uPVC, or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, is in the top five most commonly used polymers in the world. It is used in a range of things, but is mostly used in both residential and commercial properties. Most modern properties will have uPVC window frames, uPVC doors, and possibly other uPVC frames throughout the building.
uPVC works great for these purposes, as it is inexpensive, long-lasting, and relatively neutral in appearance. It can be painted to be any colour, meaning that homeowners and property managers have a great range of colour options to choose from to maximise their curb appeal. Painting uPVC window frames is also relatively easy, meaning that most homeowners can change the look of their property without having to spend their life savings.
Can any paint be used to paint uPVC window frames?
Painting uPVC window frames is a pretty easy job, but it cannot just be done with any old paint. uPVC window frames require solvent-based paint that has been specifically formulated for hard plastic surfaces. This paint will adhere properly to the material, meaning it will last longer and provide a proper smooth finish. Other paints like oil-based paints will not adhere to the surface, and should not be used.
Can you paint uPVC window frames in any colour?
There is a huge range of colour options available for uPVC windows and doors. But whether or not you can paint your uPVC window frames your chosen colour will depend on what colour they are now. Usually, the answer is yes. Most colours can be covered with enough coats of paint and primer in order to get your uPVC window frames to a brand new colour. But sometimes, with dark uPVC windows, this is a struggle. Especially when changing to a particularly light colour.
Do I need a paint brush or a roller to paint uPVC window frames?
Technically, you can use a small roller or a paint brush to paint uPVC windows. However, professional painters like Sketch Spray will use spray paint to paint uPVC windows, and it is often recommended that homeowners should endeavour to paint uPVC windows with spray paint too.
Using a paintbrush on uPVC windows can lead to brush marks, paint drips and a poor finish. Likewise, using a roller is even more likely to cause paint droplets and will take longer than using spray paint on uPVC windows would.
How do I paint uPVC windows?
1. Prepare the surface
The first step in painting uPVC window frames is preparing the window and door frames to be painted. Regardless of whether you are spray painting or using a brush, this step cannot be skipped.
You must first clean the plastic surfaces with hot soapy water and a damp cloth. This helps to remove any debris, dirt, and grease that has built up on your PVC window and door frames over time. Removing this is an essential step in ensuring that you get a smooth finish on your uPVC window and door frames.
Once clean, check your window frames for any cracks or holes. If there are any, you will need to fill the holes with caulk or filler and leave this to set. Sandpaper the surface down and then give it another clean.
2. Cover the surrounding areas
The nature of window frames and door frames means that they are surrounded by brickwork and glass. When spray painting or using a brush to paint uPVC windows and doors, you need to use masking tape and protective coverings like masking paper to cover these. Otherwise, you may risk excess paint splattering onto them and ruining the appearance of your home.
4. Apply primer if necessary
Different uPVC paints have different instructions. Some of them will require you to use a primer, and some won’t. Check the manufacturer’s instructions in order to determine whether or not you need to use a primer. If you do, apply either with a spray gun or paintbrush in long strokes, heading in one direction. This will help you to achieve a smooth finish with your uPVC paint later on.
5. Begin painting uPVC window frames
You can now spray paint uPVC windows or use your brush to paint uPVC windows. Make sure that your masking tape is safely secured first, and then you can begin to decorate the uPVC windows.
For those using spray guns to paint their uPVC windows, you should follow the instructions on the spray gun and fill it with paint. Point the gun at the uPVC windows and slowly begin to spray paint uPVC windows in long, careful strokes. Ensure that you cover each area of the uPVC windows as you go. Once you have finished the first coat, leave it to dry for around half an hour. Check intermittently to see if the coat you spray painted is dry, and when it is, you can apply the next coat.
If you aren’t spraying your uPVC windows and uPVC doors, you should dip the roller or brush into the paint pot and apply slow, gentle, and long strokes along the uPVC window frames. Doing so will help to reduce the risk of brush marks and will help to make sure that your uPVC windows look professionally done. Cover the uPVC window frames in paint and once the first coats are applied, leave it to dry. As soon as the coat is dry, you can return to painting uPVC windows.
The more coats you apply when painting uPVC window frames, the deeper the colour. This is important to remember if trying to paint brown uPVC windows a lighter colour, or if trying to achieve a really solid finish. Make sure that you leave each coat to dry after painting uPVC windows (whether spray painting or using a roller), otherwise, you may not be able to see the true colour. As soon as you get the colour that you are after, leave the painted uPVC windows to dry. Once they are dry, you can remove the masking tape and masking paper and admire your newly painted windows.
Typically, you will need to apply three coats and a top coat in order to obtain a smooth finish when changing to a different colour. The number of coats applied will usually correlate with how much of a professional finish you manage to achieve. But, as with any DIY job, if you’re uncertain that you can achieve a professional finish, call in a team of professional painters.
