Painting Upvc Windows: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Painting uPVC windows is a great way to refresh the exterior of your home without breaking the bank. uPVC, or unplasticised poly vinyl chloride, is a popular material for windowsills, frames, front doors, and garage doors due to its durability and weather resistance. While it's possible to paint uPVC windows yourself, it's important to note that it's a complicated process that requires careful preparation and the right type of paint to ensure a smooth, professional finish.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to paint uPVC windows:

1. Clean the uPVC windows thoroughly: Use a wet all-purpose cloth to wipe down the windows, including the frames and sills, to remove any dirt, dust, or pollen. You may also want to use a mild detergent or soapy water for a deeper clean. Ensure that the windows are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

2. Sand the uPVC windows lightly: Use fine-grade sandpaper to buff the windowsills and frames gently. This step helps create a key for the paint to adhere to, but be careful not to apply too much pressure as it may damage the surface. Wipe away any dust with a microfibre cloth.

3. Apply masking tape: Use masking tape or high-quality decorator's tape to cover the glass panes and any areas you want to protect from paint splatters, such as the brickwork. You can also use newspaper to fully cover the windows for extra protection.

4. Prime the uPVC windows: Choose a primer that matches the colour of your paint. Gently apply the primer to the uPVC window frames with a clean paintbrush, using long, even strokes. You may need to apply two coats of primer, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.

5. Paint the uPVC windows: Select an exterior paint suitable for uPVC, such as an exterior eggshell or gloss in your desired colour. You can use a paintbrush or a roller for application, working in small sections and using long, even strokes to achieve a smooth finish. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Alternatively, you can use a paint spraying machine or spray paint cans for a smoother finish, but this may be more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

6. Remove the masking tape: Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the masking tape before it dries completely to ensure crisp lines. If you get any paint on the glass, use a window cleaner to wet the area and scrape off the dried paint with a scraper.

It's important to note that you should not paint new uPVC windows, as they need to be at least 12 months old before painting. This is because newly installed uPVC windows have an extra layer of plastic that makes them appear shiny, and painting over this surface can affect the adhesion of the paint. Additionally, always choose paints specifically designed for plastic surfaces and those that can withstand UV effects and resist solar bleaching to ensure the colour lasts longer.

Choosing the right paint

• Consider the age of your UPVC windows: If your windows are brand new, it is recommended to wait at least 12 months before painting them. This is because new UPVC windows have an extra layer of plastic that makes them shiny, and paint does not adhere well to this surface. Waiting allows this layer to weather and creates a better base for painting.
• Select a paint that is compatible with plastic: UPVC is made of plastic, so choose a paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. These paints are formulated to chemically bond with the plastic, ensuring better adhesion and a longer-lasting finish.
• Opt for UV-resistant paint: Sun exposure can cause paint to fade, crack, and peel over time. Look for paints that offer UV protection or UV resistance to help prolong the life of your paint job and maintain the colour's vibrancy.
• Choose a paint that can withstand weather conditions: UPVC windows are exposed to harsh weather conditions, including rain and extreme temperatures. Select a paint that is weather-resistant and designed to withstand these conditions without peeling, cracking, or fading.
• Pick a paint with good colour stability: Ensure the paint you choose has excellent colour stability to prevent discolouration and fading. This will help your windows maintain their desired appearance for a more extended period.
• Consider the finish you want: UPVC paints come in various finishes, including matt, gloss, and satin. Choose the finish that best suits your desired look and the surrounding aesthetics of your home.
• Seek professional advice: If you are unsure about which paint to choose, don't hesitate to ask professionals for their recommendations. They can guide you towards the best paint options based on your specific needs and requirements.

Prep and cleaning

Before you start painting your uPVC windows, you need to ensure that the surface is clean and clear of any dirt, dust, grease, grime, and pollen. Open the windows fully to reach into all the corners. Use a clean, dry sponge to brush off as much surface dust and dirt as possible. Then, wet the sponge and give the surface a good clean. You can also use hot soapy water and a kitchen scourer to clean the windows.

Next, apply a uPVC cleaner to a damp cloth and work it into one section of the surface at a time to keep the effect uniform. Then, use a dry cloth to buff the surface until it is clean and dry. Alternatively, you can use mineral spirits or white spirit to wipe down the surface after cleaning with soap and water.

Once the surface is clean and dry, use a fine-grade sandpaper to buff the windowsill and frames. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this will show through once the paint has dried. Finally, wipe away any dust with a clean cloth or towel and leave the surface to dry completely.

Prime with an all-surface primer

Before you prime your uPVC windows, you'll need to clean and prepare the surface. Use a cloth, brush, or sponge to remove any dust, cobwebs, grease, and grime. Then, use a fine-grade sandpaper to buff the window frames and remove any gloss. You can also use methylated spirits to wipe down the window frames and remove any residual oils or grease.

Once the window frames are clean and dry, you can start applying the primer. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer-Sealer is a popular choice for uPVC windows and only requires one coat. However, you may need to wait a few days for the primer to dry completely before applying the paint.

After priming, you can start painting your uPVC windows. It's important to use a good-quality brush or roller and apply at least two coats of paint. Take your time and use long, even strokes for a professional finish.

Painting technique

Painting uPVC windows is a great way to update the look of your home without breaking the bank. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint uPVC windows like a pro:

Cleaning

Before starting the painting process, it is important to clean the uPVC windows thoroughly. Use a wet all-purpose cloth to wipe down the window frames and sills, making sure to get into all the corners. You can also use warm soapy water and a kitchen sponge to remove any grease and grime. This step is crucial as uPVC can be unforgiving when it comes to showing up streaky marks or paint flecks.

Sanding

Lightly sand the uPVC window frames and sills with fine-grade sandpaper to create a key for the paint to adhere to. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this can damage the surface and show through once the paint has dried. Wipe away any dust with a microfibre cloth to ensure a clean surface.

Taping

Use masking tape or high-quality decorator's tape to cover the glass panes and any areas you do not want to paint. This will help create crisp lines and protect against paint splatters. You can also cover the glass with newspaper for extra protection.

Priming

Apply a uPVC primer that matches the colour of your chosen paint. Use a clean paintbrush to gently apply the primer around the uPVC window frames and sills. You may need to add two coats of primer, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.

Painting

With the primer fully dry, it's time to start painting. Use a brush or roller to carefully apply the paint to the uPVC frames and sills. Use long, even strokes and make sure to get into all the corners for a professional finish. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.

You can also use a paint spraying machine or spray paint cans for a smoother finish, but this can be more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

Finishing

Once the final coat of paint is dry, remove the masking tape before it dries completely to avoid any peeling. If you get any paint on the glass, simply scrape it off once it has dried.

And that's it! You now have beautifully painted uPVC windows that will last for years to come.

Drying and finishing

Once you've finished painting, it's important to let the paint dry. Depending on the time of year, this can take a few days.

If you've used a primer, you'll need to wait until it's fully dry before applying the next coat.

After you've finished painting, it's important to remove the masking tape before the paint dries. If you allow the paint to dry before removing the tape, it may flake off.

If you do get paint on the glass, don't worry. Simply wet the glass with a window cleaner and remove the dried paint with a scraper. However, be aware that scraping dry glass can leave scratches.

Your painted uPVC windows should last for years to come. Although they have to withstand the weather, they won't get bashed around like a front door might. uPVC window frames will also expand and contract less than wooden frames due to changes in temperature, so they should stay looking good for a while.

To keep your uPVC windows looking their best, follow our guide on how to clean windows.

Frequently asked questions