How to Paint Vinyl Window Blinds

Tired of your dull, boring blinds? Why not spice things up a bit by painting them? Painting your window blinds to change the color from boring white or cream to something a little more exciting is a wonderful, inexpensive way to change the look of your room.

In the past it was difficult to paint vinyl blinds because the paint had trouble sticking to the surface. However, now that they have introduced spray paint products designed to work on plastic and vinyl painting blinds is a piece of cake. All you'll need is a free afternoon, a can or two of spray paint and some patience to unthread and rethread the slats of blind. Here's how to do it.

Supplies

- Vinyl window blinds

- Krylon Fusion for Plastic® spray paint in the color of your choice

- Old newspapers or a drop cloth

- Warm soapy water

1. Dismantle the blinds. In order to paint the blinds you first have to remove all the slats so they will lay flat for painting. To do this, first remove the bottom bar from the blinds by taking off the end caps and the metal cover. When you have finished removing the cover you should see some knots tied in the cords. Untie or cut these knots to free the cords and then pull the cords up out of all the slats. Finally, remove the slats from the blind by sliding them out the side from between the ladder-like strings that remain.

2. Next, wash the slats in warm, soapy water. It is important that the slats are all clean before you paint them or you won't get a smooth surface. Use warm soapy water to clean any dust or debris from the slats and then lay them outside in the sun to dry completely.

3. Paint the slats. Spread old newspaper or a drop cloth outside in a well ventilated area. Lay the slats out on the paper so that they are not touching each other. Follow the instructions on the Krylon can and paint the slats. Apply a second coat if necessary. When one side of the slats is dry, flip them over and paint the other side. Allow them to dry thoroughly.

4. Once the slats have dried, thread them back onto the blinds. Start by sliding them back through the ladder-like strings. Then, thread the cords back down through the holes in the slats. Reattach the bottom bar and tie knots in the cords again to hold them in place.

That's it! With a few minutes of time and a little bit of elbow grease you've created a custom-colored set of blinds that will really jazz up your room.