Painting UPVC windows... insanity?

Painting UPVC windows... insanity?

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Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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I have quite a few big windows, they're only bog-standard UPVC in the style of the large sashes that they would have once been, but they're fine, they keep the weather out and the heat in etc. But I don't like the stark whiteness of them...

I mentioned this to a friend because my plan was to replace them all with some grey aluminium or painted wooden windows, and he suggested that (as there's nothing wrong with the ones in place) I should consider having them painted.

Is this a thing? I had no idea people painted UPVC windows. Anyone done this? I feel like it'd be faded and flaky in no time and I'd wish I'd never done it - I live by the sea so not exactly the most forgiving environment.

joshcowin

6,790 posts

176 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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You can get them wrapped, like a car.

dave7108

188 posts

154 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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Grey UPVC windows - are these not just wrapped anyway from the factory? I think all UPVC is white - maybe im wrong. I have seen a few companies offering wrapping. Not sure of the cost but good way to change the look of the house.

joshcowin

6,790 posts

176 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
quotequote all
dave7108 said:
Grey UPVC windows - are these not just wrapped anyway from the factory? I think all UPVC is white - maybe im wrong. I have seen a few companies offering wrapping. Not sure of the cost but good way to change the look of the house.
He currently has white windows.

I believe you can get all UPVC windows in any RAL colour now, guessing they add a dye to the plastic during manufacture.

Zarco

17,799 posts

209 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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It's a coating on those I've seen. Damage them and its white underneath.

caziques

2,571 posts

168 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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Sterillium said:
I have quite a few big windows, they're only bog-standard UPVC in the style of the large sashes that they would have once been, but they're fine, they keep the weather out and the heat in etc. But I don't like the stark whiteness of them...

I mentioned this to a friend because my plan was to replace them all with some grey aluminium
Replace uPVC windows with aluminium!, are you completely mad? Aluminum frames are like having a hole in your wall, unless of course you are referring to thermally broken aluminum.

Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
quotequote all
caziques said:
Sterillium said:
I have quite a few big windows, they're only bog-standard UPVC in the style of the large sashes that they would have once been, but they're fine, they keep the weather out and the heat in etc. But I don't like the stark whiteness of them...

I mentioned this to a friend because my plan was to replace them all with some grey aluminium
Replace uPVC windows with aluminium!, are you completely mad? Aluminum frames are like having a hole in your wall, unless of course you are referring to thermally broken aluminum.
Yes, absolutely, thermally broken all the way... definitely... (what is it?)

V8RX7

26,818 posts

263 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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Generally when you buy new they are "wrapped" although the industry refer to them as "foiled" a few are painted and IME it isn't very scratch resistant.

I suspect aftermarket wrapping is very inferior as the factory stuff is very tough

There are certainly companies that will spray your windows - I intend to have a try plasticote on mine as it rubs off if you don't like it.

Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
quotequote all
joshcowin said:
You can get them wrapped, like a car.
Ah, now that IS interesting... probably longer lasting than seaside paint.

Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
quotequote all
V8RX7 said:
Generally when you buy new they are "wrapped" although the industry refer to them as "foiled" a few are painted and IME it isn't very scratch resistant.

I suspect aftermarket wrapping is very inferior as the factory stuff is very tough

There are certainly companies that will spray your windows - I intend to have a try plasticote on mine as it rubs off if you don't like it.
Are you thinking spraying would be more durable than wrapping?

I don't think any of my windows would take much wear, other than the window cleaner's furious chamois and the constant salty air.

Wacky Racer

38,136 posts

247 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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You are over thinking this.

If you REALLY don't like them white, paint them any (sensible) colour you want with GOOD QUALITY non drip paint. Paint sticks to UPVC very well, but try a very small area first, making sure any dirt/ dust has been removed with copious amounts of soap and water.

Before you do that though, check with the local planning/council offices to make sure the colour is acceptable, especially in a seaside town.

037

1,316 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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I’ve had mine painted to match the new grey ones in my extension

m3jappa

6,411 posts

218 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
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Im interested in this possibly, theres a company which keeps coming up on my facebook, their work looks spot on, great reviews and occasionally post pics of windows which have been painted a while.
My fear is that after a short period they would look utter st meaning id have to replace them.

Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Friday 19th April 2019
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m3jappa said:
My fear is that after a short period they would look utter st meaning id have to replace them.
Exactly this.

Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Friday 19th April 2019
quotequote all
Wacky Racer said:
You are over thinking this.

If you REALLY don't like them white, paint them any (sensible) colour you want with GOOD QUALITY non drip paint. Paint sticks to UPVC very well, but try a very small area first, making sure any dirt/ dust has been removed with copious amounts of soap and water.

Before you do that though, check with the local planning/council offices to make sure the colour is acceptable, especially in a seaside town.
I suspect it's more likely I'm under-thinking it to be honest. But I'd rather gather up some information and first hand experiences relating to paints and processes specifically designed for this application, than wing it with something that's GOOD QUALITY but not suitable.

Thankfully there are no planning office restrictions or covenants covering my house.

Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Friday 19th April 2019
quotequote all
037 said:
I’ve had mine painted to match the new grey ones in my extension
Is that a dark grey? I really like them.

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

196 months

Friday 19th April 2019
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Had the whole front of one of my developments sprayed (along with some side ones) anthracite to match the new extension I built.

Amazing finish, 10 year guarantee (as long as they’re still trading I suppose).

Sterillium

Original Poster:

22,230 posts

225 months

Friday 19th April 2019
quotequote all
LaurasOtherHalf said:


Had the whole front of one of my developments sprayed (along with some side ones) anthracite to match the new extension I built.

Amazing finish, 10 year guarantee (as long as they’re still trading I suppose).
That's excellent - I need to find a company like that in the South West.

CAPP0

19,566 posts

203 months

Friday 19th April 2019
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V8RX7 said:
I intend to have a try plasticote on mine as it rubs off if you don't like it.
Having sprayed my Defender reasonably successfully with Plastikote, I tried it on the inside of one window (we have dark brown windows which I really dislike, particularly inside the house) but I wasn't happy with the outcome. Only difference was that I used a gun for the Landy and an aerosol for the window. I peeled it off again.

Would have another go if anyone can point me at good results.

037

1,316 posts

147 months

Friday 19th April 2019
quotequote all
These are the products that my decorator used
They look great 2 years later.