Can you paint uPVC windows? Yes, you can, as long as the frames are properly cleaned, sanded and primed. Many people choose uPVC precisely because it doesn't need painting, but a new colour can refresh a home or fix frames you've never liked. Here's how it's done, what to watch out for and when it's better to call in a professional.
Can you paint uPVC windows yourself?
It's possible, but uPVC is a smooth, slightly flexible surface that ordinary paint doesn't grip well. Get the preparation wrong and the paint will peel within a year or two. Before you start, check whether painting affects the frame's guarantee, as some manufacturers exclude painted frames.
Also bear in mind that dark colours absorb more heat, which can make uPVC frames expand and, in some cases, warp. If you want a dark finish on south-facing windows, ask a specialist first.
Choosing the right paint
Use a primer and paint made specifically for uPVC or plastics, or a system recommended by the paint manufacturer for uPVC. Standard gloss for timber won't bond properly. Water-based uPVC paints dry quickly and stay slightly flexible, which helps them cope with the frame's movement.
How to paint uPVC window frames
1. Clean the frames thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner to remove dirt and any silicone residue, then let them dry.
2. Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper to give the primer something to grip, and wipe off the dust.
3. Mask off the glass, seals and hinges carefully. Don't paint over the rubber gaskets or moving parts.
4. Apply a suitable primer, usually two coats, letting each dry fully.
5. Apply the top coat in several thin layers rather than one thick one.
Paint in dry, mild weather, out of direct sun. It's a time-consuming job, so plan it over a couple of days.
Can you have them painted for you?
Yes. Specialist companies can spray uPVC frames on site, which usually gives a smoother, harder-wearing finish than brushing. Choose a company with experience painting uPVC window frames, ask what guarantee they give on the finish and how they protect the glass and surroundings. Compare several providers and request quotes.
Having new frames installed
Some people avoid uPVC because they think it can't be painted later. As you've seen, it can. And if you're choosing new frames anyway, you can order them in the colour or wood-effect finish you want from the start, which saves you the job altogether. uPVC frames insulate well and need little maintenance, which makes them a practical replacement for old timber frames.
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