Why You Might Consider Painting Your Roller Shades

When you're craving an increased level of privacy in a room or simply want to block out the light, roller shades are a common type of window treatment that you can install. They have a minimal look, they're affordable, and they're easier to clean than traditional blinds (who wants to dust in between slats, anyway?). Many roller shades come with a metal valance at the top, which covers the fabric and protects it from an accumulation of dust. While this helps to keep the shade clean, it's often made with cheap metal that isn't exactly the most attractive design element. Rather than letting it stick out as an eyesore in your space, you can easily paint it to make it blend in better.

In fact, you can paint the roller portion of your shade as well, especially if you'd like it to coordinate with a specific wall or curtain color. Not only will this lend a custom look to your roller shade, but the perfect shade of paint can turn it into a standout feature. While the process of painting a roller shade is pretty straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind. Namely, there are specific types of paint that work best for painting fabric or vinyl, and there are also some additional steps you must take to properly prep the metal valance before painting it. We're diving into all the details needed to transform your basic roller shade into a beautiful custom-painted one.

Roll the shade down to the bottom of the window to determine which portion actually needs to be painted, and mark this area with a pencil. Next, remove the shade from the window, lay it flat, and unroll it. Give it a good cleaning with soap and water, and allow it to dry thoroughly. Now, you're ready to paint.

It's best to use a paint that's specially designed for use on fabric or vinyl, which has better flexibility and won't crack when you roll up the shade. These come in either a spray paint version or the kind that you can brush or roll onto the shade. Working in a well-ventilated area, apply at least two coats of paint and allow it to dry. If you'd like to add a fun design to your roller shade, you could use a stencil to create it or try hand painting designs. You could also use painter's tape to create a trendy paint pattern like chevron or checkerboard.

When you're ready to paint the metal valance, be sure to clean it first. Then lightly sand it to scuff up the surface. Wipe away the dust, and apply a coat of primer. Once dry, apply two coats of paint — either use spray paint or brush/roll paint onto it — and let dry. Bonus tip? If you paint the valance the same shade as your window trim, it'll blend in seamlessly and completely elevate the look.