December 04, 2023

Can I Paint uPVC?

Key FAQ Points:

• Most uPVC doors and windows can be painted with the right preparation and paint.
• Use paint that’s weatherproof, durable, self-priming and suitable for uPVC.
• Wash and sand the surface before beginning.
• Paint in warm, dry weather but not direct sunlight.

Can I paint my uPVC door or window?

Most uPVC doors and windows can be painted as long as you use the right paint and prepare your fixtures properly. Check with the manufacturer if possible.

Which paint should I use?

You’ll need a paint that adheres to uPVC. If you’re painting doors or windows exposed to the outdoors, the paint also needs to be durable and weatherproof, meaning resistant to UV rays as well as water. A self-priming paint makes the process simpler.

Frenchic’s Al Fresco range meets all these requirements. It’s self-priming as well as self-sealing and self-levelling (to minimise brush marks).

Lastly, uPVC doors can warp in hot conditions, so consider light colours for south-facing doors to reduce how much heat the door will absorb.

Surface preparation

Scrub the door or window and its sides with Sugar Soap (1 part with 10 parts with warm water) before rinsing and leaving to dry. Then use sandpaper to abrade the surface, allowing for better paint adhesion. Wipe off the dust with a cloth after sanding.

Before painting, make sure all glass and handles are protected. Cardboard or polythene can be secured with masking tape for large glass panels, while handles can be masked off or removed entirely.

Check the weather

You’ll want the weather to be between 10-32°C with no rain for the following 48 hours.

How to paint

You can choose from brushing or spraying. Brushing is often preferred for windows, with spraying more suitable for doors.

With a brush, paint lengthways in the direction of the window frame or any panelling on your door. Be careful not to paint any of the door seals – around the edges, frame or floating panels and beading.

If you’re spraying, you’ll need to thin the paint with around 10% tap water. Then keep the sprayer around 4 inches away from the window or door and move continuously for even distribution – side to side or up and down.

Avoid painting in direct sunlight as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to an uneven finish.

Learn more about painting uPVC doors and windows on our blog.

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