Vinyl windows reign supreme when it comes to quality, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Thanks to their great insulation properties and durable structure, you can count on it that vinyl windows won’t cost you a lot of maintenance in the long run. They do all these things while making your home look beautiful.
On the other hand, when the time comes that you want to change the color of your window frames or touch up on some minor chips or scrapes, you might be wondering if you can actually paint vinyl windows by yourself.
The answer is yes! You can definitely paint vinyl windows yourself. Get ready to unleash your inner DIY handyman, because we’re sharing all the things you need to know about painting vinyl windows.
Consider A Window Upgrade
Before you throw on your overalls and pick up your paint brush, you might want to appraise their condition first. Do you need a fresh coat of paint, or do you need a new set of windows? As one of Canada’s most reputable and reliable vinyl window manufacturers in Ontario, Clera Windows + Doors offers comprehensive window replacement services that meet the most sky-high standards. So, if you need an upgrade, just let us know!
Contact Your Manufacturer Regarding The Warranty
If your windows are still in good enough shape for a new coat of paint, then the next step you need to take is to reach out to your manufacturer. In some instances, painting your vinyl windows by yourself could void the warranty. If it isn’t under warranty anymore, you can ask for their advice about the specific paint you need. They can give you tips on everything from colour, brand, and type based on the kind of vinyl window frames you have.
You don’t want to end up with mismatched paint, so don’t skip this step!
Choosing The Right Paint
Getting the right paint and primer are part of the next step. Multiple brands offer vinyl-safe paint and primers in can or spray bottles. Also, don’t forget to pick up some sandpaper and painter’s tape, because you’re going to need them later!
Something to keep in mind is that if you have white window frames, you’ll want to steer clear of extremely dark colours. Experts recommend that white windows would only be repainted with colours that have a Hunter L value of 60 or higher.
On the other hand, if you have more of a terratone coloured vinyl window frames, then you can utilize any colour that has a Hunter L value of 40 or higher.
You can never go wrong with neutral colours, such as gray, beige, sand, or brown. They will be easily absorbed by the vinyl and would blend in with your interior without clashing.
Remember, when in doubt, you can always consult a store associate before buying the paint.
Clean And Dry The Windows
After coming home with all your painting essentials, you can proceed to clean and dry the windows. Make sure that they are free from dirt, dust, and debris in order for the paint to bond properly.
Do this by dampening a lint-free cloth in a bucket of water and diluted dish soap. Let them dry and move on to the next step.
Sand The Window Frames
We must stress that sandpaper is an absolute necessity. Vinyl isn’t an easy surface to repaint unless you break out the sandpaper first. We recommend using 240-grit sandpaper for optimal results. Sand the outer layer away until the surface feels rough to the touch.
Clean off the dust and it’s ready for the painter’s tape!
Whip Out Your Painter’s Tape
After getting rid of all the dust, you can use your painter’s tape to cover everything that you don’t intend on painting. If you want to be extra cautious about it, you can use plastic sheets to shield the glass, panes, and walls. It’ll save you a ton of effort when it’s time for a cleanup.
Prime and Paint!
Okay, so this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to apply primer and repaint your vinyl windows.
Take your vinyl-safe primer and apply it onto the frames with a sponge brush. This is a perfect alternative to using a brush, as it doesn’t leave brush stroke marks. Let the primer dry for a couple of hours. The container usually has instructions on the specific drying time.
Once the primer is dry, you can finally break out the paint! Unless you’re using spray paint, it’s always best to use a sponge brush. Make long strokes with just enough amounts of paint, because if you apply thick coats all at once, the paint tends to drip. If this happens, clean it up immediately in order to prevent an uneven result.
Two coats is the standard, but make sure to let the first layer dry completely before applying the second coat.
The Finishing Touches
Once the window frames are completely dry, it’s time to remove the painter’s tape and plastic sheets. Remember to pull the tape carefully, otherwise it will take the paint with it. In addition, it’s always a good idea to rinse your brushes before the paint dries on them. Wet paint is easier to wash off then dry crusted paint.
The Best Vinyl Windows In Town
With over 41 years of trusted experience, you can rely on Clera Windows + Doors to provide you with amazing window quality that will last a long time, so you won’t have to worry about frequent repainting.
At Clera Windows + Doors, you can trust that we provide low-cost yet high-quality products that you will love. Whatever your window or door needs may be, we can take care of it for you. Give us a call today to learn more about our services!
