If your home has window frames that aren’t to your liking, don’t fret. You can change brown uPVC windows to white fairly easily. In fact, you can change your brown uPVC windows to any colour you’d like! Read on to learn how.
What are uPVC windows?
uPVC window frames and doors are those made from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, a common material used for garage doors, window frames, doors and door frames. It is relatively inexpensive and will last for a long time, holding up against the natural elements.
uPVC is also a popular choice for window frames and doors as you can easily paint the uPVC window frames and doors using spray paint, brushes and sponges in order to drastically alter the appearance of a property. Anyone can paint uPVC windows so long as they use the correct paint and follow the right procedures.
Why do people paint uPVC windows?
There are lots of reasons why people might choose to paint uPVC windows. The first is simply because they do not like the colour of their uPVC window frames. They may also be looking to rent out their home or sell it, and changing the colour of doors and window frames can help to increase the curb appeal of a house, ultimately increasing the amount a landlord or seller can charge for the property. People may also choose to paint their windows to hide the damage done by harmful UV rays which can cause discolouration of uPVC window frames after a while in direct sunlight.
How do you change brown uPVC windows to white?
The simple answer is just: you paint them.
To change brown uPVC windows you will need to paint the uPVC. You can do this using suitable paint, primer and the right tools, or you can hire a professional to do this for you.
How to paint uPVC windows
Preparing to paint your uPVC
Before you can begin to paint your windows and doors, you must first prepare the uPVC and your home for the job at hand. This involves a few relatively simple steps, but they can really make the difference between a high-quality finish and a bad job. Very much the same as when preparing plexiglass for painting.
- Dust your uPVC window frames: remove all dust, debris and dirt from your window frames so that the surface is clear
- Clean your window frames: using hot soapy water and a sponge, clean the window frames and doors to ensure that your paint will be going onto a clean surface
- Mask your brickwork and windows: using masking tape and masking paper as protective coverings, cover your windows and walls to keep your brickwork and glass free from any splashes or overspray
- Remove the silicone: for a truly amazing job, remove the silicone holding your uPVC window frames together and replace it when done with silicone that matches your chosen colour
- Prime your uPVC windows: using a reliable primer, start the painting process. This is especially important when attempting to go from brown uPVC windows to white windows.
Painting your uPVC windows
There are a few ways to change the colour of your windows, all of which require paints. You can spray paint uPVC windows, which is the best option, or you can use a sponge or brush to paint your brown window frames. Regardless of which method you choose, you will need to have applied one or two coats of primer to your brown window frames before you begin to change the colour – especially if you’re painting the uPVC white.
It is usually recommended to hire professionals if you’re opting for spray painting, as they are much more experienced in the field and will ensure that a great job is done. If you’re doing your own painting, then a brush or a sponge is more suited.
In order to cover the existing paint, you will need to use several coats of paint, possibly even as many as three layers. This will ensure that the plastic window frames are truly covered in the new paint of your chosen colour and that they are all painted well.
When painting your windows, bear in mind that you will need safety equipment – even if you’re just watching as someone does it. You will need a safety mask to prevent any dangerous particulates from entering your mouth and nose, and you may also need goggles – especially if you’re spray painting.
If you are painting your own uPVC, you will need a sponge or a long brush. For the best results, try to use long brush strokes in one direction. When painting uPVC, this helps to form even and complete coats. Let each coat dry and then go back in for another. The first coat will not be enough to change brown windows to white.
What paints work best?
To paint uPVC windows you need solvent-based paint, regardless of what colour you are going for. If you’re trying to paint brown windows white or white windows grey, you’ll need a good pot of solvent-based uPVC paint for your window and door frames. Some of the recommended brands of paint for such frames are:
- Zinsser Allcoat Exterior
- Rust-Oleum Combicolour MultiSurface
- Zinsser Bullseye 123
- Bedec MultiSurface
- Dulux Weathershield Multipurpose
What other colour options are there?
When it comes to painting uPVC windows and doors there is very little in terms of restrictions. You can choose from a huge range of colours, so if you want your uPVC door yellow, but you want to have your uPVC windows sprayed bright pink – go for it. Your uPVC colour is completely up to you, there are lots of different colour options out there, from anthracite grey to browns and whites.
Most people tend to choose the same colour, or one colour for their front door, one for their uPVC windows and another for their conservatory, but ultimately the decision is entirely yours. What colour do you want your uPVC?