uPVC is a material that is used widely in both domestic and commercial sectors. It is a polymer that is versatile, long-lasting and inexpensive, which is why many properties have uPVC windows, uPVC doors, uPVC garage doors, and even patio doors. The material is most commonly seen in white, brown or anthracite grey, but one of the benefits of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride is that it can be painted virtually any colour.
In order to paint uPVC windows and doors, however, the right paint must be used to ensure that it properly adheres to the plastic surface. Likewise, a certain amount of preparation should be done. Owners may need to sand their uPVC window frames and fill any holes in order to achieve a smooth finish, and will definitely need to use hot soapy water to clean away any grease and debris before painting.
Table of Contents
What can be used as uPVC paint?
uPVC double glaze windows require a solvent-based paint that is specially developed and specifically formulated for hard plastic surfaces. This will allow the paint to adhere properly to the surface rather than slipping off or flaking away. Other types of paint like oil-based paint will not work when spraying uPVC windows or trying to paint uPVC window frames. Only the correct paint will achieve a smooth finish and provide the depth of colour that you are trying to achieve.
The team at Sketch Spray talk about the top three brands available for those looking to paint plastic window frames, a uPVC door, or even their garage doors, are:
- Zinsser Allcoat
- Technispray Kolorbond
- Dulux Weathershield
These are all effective paints to use on uPVC windows and will provide a smooth finish, a deep, long-lasting colour, and will even help to protect your uPVC windows from ultraviolet radiation damage from lengths of time in the sun.
Does uPVC paint need a primer?
Some uPVC paints will require you to apply primer to your uPVC windows prior to use. This varies between brands of uPVC paint. It is always important to check the manufacturer’s instructions, as failing to paint on a layer of primer will lead to the paint job on your uPVC windows being subpar.
Primer is especially important for those going from dark colours to light; i.e., from brown uPVC windows and doors to white uPVC windows and doors. On the other hand, those looking to paint white uPVC windows grey will not require so much primer.
Should you use spray paint or paint brushes to paint uPVC windows and doors?
It is usually recommended to use spray paint for uPVC windows, upvc doors, and any other plastic surface. An airless sprayer helps to achieve a proper smooth finish without running the risk of any brush marks, paint drips, or hairs from brush painting. Choosing to spray paint uPVC windows is also faster, more cost-effective, and often provides better coverage.
How to paint uPVC windows and uPVC doors
Should you decide to paint your uPVC doors and windows you can either choose to hire a professional or you can do the job yourself. If you feel confident that you can do a professional job, then it will be cheaper to DIY your uPVC windows, but also be aware that a bad uPVC paint job could lower the kerb appeal of your house whereas a good one could increase it.
Prepare the plastic window frames and uPVC doors
Wherever you are painting needs to be completely prepared before you even consider getting your paint out. You need to wipe the surface down with hot soapy water first. This will remove any grease, debris and dirt on your uPVC windows. Then fill any cracks or holes in the surface properly with caulk or filler. Sand these down to ensure there is a smooth surface for your uPVC paint and dust the debris away. You may need to wash the surface down again.
Cover the surrounding areas
Using the proper protective coverings (you can buy these in most hardware stores) and masking tape, cover the brickwork and glass surrounding your uPVC windows and doors. This will help to protect your home from any excess paint. These protective coverings should be fitted neatly and with precision.
Add primer if needed
If your uPVC paint says that you should apply a primer to the uPVC windows and doors prior to painting, this is when to apply it. You can either spray paint the primer on or use a paint brush. Either way, use long strokes in one direction to ensure a smooth coverage. Once one coat has been applied, leave the primer to dry and apply a second coat. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for information on how many coats are required.
Time to paint the uPVC windows and doors
Primer applied and dry, it is now time to use your uPVC paint. You might have bought your uPVC paint in spray canisters, or as a paint pot. If you have bought a paint pot but wish to spray paint your uPVC window frames then you will need to buy a spraying kit before you paint uPVC window frames.
For those paint brush painting uPVC window and door frames, you should use a large, high-quality brush that is in good condition. This will help to reduce the risk of hairs in the paint on your uPVC windows. You should dip the brush in uPVC paint lightly and apply the uPVC paint in long strokes, making sure to stick in one direction along the window frames. One your uPVC window frames have one coat on, leave them to dry for around half an hour. Return after drying and apply the next coat.
For those choosing to spray paint uPVC windows, you can begin painting uPVC windows as soon as you have all of the right tools. Spray painting uPVC windows is much easier than using a paint brush. Simply spray the paint onto the window and door frames in long strokes. It may help to keep spraying in one direction, but generally this doesn’t matter as much with uPVC spray painting. Once you have one coat, leave the paint to dry for about half an hour. Then return to your uPVC spray painting.
You should continue to apply coats either by uPVC spray painting or by paint brush painting your uPVC window until the colour on your newly painted windows matches what you had in mind. Make sure to always leave the paint to dry before beginning another coat, as the colour will change from wet paint to dry.
