Do Plantation Shutters Fade? And Other Plantation Shutter Maintenance Questions

March 4, 2022 by Pam May

Plantation shutters, custom-made shutters that precisely fit every window in your house, are so popular not just because they’re beautiful but also because of their durability. Properly cared for, plantation shutters can last years, even decades, if they’re created from high-quality materials.

At Shenandoah Shutters, we frequently get asked if the custom stain or paint on our clients’ plantation shutters will fade over time. Today, we’re answering that, plus all your other plantation shutters maintenance questions.

Do Plantation Shutters Fade?

Because plantation shutters are installed inside the house instead of outside, they aren’t exposed to the harsh elements as much as exterior shutters are. However, whether they’re painted or stained, wood shutters will fade over time when exposed to sunlight, so we recommend re-staining or re-painting if they begin to fade to ensure that your shutters look bright and fresh.

How Can I Clean My Plantation Shutters?

At Shenandoah Shutters, we make it easy for homeowners to clean our custom-made shutters. First, we seal each piece individually, preventing moisture from getting in. You can clean the shutters with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner attachment – no need for harsh chemicals, wood polish, or even soap and water. Simply wipe the dust off or vacuum weekly or monthly, depending on how dusty they get.

General Shutter Maintenance

Make sure to inspect your shutters regularly. Check the hinges, the slats, and the tilt rod and louver to ensure that they’re working correctly. Sometimes, the moving parts can get debris in them that makes it harder to open and close them. Checking them every six months can help you spot minor problems that can be easily fixed. Always make sure to open and close the shutters using the tilt rod, to reduce the chances of shutters breaking.

Finally, inspect the slats for chips or small cracks. If the wood is chipped, moisture can get into the wood, causing damage or making it expand so that the shutters can’t fully close. For your shutter repair needs, give the team at Shenandoah Shutters a call.

Why Can’t I Polish My Stained Plantation Shutters?

We use real wood for our plantation shutters, from basswood to yellow poplar, and even hardwood on request. When wood gets damp, it can retain moisture and get damaged. After we stain the shutters, we seal them to prevent moisture from getting in. Repeatedly using chemical cleansers can weaken the integrity of the sealant we use and can damage the wood.

Tightening and Loosening the Shutter Louvers

Sometimes, the louvers won’t stay in your desired position. If you have trouble keeping your shutters open at the angle you like, or if they’re too tight and hard to tilt, then you can easily tighten or loosen the tension screws on either side of the shutter panel. Make sure that you have the tension equal on each side of the shutter.

Can I Re-Paint My Shutters?

When we stain or paint your custom-made plantation shutters, we coat each piece first, then assemble the shutters. You may re-paint your shutters if you wish, just be sure to seal them properly afterward. If you want to re-stain your shutters, though, it may be difficult to do so without damaging the wood. Unlike hardwood flooring, which can be re-stained, shutters are much smaller and more delicate, so we recommend calling us for help.

What If My Shutter Slats Break?

We may be able to help you with replacing a few broken shutter slats. Call our offices for help. If you had a custom stain, it may be difficult to find another piece that matches. Painted slats are generally easier to replace.

Do You Want Plantation Shutters In Your Virginia Home?

Do you love the look of plantation shutters? Do you want a window covering that can last for the life of your home? Plantation shutters from Shenandoah Shutters may be just right for you. We offer custom-made plantation shutters using only the highest quality of wood. Each shutter is a custom fit to the window you choose from traditional windows to French doors and even unusually shaped windows. All of our shutters are crafted in our Richmond woodshop then fitted to your windows.