24 / 7 Support:
+44 7470 621063
uPVC windows are a mainstay of any modern home, but if you are bored with how yours look, you might be put off by the high price of replacement. Don't worry! Painting uPVC windows and doors can be done, and it can completely transform the look of your home's exterior. Let's take a look at what you need and how to get that professional finish using spray paint.
uPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. It's a plastic material that is versatile, waterproof, durable, thermally efficient, and low maintenance, making it the perfect solution for exterior fittings. In the past, elements like window frames and doors would have been made out of painted wood, but uPVC has far surpassed this material in popularity.
Unlike wood, uPVC is not designed to need regular painting, but that doesn't mean that it can't be painted if you want to change the look. uPVC does, however, have some properties that can make it difficult to paint, which is why you should always choose specialized uPVC paint.
Explore: What Is UPVC paint
uPVC is designed to have a smooth surface and be non-porous. These properties prevent staining, reduce the frequency of cleaning, make it weather resistant, prevent mould growth, and improve its insulating capabilities.
However, this smooth, non-porous surface creates some challenges when trying to paint uPVC windows.
The main potential issue with painting a uPVC window is adhesion problems. Because uPVC has no pores and is completely smooth, it is hard for paint to "grip on" and adhere properly. Over time, this can result in chipping, peeling, and flaking of the paint.
There are two main ways to fix adhesion issues when spray painting uPVC windows. The first is to sand the surface beforehand. This roughs it up just enough that the paint has something to adhere to.
The second is to use uPVC-specific spray paint. This type of paint is designed to have superior adhesive properties compared to standard paints and will stick to smoother surfaces.
With a textured, porous material like wood, some uneven coverage is expected, and it can even enhance the look. With uPVC, however, the surface should be completely covered evenly. When this doesn't happen, the result will look messy and unfinished.
The best way to fix coverage issues is by using spray paint rather than a paintbrush and roller. uPVC spraying gives you your best shot at a smooth, professional finish. This is because the paint comes out evenly from the spray gun or can and paints a thin, even coat, covering the surface fully.
For spraying uPVC windows, we recommend our Pentura Exterior uPVC Window Paint. It is specifically designed to adhere to uPVC windows while having the durability needed for exterior paint. And it comes in a wide range of colours to help you find the perfect finish for you.
Take a look: What Paint Is Used To Spray uPVC Windows
Ready to spray paint your uPVC windows but worried about all of the extra equipment? Investing in a spray gun can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be expensive. We have a range of spray guns to suit every need and budget, so you are certain to find one that works for you.
And if you don't want to invest in a spray gun, our Pentura Exterior uPVC Window Spray Paint comes in an aerosol can, so you can use it straight from the packet.
Explore further: Spray Gun VS Brush
Pristine white uPVC windows have been the norm for a long while. In fact, around 80% of uPVC windows are white. This is mainly because it provides a crisp, clean look and helps to brighten and highlight the windows.
Nowadays, however, people are looking for a little more variety, and coloured uPVC windows are becoming more common.
Popular colours for uPVC window frames include:
Of course, you are free to choose whatever colour you like, and you can be as bold and individual as you want to be! Darker options like black, grey, or brown uPVC windows can be more in keeping with the rest of the exterior. Brighter or bolder colours like cream, black, pink, and green help to highlight the windows and add interest to the outside of the property.
Spray painting is the preferred method for painting uPVC for a few reasons:
Spray painting does have some challenges that you should consider before jumping in and getting started:
The key to a high-quality finish is laying the preparation groundwork beforehand. Time spent preparing is never time wasted!
You will need to thoroughly clean the uPVC before painting it. Any dirt, grime, or grease will prevent the paint from adhering to the surface properly and can lead to peeling problems later on down the line.
Use a mild detergent and degreaser or a specialist uPVC cleaner to thoroughly clean the surface and then rinse with clean, warm water.
You can leave it to air dry or wipe it down with a dry cloth.
You don't have to sand your uPVC, and many people balk at the idea of doing this, but it can help. The aim is not to completely sand away the smooth surface, but to lightly sand to rough it up enough that you have a good chance of decent paint adhesion.
Using fine grit sandpaper and a gentle hand can create the perfect surface for painting. After sanding, vacuum or wipe away all of the resulting dust. You may choose to clean the uPVC again at this stage.
Spray painting is an efficient and effective method, but it can get quite messy. Overspray is common and very difficult to avoid, just because of the nature of paint flying through the air. You should mask off and cover any nearby elements that you don't want to be painted.
Use masking tape for glass, wood, handles, and other exterior features. Plastic sheeting will work to cover larger areas.
A primer works by adding a layer that has the perfect texture for the paint to adhere to. This isn't always a necessary step. Some uPVC paints, like the Pentura Exterior uPVC Window Paint, are self-priming and don't require a primer beforehand. It may give you peace of mind, however, to know that your uPVC is fully prepared for painting and that your paint has the best possible chance of sticking and creating the perfect finish.
Primer can be applied using a spray gun, and our Pentura 2K Rapid Build Primer works well in any spray gun. Alternatively, our Pentura 2K Rapid Build Primer Spray uses an aerosol can so can be sprayed without any additional equipment.
Spray the primer from around 6-8 inches away from the uPVC surface and leave it to dry.
Now you're ready to apply your uPVC spray paint. Painting windows can be a little fiddly, but taking it slow and steady is the best way to get good results.
Put on all of your safety gear, including goggles or protective eyewear, gloves, a dust mask, and sturdy shoes.
Before starting, test spray the paint onto an old piece of scrap cardboard. This will give you a feel for the speed and spread of the paint. If you are using a spray gun, this is your opportunity to adjust the settings.
Hold the can or gun 6-8 inches away from the uPVC surface and spray with steady, even strokes. Start spraying before the edge of the window frame and finish spraying a little after you leave the other edge. This will help to prevent paint build-up and drips.
Always aim for multiple light coats rather than one thick one. This is the best way to ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish. Once you have applied the first coat, leave it to dry. The Pentura Exterior uPVC Window Paint dries to the touch in around 20 minutes.
Once the first coat is dry, you can apply the second one using the same technique. Often, two coats are enough, but if you are going from a dark colour to a light one, a third coat may be needed.
While the paint will be touch-dry in 20 minutes, you will need to wait for it to completely dry before you start removing the masking tape and using the windows. The Pentura Exterior uPVC Window Paint takes around 10 hours to fully dry, but the exact time will depend on the temperature and humidity levels.
Once the paint is dry, it is time to remove protective coverings and masking tape, and clean up the area. Once this is done, you can take a step back and see just how much your newly painted window frames have transformed the look of your home!
Get ready to elevate your property's exterior at a fraction of the price of replacing your uPVC windows! With our range of specialist, high-quality uPVC paints, spray guns, and other equipment, you will have everything you need for a stunning, professional finish.
Not sure how to get started? Contact us today, and our friendly team will guide you every step of the way. We are excited to go on this journey with you!
SUBSCRIBE NOW AND BE ENTERED INTO OUR COMPETITION FOR A £500 GIFT VOUCHER FOR PENTURA!
