Can uPVC Be Painted Over?
The simple answer is yes. You can paint over uPVC windows. However, there’s a small catch: you have to use uPVC paint to paint over uPVC surfaces. But why the complication, you might ask?
For starters, uPVC is slowly becoming one of the most sought-after materials for doors and windows in many modern houses. One of the main reasons behind its increasing popularity is the durability and weatherproof finish these uPVC doors and windows have.
This means you don’t have to worry about your doors and windows getting rotten or chipping off due to hard weather conditions. Again, the material of uPVC doors and windows is such that you don’t have to worry about high maintenance. It’s easy to clean without much hassle, so you have a virtually sparkling-clean home all year round.
Why Would You Want To Paint uPVC?
One would like to paint uPVC surfaces in their homes for many reasons. Some general ones are listed below:
- Your doors and windows look faded
- The original white windows look a little yellowish from wear and tear
- You are not a fan of the colour
- You want to revamp the look of your house
- It came with the house, and you’d much prefer some other colour
How To Paint Over uPVC
- Clean the surface thoroughly and pat dry.
- Sand the door’s surface so you can create an adhesive surface.
- Remove all the residue from the sanding process.
- Use special uPVC primer to coat the entire door, and make sure you allow it to dry completely before applying multiple coats.
- Pick a topcoat paint that has good expansion properties.
- Use a good quality brush to paint over the uPVC
- Let it dry completely.
Note: Make sure you choose the perfect weather to paint your uPVC surfaces because it could take a few days for the primer and the paint to dry completely.
Things To Consider Before You Paint Your uPVC Window And Doors
- Don’t paint over uPVC that is less than a year old (12 months). This resin continues to secrete from the surface for up to a year, preventing the paint from sticking to the surface.
- If your doors or windows get plenty of sunshine, consider the harm from the UV rays that can affect the paint.
- Remember that the construction of the uPVC is such that it does not allow varnish and paint to stick to its surface. Hence, you will need special paint that can stick to the surface of the uPVC.
- Consider the warranty you have o your uPVC surfaces before you ruin them with paint.
- For uPVC surfaces, there’s a lot of room for thermal expansion through the year’s seasons. Hence, it would be best to look for paint engineered to work with this phenomenon of the uPVC surfaces. Regular paint will only make the surfaces look cracked, and the colour might start to peel.
When Not To Paint Over Your uPVC Doors And Windows
- You might think that they will become brand new just because you paint over your uPVC surfaces. While there is some truth to this, for example, if your doors and windows are still in considerably good condition, a fresh coat of paint might do the trick in freshening up the look of your house, but if they’re already worn out, a fresh coat of paint will not give you the protection you need.
- The door or window will still look old, shabby, and worn out, so if it’s in bad condition, it’s better to replace them with a new uPVC door or window.
- Besides, nowadays, you’ll find uPVC doors and windows made of high-quality, durable, and sturdy materials, so your old ones were made of cheap uPVC.
- High-quality uPVC lasts long and is an investment worthy of long-term use.

