Yellow UPVC is the result of overexposure to sunlight. This may sound odd for a plastic designed for life outdoors, but everything has a shelf-life. Just as car paint can fade, so can UPVC. In fact, the process is inevitable.
Thankfully, yellowing is only a surface affliction and it is possible to whiten the surface to make it white again.
What to avoid
Firstly, avoid bleach. Bleach is harmful to UPVC because it damages the plasticisers in the plastic, which can make it brittle. Bleach is also known to discolour white UPVC even more, creating further yellowing that can’t be fixed.
You should also avoid mineral spirits, nail polish remover and methylated spirits. These solutions damage the oils in the plastic, causing permanent colour damage. They also strip pigments, so are a big no-no with painted finishes.
What to use to whiten UPVC
You can whiten UPVC with a solution of white vinegar and hot water.
First of all, you should clean your UPVC with warm water and washing up liquid to remove dirt and grime. Then follow this process:
- Get an empty spray bottle
- Mix 200ml of white vinegar with 200ml of hot (but not boiling) water
- Spray the solution onto sheets of paper towel so they are damp
- Apply the paper towel over the UPVC and spray the paper towel again to soak it
- Let the paper towel sit on the UPVC for 60 minutes. Remove it and wipe down the UPVC to inspect the finish.
After this process, your UPVC should be at least one shade whiter.
We recommend repeating the process for best results. You can do this by applying new paper towel, or you can simply extend the amount of time you leave the paper towel to sit on the UPVC. Leave it for 3-4 hours for best results.
You can also get your UPVC spray painted
If your UPVC is way beyond the scope of whitening, you can get it professionally spray painted instead. This will permanently change its colour.
If there is nothing functionally wrong with your UPVC, replacing it is bad for the environment and an unnecessary expense. Spray painting is cheaper, and the work takes less than a day in most cases. Check out our gallery to see our latest work and download our free price guide to get an idea about cost.
