UPVC manufactured in the last 12 months should not be painted because the plastic will shed a layer of plasticiser in this period.
Plasticiser is added as an exterior coating to UPVC during the manufacturing process to make it easier to handle by reducing friction. This coating is what makes the UPVC shiny, and it is not a surface that can be painted on.
If you were to paint brand new UPVC, the plasticiser would cause problems at the finish of the paint. This is because the plasticiser breaks down through a chemical process, so whether it is covered or not, does not matter. As it breaks down, a gap would form between the plasticiser and paint, destroying the bond.
After 12 months
You can safely paint UPVC after 12 months because the exterior coating will have worn off by then. Once it has worn off, the UPVC will be prime for painting.
Depending on your journey to this article, you may have read somewhere that UPVC is a difficult surface to paint. This is not true. UPVC is an excellent surface to paint, but you need to use the right kind of paint and application.
Spray painting
UPVC should always be spray painted. The fact that spray painting is contactless means the finish will be of factory standard.
The paint
The paint should be a solvent-based paint designed for plastics. Solvent-based paints are far more durable than water-based paints.
The spray painter
It’s important to recognise that spray painting is an artform. There’s a reason why car manufacturers use robots. Achieving a perfect finish is not as simple as practicing on a piece of cardboard and then going at it.
Of course, we would say this, wouldn’t we? After all, we’re professionals who make a living from spray painting UPVC.
So, we’ll level up with you – if you’re happy buying a spray painting gun and painting your own windows, even at height, all credit to you. The reality is that most people just call us to do the job properly. Our service makes life easier.
Feel free to contact us for a free, no obligation quote. You can send details of your project to us on Facebook or email details to info@bespokeupvcsprayers.co.uk.
