How to Paint UPVC Windows

If you are looking for a new way to add a little curb appeal to your home and bring a bit of pizazz, a fresh coat of paint on your window frames might be exactly what you are looking for.

The standard white UPVC windows can look a little bland and boring when compared to what is possible with a little paint. This is a far more affordable solution than replacing your windows which will be far more costly than a few pots of paint.

But how do you paint UPVC windows? And what can you do to make sure they maintain their appeal for years to come? Well, in this helpful how-to we will walk you through everything you need to know about brightening UPVC windows.

Steps to Paint UPVC Windows

Here are the steps you need to go through to paint UPVC windows.

Clean the Windows

Being outside and subjected to the elements the first step in any exterior painting project is to give your window frames a good clean. You want to ensure that any dirt or organic growth is removed before proceeding to the next phase of your painting project. To do this we recommend using Homeenpoisto, a mould removal formula.

This phase is especially important when painting outside and on a surface that can be more challenging for the paint to adhere to.

If your window frames were previously painted you may also have to deal with any flaking paint if it's been a while since you have dealt with this. For this, you will need a stiff-bristled brush to get the flaky paint off, and then follow up with fine-grade abrasive paper to feather the edges so it is not too obvious after you have finished. Something around 100-grit would work very well.

After this give your window frames a good wipe down and use methylated spirit to ensure the surface is free from any contaminants and anything that could interfere with adhesion. Make sure your window frames are fully dry before proceeding to the next step.

Now your UPVC window frames are clean it's time to add protective coverings to your windows and walls to ensure that your new colour stays on the frames and doesn't end up on the actual window or brick walls.

To do this tape up your window with newspaper or plastic sheeting covering the windows and do the same to the outside of the frame. Just like you would do if you were painting inside and looking to avoid trim.

Prime the Window Frames

Now it's time to prime your window frames. UPVC is a tricky surface for the paint to adhere to and this means you will want your use a primer that has been specifically engineered for challenging surfaces. Luckily within the Tikkurila range, we have Otex Adhesion Primer. This primer will work on UPVC windows both never painted and those that have been previously painted.

Another benefit of our Otex Adhesion Primer is that it can be tinted to match your top coat. This can help your desired colour shine through and ensure that if there were to be any chips or scrapes on the window frames that there is far less chance it would be noticeable.

Paint your Window Frames

After all of this prep work, you are finally at the point where you get to paint your UPVC window frames. For this, you need to apply two coats of our Panssari Akva. This weather-resistant water-based acrylic paint is perfect for UPVC windows and is tintable in a vast array of colour options.

Panssari Akva is touch dry in around one to three hours and is recoatable after 24 hours. Once you have applied both layers of this top coat and it has dried you can remove protective coverings and admire your new colourful window frames.

Tips for Painting UPVC Windows

Now that you have a great understanding of how to paint UPVC windows here are a few tips to make sure you get the best finish possible.

Check the Weather

As with any time you are using exterior paint you should make sure the weather will be on your side. Nobody wants to get caught in the rain halfway through painting. Try to find a few days that look particularly dry to do it over since the drying times between mean this DIY task runs over a few days.

Invest in Quality Brushes

When painting your UPVC windows with premium paint the last thing you want is to have large brush marks or reeding on the window frames. The type of brushes you choose can make a massive difference in how this works out.

Make sure your buy nylon brushes. These have softer bristles and don't soak up paint in the same way that standard bristle brushes will. This helps the average DIY painter achieve higher-quality finishes.

UPVC Windows Painted? Why Not Paint your Door?

Have you just painted your UPVC windows and are loving the fresh new appearance it has given your house? Well, why not give your door an upgrade too? If it is made from UPVC you can just go through the same process again and if you have still got a lot of leftover primer and paint if may be quite a cost-effective project.

And what would look nicer than a house with newly painted windows and doors?

Remember Painted UPVC Windows Have Upkeep

One final point to consider before painting UPVC windows is that once you have painted your windows you will need to maintain them in the future. Basically, you lose the low-maintenance benefit of the UPVC. This isn't to say that painted UPVC windows need regular upkeep, just that every few years you will find yourself having to go through this again.