The Perfect Paint Job: Aluminum Window Casings

Aluminium window frames are great for insulation, but they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing feature of your home. A quick lick of paint can do the trick. It takes a little preparation, but with the right metal paint, your window frames can be your favourite home feature.

Firstly, you need to give the window frame a really good scrub with soapy water and a clean cloth and ensure you remove any stains as any remaining stains may alter the colour of the finished paint.

Then, you can start to prime or paint your windows. Using masking tape or painter's tape, tape both sides of the window where the glass meets the frame and on the outside of the frame.

Apply a coat of metal primer and allow this to dry. Metal surfaces need to be primed for the paint to adhere properly, so it is important that you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Now you’re ready to paint the window frame. Use a suitably small paintbrush to apply, ensuring all excess paint has been wiped off the paintbrush on the side of the tin before coming into contact with the window frame. For a nice even coat of paint, glide the paintbrush up and down the window frame smoothly, until you have applied one coat to the surface. Allow each coat to dry fully and create a gentle key before applying a second and third coat of paint until the aluminium is completely coloured, with no metal shining through.

Clean the window frames

Before you start painting, it is important to clean the window frames thoroughly. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning aluminium window frames:

• Remove window furnishings and fixtures: Take down any curtains, blinds, or other window treatments that may obstruct your access to the window frames. If possible, take out any unfixed windows from their frames to make cleaning easier.
• Thoroughly clean the window frames: Use a mild detergent or soapy water and a clean cloth to wipe down the window frames, inside and out. Ensure that you remove any dirt, dust, or stains. Pay special attention to areas that may have built-up grime or grease. You can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt. Rinse the frames with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
• Protect the surrounding area: Place a dust sheet on the floor to catch any paint drips or spills. Use painter's tape to mask off the areas around the window frames that you do not want to get painted. This includes taping off the glass panes and the window's timber surround (reveals). Make sure the tape is pressed firmly into the corners and edges to prevent paint from seeping underneath.
• Use a primer: If the window frames have never been painted before, it is essential to use a primer. Choose an etch primer spray paint that contains resins to help the paint adhere to the smooth metal surface. Apply the primer in thin, even coats, following the instructions on the can for drying times.

Once the frames are thoroughly cleaned and prepared, you can move on to the next step of priming and painting your aluminium window frames.

Use the right tools

Painting aluminium window casings can be a challenging task, but with the right tools, you can achieve professional results. Here are some essential tools you should have when painting aluminium window casings:

• Paint Scraper: A paint scraper, such as the HYDE Black & Silver 6-in-1 paint scraper, is useful for removing any peeling paint or hardened caulking from the window casings.
• Sandpaper: Sandpaper is necessary to smooth out the surface of the aluminium window casings. For best results, start with 150-grit sandpaper to remove any flakes or imperfections, and then switch to 220-grit sandpaper for a finer finish.
• Degreasing Cleanser: Use an all-purpose degreasing cleanser to wipe down the window casings and remove any dirt, grease, or grime that may impede paint adhesion.
• Paintable Caulk: Apply paintable caulk to fill any gaps or seams in the window casings. This will create a smooth and professional finish.
• Caulk Applicator and Remover: A caulk applicator and remover tool, such as the HYDE Caulk Aid, will help you apply and remove caulk with ease.
• Glass Scraper: A glass scraper, such as the HYDE Glass Scraper with 5 Blades, is ideal for removing any paint that may get on the glass panes during the painting process.
• Angled Paintbrush: Choose a high-quality angled paintbrush, such as the Richard Tools' Mini Master Touch Series Angular Paintbrush, for precise and controlled paint application. The size of the paintbrush should be appropriate for the width of the window casings.
• Masking Tape or Painter's Tape: Use masking tape or painter's tape to tape off the areas around the window casings to protect them from paint drips or splatters.
• Metal Primer: A metal primer, such as Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, is essential for aluminium window frames to ensure proper paint adhesion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
• Exterior Paint: Select an exterior paint that is specifically designed for metal surfaces and is compatible with aluminium. Choose a colour that complements your home's exterior colour scheme.

By investing in the right tools and following the necessary preparation steps, you can achieve a professional and long-lasting finish when painting aluminium window casings.

Choose the right paint

Aluminium window casings are great for insulation, but they may not be the most visually appealing aspect of your home design. A quick lick of paint can do the trick. It takes a little preparation, but with the right metal paint, your window frames can be your favourite home feature.

The specific type of paint needed will depend on the type of trim around your windows. Window trim can be made from wood, vinyl, aluminium, or steel. Choosing a paint that’s compatible with your type of trim will help achieve durable and lasting results.

• Wood – For exterior wood trim, choose a premium exterior gloss paint, either oil or acrylic. For interior wood trim, choose a high-quality latex gloss paint or a latex paint and primer in one formula.
• MDF – This is becoming a popular material for interior window trim because it’s easy to install and resists moisture damage. The same paint used on interior wood (high-quality latex gloss paint) can be used on MDF trim.
• Vinyl – Vinyl is usually reserved for the exterior of a house and paired with vinyl siding. Its impermeable surface won’t hold standard paint; those suggested above would eventually peel off. Instead, look for an exterior gloss paint specifically made for vinyl.
• Metal trim – Metal trim is also typically found on a home’s exterior and paired with metal siding. Choose an exterior gloss paint labelled for use on metal. Some of the best metal paints contain rust-resistant chemicals that will help prevent rust from forming on your trim.

If your window trim is unfinished, you’ll get the best paint adhesion if you apply primer before painting. Like the paint you choose, the primer should be compatible with the type of trim you’re painting.

Apply primer

To get the best paint adhesion, you'll need to apply primer before painting. The primer should be compatible with the type of trim you're painting.

Before priming, make sure the window frame is thoroughly cleaned and free of any dirt, dust, or residue. Tape off the area around the frame to protect your surroundings from paint drips or splatter.

Use a metal primer, such as Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, Little Greene Intelligent All Surface Primer, Armstead Trade Metal Primer Zinc Phosphate, or Tikkurila Otex Adhesion Primer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and allow the primer to dry completely before painting. This can take up to eight hours.

Once the primer is dry, you're ready to start painting your aluminium window casings!

Paint the window frames

Painting aluminium window frames can be a great way to add a splash of colour to the exterior of your home. It is a quick, easy and cheap way to modernise the look of your home without having to replace the windows.

Step 1: Preparation

Firstly, you will need to give the window frame a good scrub with soapy water and a clean cloth. Remove any stains as these may alter the colour of the finished paint. Use sandpaper to remove any chipping paintwork or rust, ensuring you use sandpaper of between 80-120 grit. For stains, douse them in baking soda or vinegar and wipe away with a cloth.

Once blemishes are removed, wipe away any dust residue with a small brush. Next, spray the whole aluminium window frame with a thin coat of lubricant and scrub with a small bristle brush or toothbrush to get into any hard-to-reach spots. After scrubbing the entire surface, wipe the window frame with a clean cloth to remove any remaining residue. You should also clean the windows with a glass cleaner before proceeding to paint.

Before you begin painting, tape around the frame to protect your surroundings from paint drips or splatter. Use masking tape or painter's tape, taping both sides of the window where the glass meets the frame and on the outside of the frame.

Step 2: Priming

Apply a coat of metal primer to the frame and allow this to dry (this can take up to eight hours). Metal surfaces need to be primed for the paint to adhere properly, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Step 3: Painting

Now you are ready to paint the window frame.

• Open the exterior paint tin and stir with a spatula for about a minute to even out the colour.
• Use a suitably small paintbrush to apply the paint, ensuring all excess paint has been wiped off the paintbrush on the side of the tin before coming into contact with the window frame.
• For a nice even coat of paint, glide the paintbrush up and down the window frame smoothly, until you have applied one coat to the surface.
• Allow each coat to dry fully and create a gentle key before applying a second and third coat of paint until the aluminium is completely covered, with no metal shining through. Remember to make sure the paint is completely dry before applying another coat. Several thin coats are better than one thick one as thin coats take less time to dry and this approach produces a harder finish and looks better too.
• When the paint is completely dry, you can remove the tape and any paint on the glass panes by using a scraper blade or razor blade. Then, hold the blade vertically and scrape along the edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Be careful to ensure that the paint on the frame still overlaps the glass a small amount, creating a watertight seal.

Frequently asked questions