Hello Dee,

I would use a brush and roller technique on them. Paint the louvers 1st. with a small brush then roll the frame. This will give you a good coat with less brush strokes will show in the final product.

Well I guess I am lazy but I would spray it and not feel bad about how they came out. Personally I would rather spray than roll or brush unless I really needed to. Spray, if applied properly, comes out very even and flat, where as brushing a rolling sometimes give you more than you bargained for.

I would definately spray them. The finish will turn out so much more even and finished looking. This is also a huge time saver.

Start from the top and spray as evenly and methodically as possible. Starting from the top will help with any minor drips. Keep the pace and the amount as even as possible to give you the cleanest finish. ...»

New Wood shutters are sprayed at the factory with special paint that is much more durable than trim paint. This added durability is necessary to stand up to the extreme conditions in a window (direct sun, high temperature, humidity changes etc.).

I have seen DIY paint jobs that look fine initially but the direct sunlight dries them out causing the top finish to crack into a racu effect. To avoid destroying your expensive shutters ...»

Spray and tip out with a brush if needed

I would spray them. However, with all the prep work ... removal, laying tarp, cleaning the sprayer, rehanging, etc ... I don't know how much more time would be saved for your project. When I spray paint my outdoor lattice work every couple of years, it saves a lot of time and is a better job!

I assume these are moveable louvered shutters. If so, as the righteous painter said, "Let us spray". You can not do this with spray cans. Like 'Made in the Shade' said, it takes a trained professional in controlled conditions with specialized material and equipment. If you need a good job, go that route. It's still cheaper than buying new ones and they will be around a long, long time for you to enjoy.

Best, Charles

For Lattice and fencing I agree spray. For Picket's, Rails, and Shutters I use a brush / roller , it seems to get into corners better 1st time and less stain or paint usage..

I am happy with my Wagner Power Painter/sprayer. Takes some maintenance and replacement Atomizer Valve but good enough for the little spray painting I do.

I have a Wagner power painter and a Campbell Hausfeld turbine sprayer. I have only used the Wagner once and I don't like the way it drips. It sprays just fine but the paint hits the nozzel and causes drips. My Campbell Hausfeld sprays just as good without the drips. So I use the turbine the most.