Spray painting mini blinds is an effective way to refresh their appearance and give them an all-new personality, perhaps for a space like a garage, as shown in the Ace Hardware video reference. This process involves preparation, careful application, and drying to achieve a smooth finish.
Here's a breakdown of the steps and considerations for successfully spray painting your mini blinds:
Prepare Your Workspace and Blinds
Before you start spraying, proper preparation is crucial for a good result.
- Clean the Blinds: Dust and dirt will prevent the paint from adhering properly.
- Remove the blinds from the window.
- Lay them flat or hang them in an accessible area.
- Wipe down each slat thoroughly with a damp cloth and mild soap, or use a blind cleaner.
- Rinse and let them dry completely.
- Choose Your Location: Spray painting should be done in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a garage with doors open.
- Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the surrounding area from overspray.
- Mask Off Areas: Protect parts you don't want painted.
- Carefully tape off the headrail, cords, and any other mechanisms using painter's tape. Ensure the tape is pressed down firmly to prevent paint bleed.
Select Your Paint and Technique
Choosing the right spray paint is important, and applying it correctly ensures an even finish.
- Paint Type: Look for spray paint designed for plastics or multi-surface use, depending on your blind material. A paint+primer option can save a step. Choose a color that gives your blinds the desired "personality."
- Spray Technique:
- Shake the can well before and during use.
- Hold the can about 8-12 inches away from the blinds.
- Use sweeping, side-to-side motions, overlapping each pass slightly.
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick one to avoid drips and ensure even coverage.
- Allow recommended drying time between coats (check the paint can instructions).
- Paint one side of the blinds first, let it dry, then flip or adjust to paint the other side. Extend the blinds fully and angle the slats to reach all surfaces effectively.
Drying and Reinstallation
Patience during the drying process is key.
- Drying: Allow the blinds to dry completely according to the spray paint instructions. This might take several hours or even a day or two, depending on humidity and temperature.
- Curing: The paint may feel dry to the touch quickly, but it takes longer to fully cure and harden. Avoid handling them roughly until they are fully cured to prevent scratching.
- Reinstallation: Once completely dry and cured, carefully remove the masking tape and rehang your freshly painted mini blinds.
Summary of Steps
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clean blinds, set up workspace, mask off non-paint areas. |
| Painting | Shake can, use thin coats, apply with sweeping motions. |
| Drying & Curing | Allow ample time for drying and hardening. |
| Finishing | Remove tape, rehang blinds. |
By following these steps, you can effectively spray paint your mini blinds, transforming their look and giving them an all-new personality.
