Can You Paint uPVC windows is a great question and one that is often asked.

The answer is YES you can paint uPVC windows and doors, in fact with today’s specialist paints you can now paint all uPVC products.

Many home-owners have white uPVC windows or the brown oak colour uPVC Windows. We are often asked can you paint brown uPVC windows back to white and again the answer is yes. Whatever colour your uPVC windows or front door is now they can be sprayed a new colour.

Replacing UPVC Windows

PVC or uPVC double glazing is a durable option for windows and looks amazing when it’s new, it’s got that fresh just out of the wrapper look but like everything new if it is exposed to sunlight and rain, white UPVC plastic will fade and overtime and it starts to look worn. 

The lustre and shine is lost, no matter how much you clean it. At this point many home-owners choose to replace their uPVC units, well that is until now.

Painting UPVC instead of Replacing UPVC

Now my friends we can paint our uPVC Windows, that’s right, thanks to some guys and girls in lab playing with paint all day us common folks can now paint our uPVC Windows in the same way we would paint our walls, OK so not quite the same way but it has become much easier to paint uPVC Windows. 

The greatest thing about painting instead of replacing your uPVC’s is that it is up to 75% CHEAPER, it’s faster and a lot less disruptive to your home.

It was back in the 1980s, when uPVC windows first hit the streets, they were the new must have for every home and within a few short years every street up and down the UK had row after row of uPVC windows and doors. They looked smart and they required hardly any maintenance. However, over time they started to look a little tired and now we have street after street of old look dull uPVC (Thank god for guys in labs).

Does the age of my UPVC Windows make a difference?

So we now know that YES you can paint UPVC windows. The only possible scenario where you shouldn’t paint uPVC windows would be one when the uPVC windows are brand new, as in just fitted. This is because a special type of uPVC paint is needed, the uPVC the paint creates a type of seal and bonds itself to the UPVC window, uPVC paint has great difficulty binding to brand new uPVC, but as the vast majority of uPVC in the country is established rather than new, this shouldn’t be a problem for most people.

What colours can I paint my UPVC’s?

Another reason for updating your uPVC’s by painting is the sheer number of colours you can choose from. The choice available is staggering, so home-owners can literally choose any colour they want to add further style to their homes. You can see an example of the colours available on the RAL colour chart. Also, if by some small chance you don’t find the colour you want from the colour chart, then you can always ask for a unique bespoke colour to be mixed just for you.

Choosing your colour is all part of the fun of having your uPVC’s painted, and many homes and businesses have now chosen to use this choice to their advantage. It is easy for business owners to paint elements of their properties to match their brand. Many home-owners also choose two complimentary colours for different elements of their homes.

What’s the next step?

If you think that your uPVC needs updating, don’t make the mistake of thinking that this means replacement. It certainly doesn’t, and that’s where painting the surfaces comes in. You’d be surprised by how many people don’t actually know you can do this by the way. It’s certainly not a common thing right now, and that’s mainly because people just haven’t considered it as an option. But it makes perfect sense.

Why spend a fortune replacing frames, when you can simply arrange for them to be painted?

Can I paint my UPVC Windows myself?

YES of course, it is possible, however it is not a simple task. If you want to achieve a perfect finish, that will last for years then you really have your work cut out for you.

The preparation process is absolutely key and in some ways more important than the painting process. Every tiny particle of dust needs to be removed and the uPVC surface must be prepared correctly so that the paint will adhere correctly.

we recommend asking professionals for their advice on the tools you need for preparation, as well as the right paint to use.

How to paint UPVC Windows

If you’re going to do this yourself, then you need to start with a thorough clean of the surfaces. It’s hard to spot elements like grease, for example and if you don’t have a clean surface, that will have a direct result on the quality of the paint finish.

The paint you purchase is also essential, it must be ‘UPVC paint’ you will find that some paints state that you do not need primer and some state that you do, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Whatever you do, don’t opt for paint that isn’t meant for this surface. At the very best (and we’re talking about good luck here) you’ll get a job that won’t look quite right. At worst, you will affect the overall look of the building. 

Once you have your paint ready, you will need to apply it quickly but carefully, it is virtually impossible to paint uPVC with a brush and not have drips or brush marks when the paint has dried. Also watch out for those cheeky brush hairs getting trapped in the paint (something many of us have experienced when painting walls or using gloss paint).

GREAT TIP – if you are going to take on this task yourself

Paint on a day that is dry and slightly warm. Too hot and the paint will dry too quickly, making it difficult to spread it evenly. Too cold and the paint will not dry properly. In short you have to be prepared for the task.

Is there an easier method to paint UPVC Windows?

YES, spray painting UPVC windows, is the absolute best way to achieve a ‘factory’ finish look and we would highly recommend this option. Sometimes hiring a professional to do a job is the best way, and in this case we would agree.

Experienced professionals will thoroughly clean all the surfaces, removing any dirt, dust or grease,  and then mask off areas that need to be protected from the paint. They will then give the surface a little bit of what they call ‘abrasion’. This allows the new paint to stick to the surface properly and will make for a better finish overall. Again, we would recommend that a professional does this simply because it has to be done to a high standard to ensure that the paintwork lasts for a very long time.

Spray painting UPVC Windows

Most professionals will apply a good amount of paint. This means around a minimum of two or three coats to the surface. Again, with spraying this can be very difficult unless you know what you are doing.

Spraying the paint onto the uPVC windows and window frames will allow for the paint to be applied in thin, even coats. Once the paint has been applied sufficiently, the drying process after painting is usually a matter of hours.

Like all paint jobs, the finish cannot be truly appreciated until paint has dried, and you’ll find that professional will wait until the drying process is complete. They will then check for any blemishes or any issues (highly unlikely) to the paint and then rectify it immediately.

Once the paint has dried you will not be able to tell that your uPVC windows and uPVC window frames have been painted at all.

Benefits of using a Professional Spray Painter

• The work is carried out quickly and you will have transformed windows within a day or two, depending on the size of your property.
• The professional is responsible for achieving a perfect finish so that you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself.
• The minimal disruption caused to your home or lifestyle.
• Specialist paints are used which include UV protection.
• Choose from literally any colour, or create your own.
• Three finishes available, Matt, Satin, Gloss.
• The paintwork is usually guaranteed for ten years minimum.

Summary

Unless the surface of your uPVC window is beyond repair (ie a deep crack or cigarette burn, for example), then having your uPVC windows repainted is a logical decision. It will most certainly transform and uplift your property as well as add value and kerb appeal. “A fresh, attractive exterior could add up to 10 per cent to your home’s value”

If you do decide to take on the task yourself, then be prepared and try to get some professional advice or alternatively hire a professional to do a perfect job for you.  You can get a no-obligation Free Quote, just to get an idea of the price and then compare.