While shutters once played a role in cooling a house by blocking the sun and protecting window glass when it was expensive and hard to acquire, shutters remain an important element of the composition of the exterior of homes today, even if they only serve as decoration.
In fact, well-chosen and well-placed shutters can be a great finishing touch, adding curb appeal and market value. Many home designs just wouldn’t be complete without them. We like to think of them as the jewelry of your home’s exterior, adding a decorative touch. When choosing shutters for their home, homeowners should consider materials, design and type of shutter they prefer before making a final selection. This will help determine if the shutters need to be painted or stained. Here are some of the differences in shutter types. 
Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters are an inexpensive, lightweight and maintenance-free alternative to wood. Replacing wooden shutters with vinyl shutters allows the homeowner to maintain the decorative element but requires little to no maintenance on their part. Paint for vinyl shutters is a blend of both acrylic and urethane resins. Urethane resin is very sticky, and once it cures, will stick to almost anything it touches, keeping the paint on the vinyl surface.
Wooden Shutters
Wooden shutters can be stained for a more decorative look, and varnished for extra protection. While they require more care than vinyl shutters, they look much dressier. Wooden shutters remain a favorite for homeowners, because they add a natural stylish dimension to your home. Cedar is the preferred wood used for exterior shutters, because it isn’t prone to warping, has a natural bug repellent tannin and contains natural oils to help prevent rot and decay.
Other Shutter Options
Shutters made from PVC and aluminum are additional options, however PVC shutters usually have to be custom made, and can get expensive. Additionally, if they are exposed to a lot of sun, they may warp over time. Aluminum shutters are strong, low-maintenance and meet hurricane engineering standards.
When painting the exterior of your home, it’s important to keep landscaping, other house colors throughout your neighborhood, building materials used on your home, and your home’s architectural style in mind. When it comes time to paint the exterior of your home, don’t hesitate to contact the Three Brothers Painting team for a free estimate.