How Much Does It Cost to Paint Shutters? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to paint shutters is $350. Most homeowners spend between $200 and $500, with final costs driven by the number of shutters, material type, and local labor rates.

Shutter Painting Cost Breakdown: What Determines the Price?

The cost to paint exterior shutters breaks down into several factors; shutter size, labor, and paint type all play a role in your final total. Understanding each component helps you build a realistic budget before work begins.

Size

Painting exterior shutters costs $1.50 to $4 per square foot, with most shutters running $6 to $33 per shutter. Window shutters range from 12 to 18 inches wide and 23 to 84 inches tall, so size varies considerably from home to home. Larger or more complex shutters can reach as much as $110 per shutter. Because each window requires two shutters, measure the width and height of your windows to get the most accurate estimate for your project.

The table below breaks down the average cost to paint shutters by dimension:

Number of Shutters

The average home has eight windows, which means 16 total shutters when you account for two per window. For a full set, you could expect to pay between $60 and $530 on average for painting shutters, excluding labor. Not every window needs shutters, though—many homeowners add them only to the front of the home to manage both aesthetics and cost.

Shutter Painting Materials: How Paint Choice Affects the Price

A gallon of exterior paint costs $55 to $75 on average, though some of the best paint brands run upwards of $100. One gallon covers 350 to 400 square feet, and the average shutter is 3 to 8 square feet—so covering both sides and edges of 16 shutters puts your total square footage between 105 and 280. If you need two coats of paint on all 16 shutters, that range doubles to 210 to 560 square feet, and two gallons will run you $110 to $150. Homes with more than eight windows will need at least three gallons.

Labor

Labor to paint shutters runs $1 to $3.50 per square foot, or $25 to $100 per hour per painter, depending on your location. If your shutters don't need priming, you can cut your labor costs in half.

Prep

Stripping old paint costs $0.50 to $2 per square foot, and removing flaky or cracked paint is a necessary step before applying a fresh coat to your shutters. After removing old paint, you'll also need to budget for paint primer if you're doing the work yourself—a gallon runs $15 to $75. Painters typically include primer in their quotes, so this cost mainly applies to DIY projects.

Geographic Location

Where you live affects your shutter painting costs in two key ways: labor rates and material quality. Hiring a painter in a major California city will cost significantly more than the same job in a rural Florida town, so factor in your local cost of living and average hourly painter rates for the most accurate estimate. Homeowners in storm-prone regions like Florida may also need higher-quality paint to withstand harsh weather, which can more than double material costs.

Shutter Painting Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Budgeting for shutter painting means accounting for more than just paint and labor—repair and replacement costs can add up quickly. Knowing what additional expenses to expect helps you avoid surprises once the project is underway.

Reinstalling Shutters

Removing shutters for prep and painting often produces better results and is usually worth the added cost. When removal and reinstallation are necessary, the trade-off can be a break-even point — working on the ground is often faster than working from a ladder. Plan for an extra one to four hours of work at your professional's labor rate when removal is part of the job.

Repairs

Repairing window shutters costs $140 to $450 on average, and it's a step you may not be able to skip if your shutters are in poor condition. Stripping old paint alone won't fix structural damage, so assess the condition of each shutter before finalizing your project budget.

Replacements

Replacement window shutters cost $45 to $420 each, not including labor. If you need a window installation company to hang them, add $65 to $100 per hour to your budget. Shutters with rot, termite damage, warpage, or other significant structural issues need replacing rather than repainting.

Shutter Painting DIY Costs: What You'll Need to Spend

DIYing your shutter painting project means adding up materials and tools to arrive at a realistic total—here's how that breaks down for a typical home with 16 shutters across eight windows:

Keep in mind that these prices are averages, and prices for tools and materials may be higher or lower in your area. You'll likely spend between $150 and $450 in total to paint exterior shutters yourself. If you already have a ladder and paintbrush on hand and don't need to strip old paint, you'll spend the least to complete your project. If you need to repair old shutters and don't already have the supplies, you might find yourself spending toward the higher end of the price range.

Why You Should Hire an Exterior Painter

Hiring a professional to paint shutters costs $125 to $600, depending on the number of shutters and the type of paint used. Your local exterior painting company brings the expertise, materials, and safety know-how to deliver results that last. For upper-level shutters in particular, professional ladder work offers a meaningful safety advantage over DIY.

Here's why it's ideal to hire an exterior painting pro

Painting shutters may seem simple until it's time to reach your second-level windows or you realize you'll need to sand, prime, and paint for a professional look.

• Pros know how to properly clean, sand, and prep shutters so the paint sticks and won't peel.

• They use high-quality paints and tools that give a smooth, even finish and better weather protection.

• A pro can safely remove and reinstall shutters—especially on upper floors—saving you from climbing ladders dangerously.

• They work quickly and neatly, preventing drips, streaks, and mess around your windows and siding.

• Professional results boost curb appeal and help your shutters look top-notch for years.

If you want to DIY exterior painting

Exterior painting is a whole different ballgame than interior painting. Instead of taking on this time-consuming task, consider helping with prep instead:

• Clear the area around windows by moving outdoor furniture, plants, or décor so the pro has easy access.

• If possible, give the shutters a quick rinse or wipe to remove loose dust or cobwebs.

• Make sure windows are closed and locked to prevent overspray or dust from getting inside.

• Remove any personal items or decorations hanging near the shutters.

• Point out any damaged or loose shutters so the expert can address repairs prior to painting.

How Much Do Add-Ons Cost When Painting Shutters?

While your painting pro is on-site for shutters, they can often handle other exterior surfaces at the same time, making it a smart opportunity to bundle related work. Painters are typically happy to repaint your home's exterior, front door, brick, and siding while they're already set up.

• Cost to paint home exterior: $1,800–$4,400

• Cost to paint exterior door: $150–$500 each

• Cost to paint brick exterior: $3,500–$10,500

• Cost to paint garage door: $200–$500

• Cost to paint wood siding: $700–$3,000

• Cost to paint aluminum siding: $3,100–$8,300

Shutter Painting Costs: Ways to Spend Less

Painting shutters yourself is the single biggest way to save, especially if you already own a ladder or can borrow one—though if you'd need to buy all new tools, hiring a painter may actually cost less. Choosing a self-priming paint can trim $15 to $75 from your budget by eliminating the need for a separate primer. If you prefer to hire a pro, limiting shutters to the front of your home cuts both material and labor costs. You'll also save on labor by cleaning and repairing any damaged shutters before your painter arrives.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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