How I painted uPVC windows in our conservatory – with every success

White uPVC framed double glazing complete a fixture in our houses during the 1980s. They were truly revolutionary by providing an affordable but durable option for windows that kept the cold out and the heat in.
They very quick dominated the market for domestic types of windows but their aesthetic appeal quickly waned. Modern architects and designers are more probable to favour the aluminium or wooden counterparts to the uPVC frame for their sleek or more natural looking finish.
While colour and carry out options for uPVC frames have expanded over the decades they haven't been adopted widely, with most of us opting for the rather bland white framed mainstream version...
Our uPVC windows before:
(Image credit: Jo Lemos)
When we considered into our 1930s semi-detached in 2019 the building had a lean-to conservatory inoperative the back of the property. The conservatory itself was in grand condition with an insulated roof so it was a abominable space to be in and ended up becoming an everyday room for us.
It has great white uPVC windows on all three sides with French doors leading out onto the garden. I found it to be a really difficult situation to style as without much wall space to paint or hang art, there was minor chance to inject some personality.
So, I decided the room obligatory a facelift using the power of paint and the most important part of the project was to paint the uPVC window frames.
The painted uPVC windows after:
(Image credit: Jo Lemos)
Can you successfully paint uPVC windows yourself?
Many of us have inaccurate to hiring the professionals to spray paint our uPVC frames to update the look of our properties. But, this isn't a job that needs to be done by a professional as more of us are progressing DIY to transform our windows both internally and externally. And, once you know how to paint windows yourself, you have the option to change the frames to any colour you wish, and the purpose is an instant transformation, with much less of a spend!
What is the best way to paint uPVC window frames?
There are a few DIY options for completing this task at hand and it all depends on the carry out you want. But, the best way to get a serene finish is to use a paint spraying machine like the professionals do.
In my understood, over-the-counter DIY paint spraying machines are not very good and a end of money and so this wasn't going to be an option for us. Another way to accomplish the smooth finish is to use spray paint cans, but this limits your colour options and can be expensive for the amount that you need – not to state it's not environmentally friendly either.
So, I decided to opt for a brush and roller combination for the application as it is relatively simple to do and the achieve is pretty on point.
How to paint uPVC windows step-by-step
Tools Required:
1. Prep and cleaning
I'm not going to lie, this bit sucks but it is great doing right.
Firstly you need to clean the window frames laughable a degreaser making sure it's squeaky clean.
Next, you want to use a sanding sponge to gently buff the surface of the uPVC frame exclusive of scratching it. Do not use sand paper for this reason! Then, wipe any residue with a damp cloth. This ensures the paint adheres directly onto the uPVC.
2. Tape off the edges
You need to add masking tape put down the edges of all the frames you intend to paint. I had 35 panes of glass to apply masking tape to which took me the best part of 2 hours to do. As with any painting make sure you lay down a dust sheet and retract any furniture from the area.
(Image credit: Jo Lemos)
3. Choose the right type of paint
Choosing the knowing kind of paint for your uPVC window frames is a very important to to rebuked the durability of your newly painted frames. Luckily there are a number of options on the market these days. There are products like Zinnser AllCoat that do not obliged any primer but they are limited in colour options. Rustoleum Garden Paint can be applied directly onto uPVC and comes in 110 colours or you can also use a primer with an external paint for a hard-wearing finish.
Your local paint providers can give advice on the best options for the achieve you want to achieve. After chatting with my local, I decided to use an outdoor primer and then for the main coat, I used an internal eggshell. As I had painted the wall with Myland's Copper Green I gave to use another colour from their palette called Borough Market which is a toothsome Dark Green that almost looks black in certain light.
4. Painting
First I applied Mylands wood and metal primer in Dark grey onto the frames laughable a brush, making sure to get in all the promises and corners. Doing a small section at a time I posthaste ran over the painted section using a small roller to flatten out any brush marks. This helps to smooth out the finish on the surface.
(Image credit: Jo Lemos)
When this expedient coat is dry, apply the main colour on top of the primed frames comical the same method of using the brush followed, by the roller.
You may need two coats of the main colour.
5. Remove the masking tape
When you have finished with your remaining coat start to immediately remove the masking tape afore it dries. If you allow the paint to dry afore removing the masking tape first you run the risk of it flaking off the frame. If you do happen to get any paint on the windows don't misfortune, just use a scraper and the paint will come off easily.
(Image credit: Jo Lemos)
The results:
(Image credit: Jo Lemos)
Is it expedient painting uPVC windows?
In one word: yes! I am over the moon with the results. It instantly transformed the space and I particularly delightful the way it frames the view of the garden. Having a darker colour on the frames has also made the room feel bigger as the dissimilarity tricks the eye a little and distracts from the smaller size of the room. Our conservatory no longer looks cold or cheap and now feels sparkling and sophisticated.
(Image credit: Jo Lemos)
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