What is the best paint for UPVC? We’ve talked a lot about UPVC painting in our recent exterior painting blogs, but we barely scratched the surface when it comes to its versatility.
So today we’re going to discuss the many other uses for UPVC paint, and why painting it can be so rewarding.
Key Takeaways:
- Most homes have multiple UPVC surfaces, including doors, window frames, gutters, facias, and soffits.
- Quality UPVC paint not only makes these surfaces look great but increases their lifespan too!
- UPVC is available in all colours and sheen levels.
- Follow our guide for the best results!
What is UPVC Paint?
You may have heard of UPVC before, and that’s because it’s a material we see every day. Since the 80s, the majority of windows and doors fitted to new properties are made of UPVC, short for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride. It’s a building material that’s great to work with and much easier to maintain than wood. When windows are being upgraded from single to double glazing, that’s the best time to upgrade the frames from wood to UPVC.
So what about UPVC paint?
The material is very popular but can’t be painted with any old exterior paint. You need to choose a type of paint that will bond to the surface, creating a quality finish and protecting the surface from wear and tear.
Should you Paint UPVC?
If you use the right paint for the job, painting UPVC is a great way to reenergise doors, windows, gutters, facias, soffits, and more.
When these surfaces are exposed to the elements 24/7, they fade over time, even if cleaned regularly. Replacing them is expensive, so giving them a fresh coat of paint will not only make them look newer but improve the look of your home too!
Any part of your home’s exterior that is looking worse for wear will bring down the overall kerb appeal; be sure to give every part plenty of attention for the best results.
What UPVC Surfaces should you Paint?
Depending on your home, you may have UPVC doors (including garage doors!), window frames, guttering, soffits, and facias.
The easiest of these to paint are your doors and window frames as they are easily reachable and aren’t time-consuming. Guttering, facias, and soffits are trickier to get to, but more than worth the effort every now and again.
If you choose a quality UPVC paint, you’ll not only improve the look of your UPVC, but also increase its lifespan. The best paints for UPVC create a protective surface that resists the weather, as well as scuffs and scratches.
How much UPVC Paint do I need?
The number of UPVC surfaces you have on the exterior of your home is the main factor to keep in mind before you order your paint. Even if you only intend to paint your garage door, you should buy a more than you need in case you decide to paint your other UPVC surfaces in the future!
It’s also important to remember that you’ll need two coats of UPVC paint for the best results, so be sure you order enough. If you have any spare after you’ve finished, keep it stored for future touch ups too.
Types of UPVC Paint
Paint for UPVC comes in a range of sheens and finishes. This means that you have plenty of options when it’s time to start painting, and you can complement your other exterior painting choices.
Our UPVC paint is called GripMaster which is a White Multi-Purpose Primer available in a satin finish. You can then paint over this primer in any colour you can imagine thanks to our Colour System! Simply enter a RAL or British Standard code on your topcoat choice and we’ll mix the perfect colour for your UPVC painting project.
How to Paint UPVC – UPVC Painting Guide
Because we’re discussing so many different UPVC surfaces, today’s guide will be a little more generic than usual. But we have blogs for painting doors and painting garage doors already, so check them out for the best advice!
This is a simple painting job, but you should still read through our guide a couple of times first so there are no surprises.
Here’s what you’ll need to paint UPVC:
- UPVC Paint | GripMaster Primer
- Topcoat paint of your choice
- Brush/Roller
- Degreaser
- Cleaning Cloth
- Sandpaper*
- Masking Tape
- Dust Sheets
*Only needed if the surface has been painted previously.
STEP 1 – Prep & Cleaning UPVC
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to prepare the surface for painting.
The first thing to do is give the surface a thorough clean. Using a degreaser will remove any caked in dirt and grime and save a lot of elbow grease.
Any grime that isn’t removed will show through even multiple layers of paint, so take your time to ensure it’s as clean as possible.
If the surface has been painted previously, you should remove the existing layer using sandpaper. This can be done before or after cleaning; give it another quick clean if you choose the latter.
Next, mark out your edges with masking tape to prevent overlap onto your walls and windows. Then lay out your dust sheets and move on to step 2.
STEP 2 – Priming UPVC
Using GripMaster Primer creates an essential layer for paint to bond to, making colours bolder and adding extra protection.
You can then move to step 3 with any Paintmaster topcoat you require to match your decorating project.
STEP 3 – Painting UPVC
Now for the fun part.
We recommend using a combination of brush and roller for large sections, such as on doors, and a brush for edges. For window frames and narrow guttering, a small roller or brush is all you need.
Apply an even layer of paint, being sure to overlap each stroke for complete coverage. If there is any runoff, be sure to brush or roller it in before it dries for a smooth coat.
Once that layer has dried, add a second. This will add extra protection, and lead to bolder colour and sheen. Drying times vary for UPVC, check the manufacturer’s instructions for their recommendation.
STEP 4 – Admire your UPVC
When the second layer is dry, take a step back and admire your freshly painted UPVC. How does it look?
Even something as simple as guttering looks fantastic after a fresh coat of paint, especially if you’ve picked a bold colour!
Be sure to save your spare UPVC paint for your next painting project, and future freshen-ups of what you just painted!
The UK’s Most Trusted Paint Supplier
Painting UPVC is often overlooked for an exterior painting project, but the results speak for themselves. If you have multiple UPVC surfaces around your home, or even just one, give them a fresh coat of paint to improve kerb appeal, plus it’s a fun way to spend the day!
We’re the no.1 choice for tradespeople, with large quantities of paint available at competitive prices, and we’re loved by domestic painters too!
Check out our blog for more information, advice and guides about all things painting. If you have any questions about any of our products, please get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you.
FAQ's
Can I paint my UPVC windows myself?
Yes, you can! Painting your windows is a great way to improve the kerb appeal of your home and doing it yourself is cheaper than bringing in the professionals. However, you still need the correct paint and painting supplies to do it well.
Can you use normal paint on UPVC?
Normal exterior paints can be used on UPVC surfaces, but some work better than others. Ideally you want paint that will protect the surface from the elements, as well as general scuffs and scratches. Inferior paint will peel and send you back to square one.
Does UPVC paint peel off?
If your paint doesn’t bond correctly, it will peel off the surface. To ensure it sticks, make sure to clean the surface thoroughly as possible as well as removing any existing layers that are chipped or peeling.
How long does UPVC painting last?
UPVC paint is designed to last a long time, protecting the surface, and maintaining its colour and sheen. Quality UPVC paint will last longer than a decade before a fresh coat is needed.
Is painting UPVC windows a good idea?
It depends on how new your windows are. New UPVC windows contain resins that will repel even specialised paint, wasting time and money. Older windows can be painted fine with our UPVC paint.
What paint is suitable for UPVC?
Specialised UPVC paint is designed to protect UPVC surfaces such as doors, window frames, and gutters. Regular exterior paint will run or flake away; it’s important to use the right paint for the job.