With the UK set firmly in a cost of living crisis right now, many of us are looking for ways to jazz up our homes on a budget. 

Sadly, new doors and windows are usually one of the biggest renovation expenses. Often they aren’t an option when funds are limited, so doing what we can to boost kerb appeal without breaking the bank, makes perfect sense. 

One of your first thoughts might be to give that old front door a fresh lick of paint, which is all well and good for wooden external doors and windows, but can you paint uPVC doors and windows? 

In short, yes, you can paint uPVC windows and doors. But, while it can be a real cost saving exercise, it’s not always the most long term solution and there are things you need to consider before you do it.

Here we’re going to dig into what those considerations are, what the realities of painting uPVC doors and windows might be, as well answer some frequently asked questions along the way to help you get the best out of the refresh…

What are the benefits of painting uPVC doors and windows?

While it’ll never compare to a replacement and often considered to be a “short term” fix, painting uPVC doors and windows definitely offers several benefits, both aesthetic and functional. 

Better Customisation

Painting them allows you to customise the colour of your uPVC doors and windows to match your personal style or the overall design of your home.

Not only that, if your uPVC doors and windows are looking a tad tired or outdated, a fresh coat of paint can give them a more modern, refreshed look to help keep your home looking contemporary without the need for expensive replacements.

Specialist uPVC paints are also available in a wide range of colours, often far beyond the limited number of factory finishes you’ll find. This gives you greater flexibility to match or contrast with the rest of your home’s exterior (or interior) colour schemes. 

With that in mind, painting them also allows you to work with the same colour scheme throughout your home for a more uniform look, this is especially helpful if you have multiple types of doors and windows.

More Affordable and Improved Durability

As mentioned before, painting is a much more affordable option compared to replacing uPVC doors and windows, so you can save money while still creating a fresh, new look.

When replacing your doors and windows just isn’t on the cards, and provided they’re not already damaged, a high-quality paint job can actually help protect uPVC from wear and tear, extending its life.

Choosing a UV-resistant paint will protect the uPVC material from the sun’s harmful rays to help prevent fading and degradation. Not only that, specialist paints can protect against rain, wind and cold temperature extremes too, keeping the uPVC in good condition for longer and prolonging the need for replacement.

Increased Property Value

Clean, well-maintained doors and windows can go a long way to helping increase the value of your property.

Kerb appeal count’s for a lot when reselling and freshly painted doors and windows give the impression of a well-maintained property, which can be reassuring to potential buyers. It suggests that other parts of the home may also be in good, well cared for condition as well.

In a competitive market, having attractive, freshly painted uPVC doors and windows can set your property apart from others too, which could potentially lead to a quicker sale and possibly higher offers.

How long does paint last on uPVC doors and windows?

On average, a well-prepared and properly painted uPVC surface can last between 5 to 10 years before needing a touch-up or repaint. High-quality finishes with proper maintenance can last even longer, sometimes up to 15 years. 

But, it’s worth noting that the longevity of paint on uPVC doors and windows depends on several factors. The biggest things to affect how long it will last are the quality of the paint used, how thoroughly the surface is prepared before painting and environmental conditions. 

It’s also worth keeping in mind that darker colours will absorb more heat from sunlight, which will likely cause the uPVC to expand and contract more than lighter colours would. This increased thermal movement could affect the longevity of the paint finish and the windows themselves, so it’s important to choose a paint colour wisely. 

Do I need to remove uPVC doors and windows before painting them?

You don’t necessarily need to remove a uPVC door and window frames before painting them, but doing so can make the process easier and help you achieve a more professional finish. Here are some benefits to doing so:

• Easier Access – Removing the doors and windows allows you to reach all areas more easily, ensuring an even coat of paint.
• Avoids Mess – Painting in a controlled environment can help avoid drips and splatters on surrounding walls, floors or other surfaces.
• Better Control – You can lay the doors or windows flat, making it easier to apply paint evenly and reduce the risk of runs or sags that can look quite unsightly once dry.

How do I prepare uPVC surfaces for painting?

Painting uPVC window and door frames can give them a fresh, new look, but proper surface preparation is the key to making sure the paint sticks and fresh look lasts. 

Whether you remove the doors and windows or not, the amount of preparation needed remains the same, here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to prepare uPVC surfaces for painting:

Step 1: Clean the Surface

Use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to clean the uPVC surface thoroughly. A soft cloth or sponge can help remove dirt, dust and any other surface contaminants. 

After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove any soap residue. Once all residue has been removed, use a clean, dry cloth to dry the surface completely.

Step 2: Remove Grease and Residue 

Apply a uPVC-friendly degreaser or a mixture of water and white vinegar to remove any greasy residues. 

This step is crucial to ensure that the paint adheres properly, especially around the areas that are touched most regularly, such as around handles and letter boxes.

Step 3: Sand the Surface

Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 240 grit) to lightly sand the uPVC surface. This helps to create a rougher surface for the paint to stick to. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust.

Step 4: Mask and Protect

Use masking tape to protect areas you don’t want to paint, such as glass panes or metal fittings. Place drop cloths or newspapers around the area to protect against drips and splatters.

Step 5: Apply a Primer

Be sure to select a primer that is suitable for uPVC surfaces, this is important as it ensures good adhesion and provides the correct base for the top coat. Apply the primer evenly across the surface and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.

What is the best type of primer for uPVC windows?

When preparing to paint uPVC window frames and doors, choosing the right kind of primer is crucial as it can make all the difference to how long-lasting, clean and durable the finished paint job will be. 

Here are the best types of primers for uPVC windows:

Acrylic-Based Primer

Acrylic primers such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus* are water-based and provide good adhesion and flexibility. They’re easy to apply, quick-drying, low odour and are environmentally friendly. They’re ideal for uPVC surfaces, especially when you need a primer that is easy to clean up and less toxic.

Solvent-Based Primer

These primers use solvents to create a strong bond with the uPVC surface, which provides excellent adhesion for top coat and durability. Solvent-based primers like Rust-Oleum Plastic Primer* are particularly suitable for high-traffic areas such as front doors or surfaces exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Epoxy-Based Primer

Epoxy primers are known for their superior adhesion and durability but do contain higher levels of VOCs. They’re extremely durable, resistant to moisture, chemicals and abrasion making them most suitable for areas that require extra durability and protection, such as those windows and doors that are next to busy roads.

What kind of paint is best for uPVC doors and windows?

Likewise, you’d need to choose a top coat paint suitable for use on uPVC surfaces. The best paint is one specifically formulated to withstand the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes and provide long-lasting colour that won’t crack or fade over time. 

uPVC paints are usually acrylic, solvent or resin-based. Oil-based paints won’t work due to the fact that uPVC is non-porous, so won’t bond with the paint well.

Specialist uPVC paints such as Kolorbond uPVC paint* are made specifically for uPVC surfaces, and are most likely to give you a professional looking finish. The composition of these paints is designed to work with the unique characteristics of uPVC, such as its smooth surface and low porosity. 

The Key Components of Specialist uPVC Paint

Typically, the main components of specialist uPVC paint include binders/resins, pigments, solvents and additives: 

Binders

The binder is the main component that forms the film and binds the pigment and additives together, usually made from acrylic resins, polyurethane resins or a blend of both, it’s designed to be highly flexible yet durable.

Pigments

The ultra fine pigment particles are what provides colour and opacity. Depending on what colour and manufacturer you choose, these could be organic or inorganic pigments. Colours offered in uPVC paint are usually chosen for their stability and UV resistance.

Solvents

Solvents are used to dissolve the binders to a specific point and make the paint easy to apply. Ultimately, they control the viscosity of the paint and influence the drying time.

Choosing a paint that has a reasonable thickness and drying time is especially important if you plan to paint your uPVC doors and windows in situ, so as to help prevent runs and unsightly drips.

Additives

Each manufacturer will have their own selection of chemicals additives that they’ll add to improve the paint’s performance.

Additives to look for when choosing your uPVC paint will include UV stabilisers, adhesion promoters, plasticisers and flow agents, all of these will help with things like fade resistance, adhesion, flexibility, levelling and resistance to cracking.

Tips and Techniques for Painting uPVC Doors and Window Frames

As with any other painting you might do, beyond choosing the right paint, there are going to be tools and methods you can use that will give a better finish than others, and it’s especially true when it comes to painting uPVC window and door frames.

Here are some useful tips for getting the best out of your painted uPVC doors and windows:

The Application Process

Applying multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat can improve durability of your uPVC door and window frames. Allowing sufficient drying time between each coat will also help create a stronger bond and longer-lasting finish.

Carefully remove the masking tape before the final coat is completely dry to avoid peeling off any paint and then allow the paint to cure fully before using the windows or subjecting them to heavy handling. This can take several days depending on the paint used. After the final coat has dried, inspect the surface for any missed spots or uneven areas. 

Touch up as necessary as if imperfections are left, this could lead to premature peeling or cracking, so it’s important to make sure this is done as part of the painting process before they’re used.

Is it better to spray or brush paint on uPVC?

When it comes to painting uPVC surfaces, choosing between spray paint and brush painting depends on the finish you’d like, the tools you have available and your level of expertise. 

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which might be better for you:

Spray Painting

• Pros: Spray paint provides a very smooth, even finish without brush marks or roller lines, making it ideal for uPVC window frames, which are typically glossy by nature. Spray painting can be much faster too, especially for large jobs or intricate surfaces.
  
  If you’re comfortable using a paint sprayer, you can achieve a more consistent coat with less effort, which will help reduce the risk of drips or uneven layers.
  
  Sprayers are also good for covering hard-to-reach areas and intricate details without needing to use multiple tools or causing paint build up.
  
  
• Cons: Of course a paint sprayer is needed, which can be more expensive than brushes and rollers. You’ll also have to be more extensive when masking to protect surrounding areas from overspray.
  
  Paint spraying requires more skill and practice than brush or roller painting to achieve a professional finish without runs or sags. If you’re not confident with a paint sprayer, be cautious because you could end up with a bad paint job, making things worse than they were before you started.
  
  If you’re planning to remove the window units, you need to make sure you do the spraying in a space with good ventilation, you’ll also need to wear protective gear to avoid inhaling paint fumes.

Brush and Roller Painting

• Pros: Brushes and rollers are more readily available and generally cheaper than spray painting equipment.
  
  They’re also easier for beginners or those with limited painting experience to handle as they tend to give you greater control over the application, which can be helpful for small areas or touch-ups. Extra control also means less risk of overspray and splatters, making it easier to manage and clean up.
  
  
• Cons: The biggest downside is that they’re more likely to leave brush marks or roller texture, which may not look as smooth as a sprayed finish. However, this may not be too much of an issue if you have textured (i.e wood grain) uPVC windows and doors.
  
  It can also be more time-consuming, especially when you have a large number of uPVC window frames to paint. To that same end, as brush painting often requires more coats than spraying to achieve an even finish, it can really extend the lead time of the painting process, which may seriously impact your renovation plans.

In our experience, spray painting is generally better if you want a professional-looking, smooth finish and have the equipment and space to handle the spraying process.

If you do have access to a paint sprayer, are comfortable using it and have a large amount of uPVC to cover, spray painting is likely going to be the best option for achieving the best results.

On the other hand, brushes and rollers can still produce good results with careful application and might be better if you’re looking for more control, have a smaller area to paint and it’s a more accessible method if you’re new to DIY.

Ultimately, both methods can be effective for painting uPVC surfaces. Your choice will depend on your specific project needs, your skill level and the finish you desire.

Maintaining Painted uPVC Windows and Doors 

Maintaining painted uPVC window and door frames can definitely help improve their longevity and keeps them looking fresh and vibrant. Here are some practical maintenance tips to help you care for your painted uPVC doors and windows:

Regular Cleaning

Clean your painted uPVC surfaces regularly with a mild soap solution and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as these can damage the paint.

Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the surfaces. Scrubbing with abrasive materials can scratch the paint. After washing, rinse the surfaces with clean water to remove any soap residue as any left can attract dirt and grime.

Protecting the Finish

Prevent hard objects such as hanging ornaments from hitting the painted surfaces to avoid chipping or scratching the paint.

You may wish to consider applying a clear protective film over high-traffic areas to guard against scratches and minimise the need for touch ups.

Handling Scratches and Chips

Keep some touch-up paint on hand for quick fixes. Addressing small scratches and chips as soon as they appear can prevent further damage and reduce the need for a complete repaint.

For more significant damage, lightly sand the affected area, clean it thoroughly, and apply a new coat of paint, following the same process as when first applied. To make sure the new paint blends as well as it can with the older paint, you might want to consider repainting the whole section of frame that has the damage.

Long-Term Care

While uPVC is durable, and no matter how much UV resistance specialist paints might offer,  prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can unfortunately cause paint to fade, particularly those darker colours. 

If it’s the interior of the frames that you’ve painted, consider adding UV-protective films to the windows to minimise sun exposure. This can help prevent interior decor and furnishings from fading too.

Be sure to periodically inspect your painted uPVC doors and windows for signs of wear or damage. Early detection allows for timely repairs and can prevent minor issues from escalating into a much bigger job.

Seasonal Maintenance

Check and replace weather stripping around doors and windows as needed. Not only does this help maintain energy efficiency, it can help prevent moisture from getting under the paint, too.

Ensure that all moving parts, such as hinges, handles and locks, are well-lubricated and working correctly. This helps them function smoothly so you don’t have to use additional force to operate them, which could damage the paint.

If you decide to use a professional to paint them, consider having an inspection annually to assess the condition of your painted uPVC windows and doors. A professional painter can provide expert maintenance and repairs as needed, ensuring your surfaces remain in top condition and looking their best.

A Fresh New Look on a Budget

Painting uPVC doors and window frames is not only doable but also a budget-friendly way to spruce up your home’s exterior when every penny counts. 

While replacing doors and windows can be a big expense, giving your existing uPVC fixtures a fresh coat of paint could be all the boost you need to improve durability, step-up the kerb appeal and even increase property value without emptying your bank account.

With the right prep work, top-quality materials and proper upkeep, a painted uPVC surface can stay beautiful and protected for years. Whether you opt to brush, roll, or spray the paint, the key is to take your time and follow best practices to get a professional-looking finish. 

So, roll up your sleeves, pick your favourite colour and turn that tired uPVC front door into the stylish, vibrant feature it should be. Happy painting!

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Have a question about uPVC doors? No worries! Just get in touch and one of our external door experts will be happy to help. 

*We are not associated with nor do we earn a commission from any brands or products mentioned. We always recommend doing your own thorough research to find out which product will suit your individual needs best.