautiful and durable finish. PVC shutters do not need a primer, but are finished with the same high quality exterior paint. Pre-colored vinyl shutters can not be painted. There is one paintable shutter offered that can be painted on-site after receipt.