Painting aluminium blinds typically involves thorough cleaning, proper preparation, and applying suitable paint, often using spray paint as suggested by the reference video which shows saving blinds from the landfill and giving them an all-new personality by spray painting them for a garage.
Here's a detailed guide on how to paint aluminium blinds:
Painting aluminium blinds can give old, worn-out blinds a fresh look and extend their lifespan, just like saving blinds from the landfill and giving them an all-new personality as shown in the reference. The key is proper preparation and choosing the right materials.
Preparation is Crucial
Before you even think about applying paint, the blinds must be properly prepared. This is the most important step for ensuring the paint adheres well and lasts.
- Remove the Blinds: Take the blinds down from the window.
- Clean Thoroughly: Aluminium blinds can accumulate a lot of dust, grease, and grime over time.
- Lay the blinds flat or hang them in a way that allows you access to all slats.
- Clean them using a mild detergent and water. A soft brush or cloth can help remove stubborn dirt.
- Pay close attention to the edges and mechanisms.
- Rinse them completely to remove all soap residue.
- Degrease: Even after cleaning, there might be residual grease or oil. Use a degreasing cleaner appropriate for metal to ensure the surface is completely free of contaminants.
- Sand (Optional but Recommended): Lightly scuffing the surface provides better adhesion for the primer.
- Use a fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit).
- Gently sand each slat.
- Wipe down the blinds again with a tack cloth or damp cloth to remove sanding dust. Let them dry completely.
- Prime the Surface: Aluminium is a non-porous metal, so a specialized primer is necessary for paint adhesion.
- Use a primer specifically designed for metal or challenging surfaces like aluminium. A self-etching primer or a bonding primer works well.
- Apply the primer in thin, even coats. Follow the product's instructions for drying times between coats.
- Priming ensures the paint sticks and prevents chipping or peeling later.
Painting the Blinds
Once the primer is dry, you can apply the paint. Spray paint is often the easiest method for blinds due to the numerous slats and surfaces.
- Choose the Right Paint: Use a paint suitable for metal, ideally an enamel or epoxy-based spray paint designed for durable finishes. Look for paints that are resistant to chipping and fading.
- Set Up a Painting Area: Find a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a garage with the door open (like painting blinds for a garage, as shown in the reference). Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the surrounding area.
- Hang or Suspend the Blinds: This allows you to paint both sides of the slats easily and prevents them from sticking together. You can hang them from a clothesline or sawhorses. Ensure slats are slightly separated.
- Apply Thin Coats: Apply paint in thin, even passes, holding the can the recommended distance from the surface (usually 8-12 inches).
- Why thin coats? Thick coats can drip, run, and obscure the blind mechanism. Multiple thin coats provide a smoother, more durable finish.
- Work methodically, painting one side of the slats first.
- Allow Drying Time: Let the first side dry completely according to the paint manufacturer's instructions before attempting to flip or touch the blinds.
- Paint the Other Side: Once the first side is dry to the touch and can be handled without damage, carefully paint the other side of the slats using the same technique.
- Apply Additional Coats: Depending on the paint coverage and the desired finish, you may need two or more coats. Always allow adequate drying time between coats.
- Paint the Headrail and Bottom Rail: Don't forget to paint the visible parts of the headrail and the bottom rail for a cohesive look. These may require masking off cords and internal mechanisms beforehand.
Drying and Reinstallation
Allow the blinds to cure completely before reinstallation. Curing takes longer than just drying to the touch. Refer to the paint can for full cure times, which can range from 24 hours to several days. Rushing this step can result in scratches or damage to the new paint finish.
Once fully cured, carefully rehang your newly painted aluminium blinds.
Summary of Steps:
| Step | Action | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean, Degrease, Sand (optional), Prime | Use metal-specific cleaners and primers. |
| Painting | Set up, Hang, Apply thin spray paint coats | Use metal-appropriate spray paint; paint both sides. |
| Finishing | Allow full curing time, Reinstall | Don't rush curing; handle carefully. |
By following these steps, you can effectively paint aluminium blinds and give them a brand-new look, just like refurbishing them instead of sending them to a landfill.
