Professional Spray Painting Services in North West England

How To Paint uPVC Windows

Call Us Now for a Free Quote

At The Spraying Team, we've seen how a fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look of plastic windows. Many property owners don't realise that their tired-looking upvc windows don't need replacing - they can be painted for a fraction of the cost. As specialists in window spraying across the UK, we've helped countless homeowners revitalise their properties. In this guide, we'll share our expertise on how to paint uPVC windows and doors, from preparation to finishing touches, to help you understand the process.

Paint UPVC Windows

Why Consider Painting UPVC Windows?

UPVC windows are durable and widely used in properties across the country. However, over time, white upvc windows can yellow or become discoloured. Instead of the costly option to replace your windows, painting offers a cost-effective alternative.

Painting upvc windows can:

  • Save you thousands compared to replacement
  • Extend the life of your existing frames
  • Allow you to match your window frames to current trends like anthracite grey
  • Update the look of your house

Many homeowners worry that upvc can't be painted, but with the right tools, products and techniques, upvc windows can be successfully painted to achieve a perfect finish that's both attractive and durable.

Choosing the Right Paint for UPVC

Selecting the right paint is crucial when painting upvc. Regular household paint won't work well, resulting in peeling and a poor finish.

For the best results when you paint your upvc, use specialised coatings designed specifically for plastic surfaces. These paints:

  • Bond effectively with the upvc surface
  • Resist fading and weathering
  • Provide flexibility to cope with expansion and contraction
  • Offer excellent durability in varied weather conditions

When selecting paint for upvc windows, look for products labelled as suitable for plastic surfaces. These specialised coatings typically contain adhesion promoters that ensure a long-lasting finish.

At The Spraying Team, we use professional-grade paint systems that provide exceptional durability and flawless results on upvc surfaces.

Choosing the Right Paint for UPVC

Preparation: The Key to Successful UPVC Painting

Proper preparation is absolutely essential for painting upvc. Skipping or rushing this stage will result in poor adhesion and disappointing results.

Step 1: Clean the Surface Thoroughly

First, wash all window frames with warm soapy water to remove surface dirt, cobwebs, and grime. For stubborn marks, use a mild cleaner. You must ensure the surface is completely clean before you continue.

Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Step 2: Sand the Surface

Lightly sand the upvc with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates a slightly textured surface for the paint to grip onto. Be careful not to sand too deeply - you just need to remove the glass-like finish and create a key for the primer.

After sanding, wipe away all dust with a damp cloth and allow the frames to dry completely.

Sand the Surface

Step 3: Apply Primer

A suitable primer is vital for painting upvc windows. The primer creates a bond between the plastic surface and the paint. Apply a thin coat of primer specifically designed for upvc or plastic surfaces.

Allow the primer to become completely dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes a few hours, but it's best to wait longer in cooler weather.

Apply Primer 1

The Painting Process

Once your preparation is complete and the primer is fully dry, you're ready to begin painting your upvc windows.

Choose Your Application Method

There are three main ways to apply paint to upvc:

  1. Brush: Good for small areas but may leave stroke marks.
  2. Roller: Provides quick coverage on flat sections.
  3. Spray: Delivers the most professional finish with no brush marks. At The Spraying Team, this is our speciality, producing smooth, factory-like results.

For DIY jobs, a combination of roller for larger areas and brush for details often works well.

Application Method

Apply Thin Layers

When painting upvc:

  • Apply the paint in thin layers rather than one thick coat
  • Allow each coat to become touch dry before applying the second coat
  • Two to three thin coats typically give better results than one thick coat

Avoid painting in direct sunlight, as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly and not level properly.

Apply Thin Layers

Protect Surrounding Areas

Before you start painting:

  • Cover glass with masking tape and newspaper
  • Protect surrounding walls and surfaces
  • Remove or cover any hardware or handles if possible

Taking time to mask properly will save you hours of clean-up work afterward.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Painting upvc windows can present challenges. Here's how to avoid the most common issues:

Peeling Paint

This usually results from poor preparation. Ensure you've cleaned, sanded, and used primer correctly, and always use paint specifically formulated for upvc.

Peeling Paint

Patchy Finish

Often caused by applying paint too thickly or not allowing proper drying time between coats. Apply thin, even layers and be patient with drying times.

Colour Differences

To ensure colour consistency, mix all your paint together before starting if using multiple tins of the same colour. This creates a more uniform finish across all your windows.

Professional UPVC Window Spraying vs DIY

While painting upvc windows yourself is possible, professional spraying offers significant advantages:

Professional Spraying Benefits:

  • Superior finish with no brush marks
  • Even coverage in hard-to-reach areas
  • Expert preparation that ensures durability
  • Faster completion than DIY methods

The Spraying Team provides professional window spraying services across the UK, transforming properties with minimal disruption.

Professional UPVC Window Spraying

Popular Colour Choices for UPVC Windows

White upvc windows have been the standard for decades, but painting allows for creativity. Here are some popular colour choices:

  • Anthracite Grey: This deep shade has become incredibly popular for a contemporary look
  • Black: Creates a striking appearance that works well with period properties
  • Cream: Offers a softer alternative to bright white upvc
  • RAL Colours: A standardised range of colours to match your exact requirements

With custom colour matching, you can achieve virtually any colour to suit your property's style.

Maintenance of Painted UPVC Windows

Properly painted upvc requires minimal maintenance:

  • Clean occasionally with mild soapy water
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners that might damage the surface
  • Touch up any small chips promptly to rid them of exposure
  • Expect years of life from professionally applied paint

With the right care, your painted windows will look fresh for many years before needing recoating.

Maintenance of Painted UPVC Windows

Environmental Benefits of Painting vs Replacing

Choosing to paint rather than replace your windows offers environmental advantages:

  • Reduces waste going to landfill
  • Decreases the demand for new plastic products
  • Extends the useful life of existing materials

By painting your existing windows, you're making a more sustainable choice for your property upgrade.

Environmental Benefits of Painting

How Much Does It Cost to Paint UPVC Windows?

The cost to paint upvc windows varies depending on several factors:

  • The size and number of windows
  • The complexity of the job
  • Whether you choose DIY or professional spraying
  • The quality of paint and materials used

On average, professional window spraying costs between £60–120 per window, while DIY materials might cost £100–200 for an entire house project. For those wondering how much does it cost to spray uPVC windows, this makes it clear that compared to the thousands spent on replacement uPVC windows, painting offers tremendous savings.

Cost to Paint UPVC Windows

Get a Free Quote from The Spraying Team

If you're considering refreshing the look of your property, The Spraying Team offers professional window spraying services that provide durable, flawless results. Our expert technicians use specialised equipment and premium paint systems to transform your property.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We cover properties across the UK and can help you choose the perfect colour to refresh your home's appearance.

From simple white refreshes to bold colour transformations, we have the expertise to achieve your vision with minimal disruption to your property.

Our accreditations

Checkatrade logo
chas logo
IPAF
CITB
CSCS

Request a Free Estimate in Minutes!

Get Your Free Quote Today
Copyright © 2025 The Spraying Team
phone linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram