Just finishing up plantation shutters for front windows with southern exposure. They are interiour and sit inside the frame. I made them with basswood and they look so nice I don’t want to paint them as I had intended. Does anyone know if shellac would be appropriate or is there something else I should consider? Do they need to be finished at all?
Another consideration is that I cut the louvres pretty close to the frame size (1/32″). Wouldn’t want paint to close that gap and cause binding. Guess I could trim them a bit.
thanks,
Andy
Replies
Are the the windows double pane with low-e glass? If not, you should reconsider your decision not to paint them. Paint will hold up much longer than any of the clear finish alternatives. If yes, then you could use shellac as a reasonable choice.
Double pane; not sure if they're low-e. They're getting on 20 years though so probably not. Its basswood (very light colour). Is it really going to be affected by the sun or does that matter?
If I do have to paint them, I think I'll use Milk Paint, btw. ;)
Andy
In full Southern sun, and no low-e windows I'd expect that without a finish you'd have a year or so before they would start to turn grey from the sun--maybe less. A clear finish with UV protectants would probably add a bit to the life but would still require regular maintenance--scuff sanding and adding an additional coat about every couple of years. A finish will also reduce the effects of moisture swings in the wood, slowing (not eliminating) transfer of water vapor. That can be a problem with the plantation shutters since they could warm (and dry) significantly on the outside as sun hits them. Paint will give you much longer before maintenance would be required.
Good point about slowing movement. Hadn't considered that. Thanks.
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