Without a quality finish on a
custom shutter, the value created by using a high quality wood, and rigorous construction standards would be minimized. Let’s take a look at how
Kirtz Shutters achieves a quality finish on our custom shutters.
Linear Priming (painted shutters only)
Components of our painted maple shutter are primed in lineal form. By priming in lineal form we can ensure an even coating of primer, up to two mill thickness on each part of the shutter. A high quality prime helps the shutter take finish coats well.
Wood Grading (painted and stained shutters)
Not all components make the final cut for a Kirtz Shutter. All of our components are inspected before they reach the production line and undesirable sections of wood with flaws are marked as not suitable for a Kirtz Shutter.
Prep Work~ Where the Magic Happens
Even the best quality wood has some imperfections. To get a smooth finish involves a high level of attention to detail during prep work. Imperfections are fixed during 2 different stages of manufacturing.
The Production Line — Filler is applied to the any noticeable flaws in the wood and sanded out smooth.
Brown and Sand — Shutters enter this area after they are built, and before they enter the finish room. High intensity spotlights shine down upon the shutters, highlighting any slight flaw that might show up in the final product. These minor flaws are fixed with putty and sanding, and then the finish sanding begins.
Finish sanding is done by hand, with very fine sandpaper. Every inch of the Kirtz Shutter is finish sanded, including the top of the tilt rod, an area that few manufactures take the time to address. After final inspection, they are ready for finish.
shutters are inspected for flaws under hign intensity lights
any small flaws are fixed before finish is applied
During finish Kirtz Shutters are hung from a track system on cars that allow the shutter to rotate completely. This makes sure, whether painted or stained, each shutter receives an even amount of paint/stain on all parts of the shutters resulting in a smooth, even finish from any angle.
plantation shutters in the paint finish room
Painted Shutters receive two coats of lacquer paint finish on top of the primer. In between coats, shutters are quality inspected. All our paint has UV inhibitors in it to help keep your custom shutters looking great, even in the most intense sun.
Stained Shutters are sprayed with your stain color, typically a custom mix done just for you. Each shutter receives two coats of stain. In between coats, the shutters are taken down off the track, hand wiped and lightly sanded This step is the differential between standard finish and a truly furniture quality finish. Without it the shutter color would appear a bit opaque, what some people call “muddy” . To finish up, we put two coats of clear finish on the shutters to protect the wood and bring up the beauty of the grain. We use a 20 sheen, which gives a nice luster to the wood and provides the finish with depth.
After finishing is complete, Kirtz Shutters sit overnight to let the finish have time to cure. Depending on the time of the year, painted finishes are given extra curing time in a cool room.
While each area of our factory plays a key role in making the Kirtz Shutter a bench quality product, the finish department plays a critical role in making the work of all the other departments really shine.
