Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Jan 26, 2005 10:43pm | #1

   Bob,

   Prefinish them. Mask off the parts that don't get finish. Use latex paint.

   I would spray, because I have spray equipment and experience with it. If you don't, I recommend you use a brush or roller, or your project will be a learning experience with all the attendant problems as you climb the learning curve.

   If you do use spray equipment, any type can do the job. None has any advantage on such a small project.  Properly used, a very low cost convential spary gun will put down a perfect finish of latex paint. Airless and HVLP are more suited to high volume operations and are more expensive. They produce less overspray. That's not really a concern for a small task.

   Choose your weapon and practice for a while. Once you get good with any type of spray equipment, you'll start looking for things to spray!

   Rich

1. 
   BOBABEUI | Jan 26, 2005 11:57pm | #2

   Rich,

   Thanks for the response..

    One question though about oil vs. Latex debate. I have always experienced that Latex (even good ones like Ben Moore) don't dry to a hard hard finish, my concern was the Latex paint could cause the louvers to stick together and make the shutters hard to operate or worse inoperable? 

    

   Edited 1/26/2005 3:58 pm ET by BOBABEUI

1. 
   Rich14 | Jan 27, 2005 12:14am | #3

   Bob,

   If you have had experience with oil-based paint, go for it! My experience with paint is that latex is just about foolproof. Nothing should stick together if you correctly mask off areas that should not get painted. and spray light coats. Preparation is 90% of the work with spray painting. Use a flat undercoat and a semi gloss finish.

   Don't be frightened by any products that warn not to thin. That warning is there only so the manufacturer can say he has met the VOC requirements.

   I haven't had any problem with latex paint failing to come to a hard enough finish, but I never would argue with anyone who prefers to use an oil-based product. I don't paint very much. Most of my spraying is with lacquer or shellac.

   I avoid water-based clear finishes. But that's just me.

   Rich

2. 
   notDusty | Jan 27, 2005 03:58am | #4

               BOBABEUI ,

           Agree , pre finish as much as possible , make a jig for holding the louvers so they will rotate , or use hanging holders so you can get to all sides at one time .I have used fishing line to hang things to spray .

                      My guess if this is your first set of shutters to finish , it may also be your last set .

             good luck you will need it           dusty

1. 
   Rich14 | Jan 27, 2005 05:14am | #5

   dusty,

   "My guess if this is your first set of shutters to finish , it may also be your last set "

   Shutters are a PITA.

   I'm working on a batch of maple picture frames. 50 frames, various sizes (10x14 up to 20x30). Beautiful frames if I don't say so myself. Gloss lacquer rubbed out to soft satin look, all surfaces. Labor intensive beyond belief. Just short of doing shutters. *phew*

   Rich

2. 
   BOBABEUI | Jan 27, 2005 04:18pm | #6

   Dusty,

   Thanks. So far the building has been OK (no fine woodworking here) but a bit tedious, the finishing.. Well that has me sweating a bit..

3. 
   jackplane | Jan 27, 2005 04:42pm | #7

   Build the louvers in long sections, 8' to 10' feet or more, to finished dimensions.Same with the stiles and rails.

   Then prime, then sand and put it together. Spray out each finished shutter with oil paint if you can get it (depends on your EPA district). Move the shutters up/down as needed to make sure they don't stick.