How to paint uPVC windows and doors
Are you wondering how to paint uPVC windows or doors? Then this article is for you. Through the advancement in paint and primers, virtually every surface can now be painted in our home, with incredible results. In this article we will go through a simple step by step guide on how to paint your uPVC windows and/or doors.
uPVC can become weathered over time and can make your home look grubby. Thankfully, it is easy to paint and will transform the look of your home.
We will go through the process step by step to make the project manageable. We have included an excellent video below from Aileen Hogan from Shabby.ie demonstrating the process. When it comes to painting uPVC windows and doors, preparation is key. Take your time and be sure to carry out the preparation work thoroughly as it will help create a top quality finish.
Rivington Rain, Fleetwood Vogue Collection (Advanced Eggshell). Photo courtesy of Seoigehome
Step 1:
The first stage in the process is to lightly sand the uPVC surface. This will open the surface to give the primer and undercoat a good surface to stick to. Lightly sand all areas to be painted using a fine sandpaper or sanding pad. We like a sanding pad as it is easy to use and hold, especially when sanding larger areas. When you’re finished sanding, dust down the uPVC.
Step 2:
Windows and doors can build up grease, grime and dirt over time. Therefore, it is essential to remove this before painting. Using sugar soap and warm water, wash down the uPVC windows/doors thoroughly and allow to dry.
Step 3:
Mask all areas of the windows/doors that you won’t be painting using Washi Masking Tape. We like to use Washi Tape as it a better grade of masking tape that doesn’t tear when you are peeling it off after painting.
Step 4:
Finally, it is time to start undercoating and priming. We recommend using Fleetwood Bloxx-It Undercoat & Primer. This all in one product will undercoat, prime and seal the uPVC ready for the topcoat. Paint two coats of Fleetwood Bloxx-It onto the uPVC window/door. Fleetwood Bloxx-It is an oil based product so drying times are a little longer than water based paint so be sure to allow adequate times between recoating. We recommend cutting in with a 2” cutting in paint brush and rolling with a Two Fussy Blokes Smooth 4” Roller Sleeve. You will need to clean both your brush and roller with white spirits as it is an oil based product. Depending on the colour you are using for your topcoat, we can tint the Fleetwood Bloxx-It to a darker colour if needed. Please get in touch with us if you’d like us to tint your Bloxx-It primer and undercoat.
Step 5:
Once you’ve applied 2 coats of Fleetwood Bloxx-It and allowed it to dry, you can paint your top coat. You can choose any of the Fleetwood Colours in an Advanced Eggshell, Advanced Satinwood or Advanced Gloss finish. Using a similar process to above, cut in with your 2” cutting in brush and paint the other areas with a 4” roller. The Two Fussy Blokes 4” Roller Sleeve will leave a beautiful smooth finish. Paint two coats of your chosen topcoat colour. Drying times will be less between coats with your Fleetwood Advanced colour as it is a water based product. If you are painting a dark or bright colour, sometimes you may need to apply three coats to bring up the true colour of the paint. Once finished painting, remove the masking tape, stand back and enjoy your newly painted uPVC windows and doors.
Exuberant Pink (Advanced Satinwood), Fleetwood Paints - Photo courtesy of homewiththepinkdoor
If you are looking for paint colour inspiration for your front door, be sure to read our article which will help you choose a colour. Read Now.