Will my interior shutters fade?

Window treatments of any kind can lose their vibrant colors over time. Shades, blinds, and interior shutters fade depending on exposure to sunshine, moisture, and other environmental conditions. The pace of their color fading also depends on what material they're made of. Cloth curtains and other fabric window covers become discolored the fastest while the paint on faux wood tends to stay the longest. We cover the different types of shutters here and how they can be preserved below.

Interior Shutters and Color Endurance

Window shutters are generally made of wood and synthetic materials. But no matter what shutter type you end up choosing, it's best to find one with a coating that can withstand the sun's hot and bright ultra-violet rays as well as wet or cold weather. Let's discover how colors fare for each type of interior shutter:Wooden shutters

Most plantation shutters are made of hand-crafted wood. They're either painted white or cream or they can be stained. Staining is a color application that lets the grain of the natural wood show instead of having an opaque finish. Colors on interior wooden shutters last longer than their exterior counterparts because they're less exposed to the elements. However, interior shutters fade if they're mounted on windows that get plenty of sunshine during the daytime.

Stained shutters also won't last as long as painted ones. Sunlight will eventually break down any anti-UV coating or chemicals that are meant to preserve its color. In particular, white and light-colored shutters will turn yellowish. Low-quality shutters are more likely to become yellow faster than those made of.

Vinyl shutters Vinyl shutters that use acrylic paints are both weather and moisture-resistant, making colors last longer than wooden shutters.

Composite or faux wood shutters

These shutters are made of engineered wood or medium-density fiberboard wrapped in PVC or vinyl coating. Their surface is treated with UV inhibitor paint, which slows down fading.

How to Preserve Your Shutters

You can make your shutters last for years by:Getting them from a reputable company

While off-the-shelf products may be more affordable at the point of sale, they may not be cost-effective in the long run if they're made of cheap material. They don't offer warranties on craftsmanship and color restoration the way customized shutter providers do. Cleaning them gently

It's best to use a soft cloth, sponge, microfiber wand, or feather duster that won't leave scratches on your louvers. Use as little water as possible on wooden shutters, like when spot-cleaning for stains. Don't leave them wet as water may damage the finishing. You can also check with your manufacturer when picking the right cleaning agent. Silicon-based products are generally harsh on wood so avoid cleaners containing them. If you're considering using some soap and water for cleaning, ensure they're in very small amounts. The soap component should be p

H-neutral (a p

H of around 7, not acidic nor basic or high alkaline) and mixed in lukewarm water.

Inspecting the hinges regularly

Shutter hinges can collect debris, dirt, and dust. Check them regularly, applying lubricant as necessary. This will prevent the hinges from getting stuck in one position, which may unnecessarily put shutters under higher exposure to the elements.

Consider repainting or restoration services

You can consult a custom shutter provider about the best paint solutions or ask if they can do it for you. Hardwood shutters and rigid vinyl shutters that don't have broken parts yet are worth restoring and repainting.

If you would like a hand deciding, that is what the consultation is for. A designer comes out, looks at the actual room, and brings the fabrics that suit it. Book a free in-home consultation, or see the gallery.