Hand painting your UPVC windows is an affordable way to change the way they look. It’s cheaper than replacing your windows, and we always say if there’s nothing wrong with the way your windows function, why bother replacing them? You can change their appearance with paint, and you can do it yourself!
Basic points
- UPVC should be spray painted and NOT BRUSHED OR SPONGED. The paint needs to be aerated and applied in thin even layers. Touch-based paint application will not achieve the smooth factory-like finish you’re looking for.
- Ambient temperature is important. This depends on the paint you buy, but a good rule of thumb is to paint when the temperature is between 12 and 30°C. This temperature range will ensure the paint dries in good time.
- You don’t need a primer – you only need a high-quality solvent-based paint! A quality solvent paint will act as the primer on the first coat. The paints we use are unique to us, but we recommend Kolorbond for DIY use.
- You’ll need a spray-painting gun and a place to practice. We recommend you purchase an airless electric gun. You can pick these up for around £100. Wagner and Graco have a good range. Check out the Graco Magnum X5.
What you’ll need
- Methylated spirit
- Soap and water
- Sponge and microfibre cloth (two cloths per window)
- Solvent-based paint
- Spray paint gun
- Masking tape
- Masking sheeting / newspaper
- Safe working platform (if working at height)
- Safety goggles
- Particulate mask (the 3M 4251 will serve you well)
How to hand paint your windows
Step 1: Cleaning
You need to clean your UPVC first with soap and water to remove any dirt and organic debris. Once you have done this, let the UPVC dry, and wipe it down with methylated spirit to rid the surface of contaminants. Once the spirit evaporates, the UPVC will be clean enough to paint. Run your hand across the window. If it’s smooth, the surface is perfect. If it isn’t smooth, try cleaning it again.
Step 2: Masking
Different spray guns have different spray fields, so we recommend you practice spray painting an old piece of timber first. Review the spray zone. How wide is it? Take this information and apply it to your masking. Mask off the glazing at the point where the UPVC meets it. Use old newspaper or anything you like to cover the glazing. Make sure there’s a clean line but don’t worry too much – if there’s a little bit of paint on the glazing edge, it can be removed once dry with your fingernail.
The outer masonry and general structure will need masking too. This doesn’t require precision. Just make sure it’s covered.
Step 3: Painting
If you have followed our advice and purchased a high-quality solvent-based paint – one which bonds with the UPVC on a molecular level – you do not need to prime. The first coat of paint will act as the primer in this case.
The nozzle on your spray-painting gun will be adjustable. This should be adjusted to the direction of the sash. Horizontal sash should be sprayed with the horizontal nozzle, and vertical sash with the vertical nozzle. Don’t worry about the finish overlapping – it is overall finish we are looking for here, not the corners.
We want thin coats here. You will spray the UPVC with the aim of completing the job in three coats. This requires you to spray the UPVC thinly, but evenly, with a consistent hand and direction. Your hand should never dwell on one spot for too long.
The first coat will be blotchy, and you might be wondering what on earth you have done at this stage. But don’t worry. The second coat will change the colour much better, and the third coat will blend it all together.
Leave at least 30 minutes between each coat of paint – no matter what the tin says. 30 minutes will give a solvent-based paint time to dry well, so long as you followed our advice and are painting when the temperature is between 12 and 30°C.
Once you have completed the third coat, stand 6ft away from the UPVC window and critique your own finish. Is it even? Is the window 100% the new colour? If there are any defects, now is the time to blend them in. All you have to do is apply one more coat. Don’t just spray the defect because this may cause colour variation.
Step 4: Finishing up
Happy with the finish? Congratulations!
Let the window dry for at least two hours after the final coat. You can then go ahead and start removing the masking tape and paper. Don’t worry if you find little areas that the paint didn’t catch – these can be sprayed in later on.
Now that you’ve successfully hand painted one UPVC window, you can go ahead and plan doing the rest. Please keep in mind though that the job gets trickier at height. You really do need scaffolding for such jobs. A ladder won’t do.
Call the experts
We hope you found this guide helpful.
If you’d rather have a professional spray paint your UPVC windows, we’re based in Manchester and have over 10 years’ experience. We also stamp our work with a 10-year guarantee. Contact us today to get started.
