The hot, humid days of summer in southcentral Pennsylvania are here. And all that sunshine can take a toll on your shutters, window panes and doors.
When it comes to newer vinyl doors and windows, fading and peeling is just a cosmetic issue. But you don’t want your home’s first impression to be a bad one. Here are three steps to remedy the problem and boost your curb appeal.
- Clean the House
This might seem silly, but there’s a chance your vinyl surfaces aren’t actually faded, just dirty. The easiest way to tackle pollen and dirt buildup is using a power washer on the exterior of your home. However, it’s also extremely effective to remove the shutters and clean them by hand using water and detergent.
When your shutters are down, you should examine them for mold, which can become a problem in areas with excess moisture. Mold can be safely removed using a mixture of bleach and water.
If a thorough cleaning doesn’t do the trick to freshen up these surfaces, your next option is to paint.
- Choose Your Paint
It’s important to stay in the same color family when painting your outdoor vinyl surfaces. Don’t make any drastic changes, as going from light to dark could change the amount of sun your surfaces absorb. This could lead to unexpected expanding, twisting or warping.
Because these surfaces are exposed to direct sunlight and expand and contract, you’ll need to use 100% acrylic latex paint. A latex primer will help minimize peeling and help the paint stick to your vinyl surface.
If you have questions about what colors will work on your vinyl surfaces or what paints are safe to use on these outdoor areas, ask someone at the paint counter of your local home improvement store.
- Follow Painting 101
For best results when painting your outdoor vinyl shutters, windows and doors, avoid direct sunlight, high humidity and temperatures below 50 or above 90 degrees. Nylon or polyester brushes will work best with latex paint and vinyl surfaces.
Follow manufacturer’s directions and allow ample dry time before applying a second coat. Once dry, your shutters, windows and doors will look good as new for a summer of outdoor fun.
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