It is increasingly common for people to spray paint their uPVC doors, whether that’s a uPVC front door or a garage door. Spray painting uPVC is an easy way to change and update the appearance of window and door frames without having to pay out for brand new fittings. Spraying uPVC makes it look brand new, hiding any blemishes or discoloration caused by UV exposure and weathering. But how is it done?
How to prepare for uPVC spraying
Before you start to paint your uPVC door, you must prepare the uPVC surface. If you decide to hire a contractor, this will likely be done by them. Preparing your door frame, window frames or any other uPVC is fairly straightforward.
First, you need to remove the silicone around the uPVC windows and doors. This prevents any overspray from colouring it and allows you to replace it with a colour that may better complement your new uPVC colour. You also need to remove any door knockers, handles, etc.
Once you’ve removed the silicone, you need to fill any holes in your uPVC. There may well be no holes, particularly if your property is more modern or the uPVC has been fitted relatively recently. If there are holes, fill them with a 2-part epoxy filler and then sand down any excess. This helps to ensure that there is a smooth surface for the uPVC paints to stick to.
You’ll then need to clean your uPVC door using hot soapy water, making sure any debris, grime or dirt is completely gone. Again, this helps to create a suitable surface for the uPVC paints to stick to.
Using masking tape and masking paper, you then need to diligently cover the glass and brickwork around your window and door frames. This is particularly important on uPVC window frames, as getting paint on the glass panes will ruin the look completely.
Finally, apply a primer to your uPVC window and door frames. This will help to maintain the final look, and create a much more durable finish once you have finished your uPVC door spray painting.
Choose your paint colour and type
To do a good job and to keep your uPVC doors looking stylish and sleek, it is best to paint uPVC doors with solvent-based paint that is formulated specifically for hard plastics. This type of paint will last the best when used to paint uPVC doors and plastic window frames. Some of the recommended brands for this type of paint include:
- Technispray Kolorbond Aquatek
- Rust-Oleum CombiColor Multi-Surface
- Dulux Weathershield Multi-Surface
There are, of course, plenty of other brands out there. Once you’ve chosen your brand of paint, you get to do the fun bit: picking the colour. You can choose virtually any colour – somewhere will stock it! Even if you want something super specific like a rosewood colour or anthracite grey or another color on trend, you’ll be able to find it somewhere. So regardless of what your dream uPVC windows and doors look like, you know you’ll be able to achieve it.
Painting uPVC
There are a few methods of painting uPVC. Usually, professionals will offer a spray painting service in order to ensure there are no brush marks left behind on the door and to create a clean, perfect finish. However, when painting uPVC yourself, this might not be feasible – especially if you’re unfamiliar with spray paint.
The alternatives involve hand painting using a brush or a roller to paint your uPVC door like you would a wall or anything else. This is not ideal, but when done well can still look just as lovely as spray painting uPVC. To ensure limited brush marks are left on your painted uPVC doors and windows, use a large brush and long brush strokes in one direction. Once set, you may need to do multiple coats to ensure a solid, even colour.
If you are comfortable enough to spray paint, then you will need a spray gun, a good mask to stop any particulates and some goggles. This helps to protect you whilst you work. Spray painting your uPVC is not as easy as painting it with a brush, and so is usually only done by professionals to ensure a high-quality finish is achieved. If you’d rather hire a professional, go online and look for a no-obligation quote for spray painting services or some further information.
Why paint uPVC doors?
People paint their uPVC windows and doors for a whole range of reasons. For starters, painted uPVC doors and windows tend to provide a property with more kerb appeal. This means that when landlords are renting out a property or trying to secure a new lease for their property, they are able to do so quickly and often at a higher rent.
Additionally, sprayed or painted uPVC often requires less maintenance as the paint will stay on the uPVC window frames and door frames, or even the garage door of a property, for up to 10 years. Whilst it is there, it helps to protect the uPVC from discolouration caused by UV exposure.Another reason people paint uPVC window frames is simply to make their homes look nicer. uPVC paint can be used on the front door (as long as it is a uPVC or composite door), garage door and window frames and can really change the appearance of a home. It is much more cost effective than replacing doors, window frames and other fittings and can be done by the homeowner or by professionals fairly quickly and easily.
