How to Paint uPVC Windows

uPVC, otherwise known as Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride, is a popular material used for windowsills, frames, front doors and garage doors. With a lifespan of 20 to 35 years, this material is specially designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. As new uPVC windows are specially made and measured to your home, it’s no wonder that fitting new windows comes with a heavy price tag.  To help you out, we’re here to teach you how to paint uPVC windows – so you can give yours the refresh they deserve without breaking the bank.

Materials:

Tools:

Can you paint uPVC windows?

Yes!

You can buy uPVC paint that can be applied directly to your windowsills and frames. Or, you can use an exterior paint – but only if they were fitted over 12 months ago. This is because uPVC stops secreting after this time and begins to interact with the exterior paint in the same way it would on wood.

The benefit of using exterior paint over uPVC paint is that you’ll have a lot more colours to choose from. So, if there’s an exterior paint that you’ve got your eye on, this guide will walk you through the steps you need to follow for a perfect finish.

How to Paint uPVC Windows

If you need to use a ladder for the window frames on the higher floors of your house, do so with care. Place the ladder on a stable surface that is completely flat and dry – and with someone nearby for supervision and assistance.

We also recommend you take a look at our DIY safety tips before you begin.

Thoroughly clean your uPVC windowsills and frames

When it comes to showing up streaky marks, flecks of paint or lines, uPVC can be particularly unforgiving, so it’s important to make sure that your windows are free from any caked-on dirt or pollen.

It’s best to open the windows fully, to get into all those hard-to-reach corners. A wet all-purpose cloth should do the trick, and ensure you dry your windowsills and frames afterwards.

Sand the base

To help the exterior paint stick to your uPVC surfaces, buff the windowsills and frames with a fine grade sandpaper for the windowsill and frames. Make sure you don’t use too much pressure – as this will show through once the paint has dried. Wipe away any dust with a high-quality microfibre cloth to ensure a clean surface.

Add masking tape

Masking tape will ensure that you keep your brickwork and panes of glass clear of any marks or paint splatters. Apply to the outside edges of the uPVC windowsill and onto the panes of glass.

Top Tip: For extra protection, fully cover your windows with newspaper.

Apply your uPVC primer

With the windows prepared, it’s now time to apply your uPVC primer.

It’s best to use a primer that matches the colour of paint you’re using on your uPVC windows.

Gently use a clean paint brush to apply the primer around the uPVC window.

For a professional looking finish, you may need to add two coats of primer to your uPVC windows. This will mean you have to wait until the first coat is fully dry, before applying the next. This can sometimes take a few days, depending on the time of year.

Top tip: Be careful not to put too much pressure on the brush or operate in a circular motion, as this can cause the paint to flick onto the brickwork.

Time to paint your uPVC windows!

With the primer fully dry, it’s time to apply your paint to your uPVC windowsills and frames.

Apply the paint carefully to the uPVC frame, softy dragging your brush up and downwards to reach into the corners. Don’t overload your brush with product and use long, even strokes and make sure to reach the corners for a professional finish. This will take a at least two coats of paint, until you get the right pigment, so be willing to take some time with it and leave each coat to fully dry before starting another.

It’s also possible to spray uPVC window frames, provided you have a steady hand. uPVC spray painting eliminates any risk of visible brushstrokes, uneveness and promises greater adhesion to the frame, but the equipment tends to cost more.

If you’re looking for a brilliant finish, complete your refreshed frames with a layer of exterior gloss paint.

Top tip: Although a sunny day may seem like the perfect time to get cracking with painting your uPVC windows, the heat can cause the paint to crack and therefore stop it from drying naturally.

That’s how to paint uPVC windows!

If you’re in need of another project, why not paint your uPVC door to your new windows? Check out all you need to know about painting doors with our step by step guide!