UPVC doors are a popular choice for many UK homes. But what happens when yours starts to look tired or you simply want a change of colour? At The Spraying Team, we've helped countless homeowners transform their UPVC doors with a fresh coat of paint.
Your front door makes a powerful first impression of your house. Over time, white UPVC can become discoloured or dated. Perhaps you've seen the trend towards anthracite grey or other statement colours and want to update your home's appearance.
The good news is that painting UPVC doors is entirely possible when done correctly. With the right tools, preparation, and suitable paint, you can transform your entrance and boost your home's kerb appeal without replacing the entire door.
Many homeowners ask us if you can actually paint a UPVC door. The simple answer is yes! UPVC is a plastic material that can be painted, but it requires specific preparation and specialist paints to ensure a durable finish that withstands the elements. If you're wondering how much does it cost to spray uPVC doors, the price can vary depending on the quality of the paint and the size of the door, but generally, professional services can give you a long-lasting result.
Standard household paints won't stick properly to UPVC windows or doors, leading to peeling, cracking, and a disappointing result. However, with the best paint specifically designed for UPVC and our expert techniques, your painted door can look amazing and last for years.
Before starting your painting project, gather these essential materials:
For Preparation:
For Painting:
Having the right tools is key to achieving a professional finish. Using proper equipment designed specifically for UPVC will help you avoid brush marks and create a smooth surface.
If possible, remove door handles and other door accessories before painting. This creates a cleaner finish and makes the job easier. If removal isn't possible, carefully mask these areas instead.
First, wash the door with warm soapy water to remove all dirt, grime, and grease. UPVC front doors collect a surprising amount of dust and environmental residue that can interfere with paint adhesion.
Allow the surface to dry completely before moving to the next step. Luckily, UPVC usually dries quickly after washing.
Once clean and dry, lightly sand the entire door with fine sandpaper. This creates a slightly roughened surface that helps the paint stick better to the plastic. Don't sand too vigorously – you're just looking to create a key for the paint to adhere to.
Wipe away all dust created during sanding with a clean, dry soft cloth. Any remaining dust particles can create imperfections in your painted finish.
Some specialist UPVC paints are self-priming, meaning you can skip this step. If your chosen paint requires a separate primer, apply a thin, even coat and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A primer creates a surface that the topcoat can properly stick to, helping your paint job last longer and resist peeling or chips.
Using a brush or roller suitable for your chosen paint, apply your first coat in smooth, even strokes. Work in sections, following the design of your door for a neat finish.
Most people prefer using a roller for larger flat sections and a brush for detailed areas. This technique helps reduce brush marks and creates a more professional appearance.
For a single coat finish, you'll need a high-quality paint specifically formulated for UPVC. However, we usually recommend two coats for the best results.
UPVC paint needs proper drying time between coats. Typically, this is about one hour, but always check the manufacturer's guidance. Rushing this step can lead to bubbling or an uneven finish.
Weather conditions can affect drying times – humidity and cold temperatures might extend the time needed between coats.
Once the first coat is completely dry, apply a second coat using the same technique. Two coats are usually sufficient for a solid, even colour, though some darker shades might require an additional coat for perfect coverage.
Make sure each coat is thin rather than applying one thick coat, as this provides better adhesion and a more professional finish.
For UPVC front doors, windows and window frames, you need paint specially formulated to match and stick to this surface. Regular wood paint won't adhere properly.
When selecting colours, remember that darker shades like anthracite grey typically need more coats than lighter colours. If you're changing from white UPVC to a different colour, expect to apply at least two coats for full coverage.
Weather conditions significantly impact your paint job. Avoid painting in direct sunlight as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly. Similarly, don't paint when it's too cold, as the paint won't cure properly.
The ideal temperature is between 10-25°C with moderate humidity and no rain forecast for at least 24 hours.
If you couldn't remove door furniture like the door handle, be extra careful when painting around these areas. A steady hand and good-quality brush will help create clean lines.
After painting, your door will need time to fully cure before it can withstand normal use. While UPVC paint is usually touch-dry within one hour, it can take up to a week to fully harden and become resistant to scratches.
Once cured, a painted UPVC door is surprisingly durable. To maintain its appearance, simply wash occasionally with mild soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that might damage the paint finish.
If you notice brush marks forming as you paint, try thinning the paint slightly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Also, use high-quality brushes designed for water-based paints which tend to leave fewer marks.
If your paint starts to tear or peel, this usually indicates poor preparation or using the wrong type of paint. For small areas, sand back to a sound surface, prime if necessary, and repaint. For larger problems, you may need to strip and start again.
If paint accidentally gets onto door handles or other door accessories, remove it immediately with a cloth dampened with a suitable solvent recommended by the paint manufacturer.
The techniques described for painting UPVC doors apply equally to other UPVC elements around your home. Window frames, fascias, soffits, and conservatory frames can all be transformed with specialist UPVC paint.
Many homeowners choose to paint upvc doors and windows in matching colours for a coordinated look that transforms the entire exterior of their house.
When selecting your UPVC paint, you'll need to choose a finish:
Each has its benefits, but satin is often considered the best place to start for most UPVC doors as it strikes a good balance between appearance and practicality.
While painting UPVC doors is certainly achievable as a DIY project, for the best possible results, consider hiring professionals. At The Spraying Team, we specialise in transforming UPVC doors with our expert spraying techniques.
Our team uses only the highest quality paints and equipment to ensure a flawless finish that will protect and beautify your door for years to come. We work efficiently, usually completing a front door transformation in just a single day.
For a free quote on painting your UPVC door, contact The Spraying Team today. We'll help you choose the perfect colour and achieve a stunning new look for your home's entrance.
