Want to change the color of your fake wood blinds the cheapest, fastest way? You may choose to paint them to save the cost of buying new ones. Painting will also give new life to your blinds and add personality to your room. This post will tell you how to paint your faux wood blinds for less than $10 and in less than an hour. With 11 easiest DIY steps, you can easily finish the painting job in the afternoon.
You can easily and quickly paint or spray paint your faux wood blinds. If you choose to spray paint your blinds, it will save you more time and money.
How Is It Easier to Paint Faux Wood Blinds?
Did you know painting faux wood blinds is relatively easier than other window treatments? Compared to curtains, drapes, or fabric-based window coverings, painting faux wood blinds requires less time and effort. Unlike other window treatments, faux wood blinds have horizontal or vertical slats with a smooth surface that allows the paint to adhere easily. You can directly apply the paint onto the blinds without the need for extensive preparation or specialized techniques.
Additionally, painting slatted window coverings allows you to achieve a uniform and smooth finish, whereas painting other types of window coverings may require special considerations or techniques for the fabric or other material being used.
What Are Faux Wood Blinds?
Faux wood window treatments are made of different materials, such as vinyl or PVC. Their slats are designed to resemble real natural wood, hence the name “faux” wood. The PVC or vinyl used in the construction of these window blinds provide durability and moisture resistance, making them suitable for areas with high humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms. Faux wood shades offer the appearance of wood but with the additional benefits of being more affordable, easier to maintain, quick to paint, and resistant to warping, cracking, or fading.
Here are some DIY steps to paint your fake wood window treatments.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Paint Faux Wood Blinds
Collect all the necessary tools and materials before you start painting your window treatments. They include:
- Faux wood blinds
- Cleaning supplies (such as a sponge or damp cloth)
- Paint
- A paint tray
- Paintbrushes
- Sandpaper (optional),
- Primer (optional), and
- Any additional tools or accessories.
11 DIY Steps to Paint Faux Wood Blinds in Less Than an Hour
Step 1: Prepare the Work Platform
Set up a clean and well-ventilated work area. Cover the floor with a piece of cloth or something else to protect it from paint spills or drips. Make sure there’s enough space to comfortably work on your window blinds.
Step 2: Remove the Blinds
Take down your faux wood blinds from the window frame. Depending on the type of installation, you may need to unhook them or remove them from their mounting brackets. Carefully handle and lay the window treatments flat on a clean surface.
Step 3: Clean the Blinds
Thoroughly clean your faux wood blinds to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Use a sponge or damp cloth to wipe down each slat, paying attention to crevices and corners. Allow them to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Sand the Surface (Optional)
If the surface of your blinds is textured, you will not need to sand it. If it is not texture, lightly sand it to create a slightly rough texture and improve paint adhesion. You can use fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand all the slats. After sanding, wipe away any dust or dirt using a clean cloth.
Step 5: Apply Primer (Optional)
Applying a primer can ensure better paint adhesion and enhance the overall look and finish of faux wood blinds. If you choose to apply primer, select a product specifically formulated for faux wood surfaces. You’ll need to apply a thin, even coat of primer using a roller or a brush. Make sure to cover all the slats. Allow the primer to dry completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Choose the Paint
Select paint that’s suitable for faux wood surfaces. Acrylic paints or water-based latex are commonly used. Consider the desired finish (satin, glossy, matte) and choose a color that matches your taste and interior decor style.
Step 7: Prepare the Paint
Pour the paint into a container or paint tray. Stir it thoroughly to ensure it is well-mixed and ready for application. If desired, you can thin the paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 8: Apply the First Coat
Begin painting your faux wood blinds, starting with the edges and corners of each slat using a paintbrush. Work your way from top to bottom and ensure even coverage. Apply a thin, even coat of paint, and avoid drips or pooling. Allow the first coat to completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 9: Apply Subsequent Coats
Depending on the desired color and finish, apply additional coats of paint. Follow the same process of painting the corners and edges first, then move to the larger surface areas. Apply thin, even coats, so each coat dries thoroughly before you apply the next one. Multiple coats can help you to achieve the desired opacity and finish.
Step 10: Allow Drying & Curing
Once all the coats of paint have been applied, allow your fake wood blinds to dry and cure completely. Follow the paint manufacturer’s drying time instructions. This may take 30 minutes or so, depending on the type of paint you are applying. In the drying area, you need to ensure proper ventilation.
Step 11: Reinstall Your Blinds
Once the paint has fully dried, you can put your faux wood blinds back up on the window frame. Carefully place them back into their headrail or mounting brackets and reattach any necessary hooks. Ensure the window treatments are properly aligned and securely positioned.
Summing Up
When painting your faux wood blinds, it is important to follow the specific instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your window treatment and the paint you are using. Take safety measures, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation in the workspace for painting.
FAQs
Can you paint faux wood blinds?
Yes! You can easily paint or spray paint your wooden or faux wood blinds. Over time, vinyl blinds get aged and yellowed. Painting is a really easy project if you can take your blinds out and put them back in.
Here’re easy tips to revitalize your dated blinds with spray paint:
Step 1: Take down your blinds from the windows.
Step 2: Take strings out of the little notches and slide each slat out.
Step 3: Clean up the slats before you start painting. Just give them a quick wash with soapy water.
Step 4: Lay the slats out in the sun to let them dry.
Step 5: Lay the slats out on a drop cloth or a plastic sheet.
Step 6: Give them a coat of spray paint on the front and back. When one side is done, let them dry and flip them over to do the other side.
Step 7: When you have finished painting, let them all dry.
Step 8: When they are all dry, string them back up the same way you took them out.
Step 9: Reinstall your faux wood blinds.
Can you change the color of faux wood blinds?
The answer is yes! The cheapest and fastest way to change the color of your faux wood blinds is to paint them. White faux wood blinds may turn yellow over time over the long term due to excessive sun exposure. For the tidiest look, take all the slats apart, so you can easily paint them without smearing paint on the cords or wand. You can go with brush-on paint, as it will create far less mess and fumes than spray paint.
Can you spray paint my blinds?
Yes, you can easily update your faded blinds with spray paint. Compared with brush-on paint, spray paint offers the least expensive and the quickest way to revitalize the look of your old, dis-colored blinds. Spray paint also ensures a more uniform look, free from brush strokes and splashes.
Need Further Assistance?
Still unsure how to paint your dated faux wood blinds the fastest and cheapest way? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for expert advice and custom solutions.