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How to Paint UPVC Windows

A Step by Step Guide on How to Paint UPVC Windows

At UPVC Spray Painters, we are often asked many questions about painting uPVC windows, how to paint uPVC windows, what paints to use and how to achieve the best finish.

When it comes to your property’s exterior, the windows are probably the most prominent feature. Therefore, their condition and appearance have a decisive influence on your home’s aesthetic impact and visual appeal. 

Painting is an incredibly effective way you can instantly revive old, fading and weathered windows from the inside as well as the outside. 

Once painted, your windows will elevate the impact of your property overall, and the Paint will also prolong your windows’ lifespan by protecting them from the elements. However, considering that most homes have multiple windows in varying sizes and shapes, a project of this scale may seem dauntingly complex. 

We have put together this helpful step-by-step guide to answer all the common questions surrounding painting uPVC windows. 

Should you choose to take on the task of painting PVC windows yourself then this step by step article is for you. Our guide is filled with valuable tips and tricks, which will assist you in achieving the best finish. 

1. Popular Questions about Painting UPVC Windows:

Can you paint plastic window frames?   Yes 

Can uPVC Windows be painted?   Yes 

How to paint uPVC windows?  There are a few methods; we have provided a guide for any enthusiasts that want to hand-paint windows.

Is it easy to paint PVC windows? In all honesty, by hand, it is not the most straightforward task and very hard to achieve a flawless 

How long does Paint last on uPVC windows?   Ten years 

Can brown uPVC windows be painted white?  Yes, any colour windows can be painted white.

2. Painting UPVC Windows - Yourself

If you want to paint your uPVC window yourself, we highly recommend reading about uPVC Paint before starting your project.

Keep In Mind

Preparation is vital whether you’re painting uPVC windows yourself or hiring a professional. It is the most crucial part of the process! 

If you want to achieve a good finish, you must take the time to prepare your surface carefully and adequately. Failure to do so will result in a bad paint job and potentially ruin the look of your windows and property.

TOP TIP

Try to paint your windows in warm and dry conditions; this isn’t a suitable DIY task to take on during our winter weather.

REMEMBER

You want to paint the most smooth surface without anything getting in the way or stopping your painting flow.

3. What Do I Need To Paint UPVC Windows?

With any painting project, time is of the essence. Therefore, you want to ensure that you have the necessary equipment on hand to begin painting as soon as the time and weather allows. The following is a comprehensive checklist of everything you will need so that the process can be as smooth as possible.

4. Equipment List | Tools & Materials

Vacuum with
Brush Head

Paint
Roller

2.5 inch Paintbrush

Masking
Tape

Step
Ladder

Sponge

Soapy
Solution

Sandpaper

Dust
Sheets

Face
Mask

Primer

Paint

Vacuum with
Brush Head

Paint Roller

2.5 inch
Paintbrush

Masking
Tape

Step
Ladder

Sponge

Soapy
Solution

Sandpaper

Dust
Sheets

Face Mask

Primer

Paint

Vacuum with
Brush Head

Paint Roller

2.5 inch
Paintbrush

Masking
Tape

Step
Ladder

Sponge

Soapy
Solution

Sandpaper

Dust
Sheets

Face
Mask

Primer

Paint

5. Planning Ahead

Once you have gathered your equipment, you will have to wait for a day when the weather is pleasant, mild and dry, preferably 10 degrees or above. 

If it is raining or chilly, then there is the risk that your Paint won’t dry properly and the resulting finish will be less than satisfactory. Therefore, it is always worthwhile to wait for the optimal conditions because there is nothing more frustrating than being forced to stop midway due to the weather or rectifying an imperfect finish.

Since you are painting uPVC windows, you should also ensure that you have the appropriate materials on hand. For this, you will have to purchase a primer and a paint that has been specially formulated for uPVC. 

This is essential because this Paint will adhere to the surface properly and provide a flawless finish, brilliant saturation, and unparalleled longevity. For Paint perfect for the job visit our shop.

6. Step-by-Step Process | How-To

Washing The Windows

Before painting anything, it is essential to ensure that the surface is as clean as possible. First and foremost, you should thoroughly clean your windows with a soapy solution and a sponge and then rinse them with clean water. 

Once you have done this, you should use your scraper to clear away any stubborn dirt left behind. Upon doing this, you may notice gaps between the glass and the frame, which you can fill with some window putty. 

Preparing The Surface

When the windows have dried, you can remove any window furniture such as handles, stays and sashes. This is so that you can paint the window without missing any patches. For seamless application, you might want to consider further sanding your windows down with some sandpaper, which will only improve the adhesion and finish. 

After this, you can brush the nooks and crannies, vacuum the surrounding areas for dust and debris, and wipe the window with a damp cloth. This prior preparation will ensure that your Paint will adhere to your windows as firmly as possible, providing you with a professional-quality finish.

Protecting The Work Area

You are almost ready to begin applying the first coat of Paint. At this point, you should carefully use masking tape over any area which you don’t want to be painted on. For example, since you are painting windows, the masking tape will be applied wherever the glass meets the edge. 

This will protect the glass from Paint, and ensure that you can achieve straight and clean edges. Finally, you can lay down dust sheets on the ground wherever you don’t want there to be splashes of Paint.

Applying The Primer

It is worth mentioning that you may want to begin painting as early as you can during the day. Ideally, you want to have enough time for the Paint to dry so that you can secure your windows as soon as nightfall approaches. 

If preparing and cleaning the windows takes some time, you can always wait for the next day to begin priming and painting in the morning. 

The areas you will be painting on your windows won’t be vast, which is why a narrow and angled brush will be more than enough. The first layer will be the primer, and the smaller brush should ensure you can apply it even in the tightest of corners.

Whether you are applying the primer, the first or the second coat of Paint, you should begin by painting the top of the section, working your way across and then downwards. This prevents there from being any missed patches or unsightly drips.

Painting The First Coat

With windows, one of the foremost considerations should be ensuring that the window doesn’t become stuck. So, firstly, paint any windows that can be opened from the outside and the inside. Then you can paint the inside edges of these opened windows, which are essentially the parts that can’t be seen when it is closed. 

From there, you can progress onto the fixed windows. Once this has been done, you can start on the exterior of the frame and the window sill, not forgetting the underneath of the window sill either. At this point, you may want to 

TOP TIP 1Wait for the Paint to dry a little before you paint the inside of the frame. 

This is the last part of the window to be painted. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent the window from becoming stuck.

Finishing Touches

Whilst the first coat is drying, you may want to periodically check the window to ensure that nothing becomes stuck, as well as check the finish. Suppose there is a sash on the window, for example. In that case, it is recommended to adjust it several times during the drying process to be safe. 

Once the first coat has dried, you can determine whether a second coat is required or not. Generally, it is advised that you apply a second coat anyway, even if the paint container says that one coat is sufficient. This is particularly applicable to exterior windows, considering how much usage and weathering they must endure. 

7. An Exciting Renovation Project

There is no doubt that painting uPVC windows present several unique challenges. For example, most homes have numerous windows, not to mention the many components which comprise a single window. 

There is glass that has to be protected from Paint, hardware that has to be removed, and moving parts that can’t become stuck. 

Despite this, painting uPVC windows doesn’t have to be such a daunting prospect, and this step-by-step guide has broken down the process so that it is as straightforward to follow as possible. With this guide, you can completely and effortlessly elevate and revitalise your home.

8. Professional Spray Painters

Another method of refreshing and revitalising your property is by Spray Painting your uPVC windows.  Achieving a perfect coat and finish, with long-lasting results and paintwork guaranteed for ten years.

You will have the ability to select from a range of colours and finishes to suit your style find out more.

For further information or a free quote, get in touch with one of our friendly team members, simply call the number below or fill in your details and we will give you a call.

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