Painting UPVC Doors & Windows - The Ultimate Guide

What are UPVC Doors & Windows?

UPVC is a type of plastic utilised for exterior trims such as doors, window frame and down pipes. UPVC doors in particular are a highly secure, low maintenance choice for the home, providing insulation for the colder months at a reasonable price.

Unfortunately, UPVC doors and windows can be an unsightly addition to a property as they often look dated, especially in white. UPVC doors also suffer from discolouration over a period often leading to many people replacing them which can be costly.

Can You Paint UPVC Doors & Windows?

A question that we are often asked is can you paint UPVC doors & windows, to which the answer is simple, yes you can. As UPVC doors are made of plastic it is understandable that some would question the ability to paint on this surface however the key is in the choice of the paint. Applying the right paint to your UPVC door is essential to avoid paint failure.

Additional issues surrounding painting on any exterior surface stems from the elements. Thermal expansion is a relevant issue especially in the UK’s unpredictable climate. If the paint doesn’t match the plastics expanding tendencies, then this will be evidently seen with peeling paint. Furthermore, any paint applied to UPVC doors and windows must be able to withstand weathering, as any low-quality paint will allow moisture to get underneath the paint film, causing it to peel off.

How To Paint UPVC Doors

If you are planning on painting your UPVC doors & windows, follow our experts step-by-step guide:

Step 1 - Preparation

First in preparation for the application of paint to the UPVC door, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid any difficulties with the application. Using a low key sandpaper, sand down the full UPVC in order to create a slightly rougher surface in order to paint. It is advised to remove any additional decoration from the door (i.e. door handle) in order to save you a job of scratching paint off later. This is also the time to apply and good quality masking tape to anything you do not want to paint.

Step 2 - Priming

Before the application of paint, it is beneficial to use a primer to aid the surfaces adhesive capabilities to bond with the paint. Although with some paints it is not needed, it is the best way to ensure long-term performance. We recommend using Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 that can be applied in one coat.

Step 3 - What Paint To Use On UPVC

After applying the primer and waiting for it to dry, it is time to move forward and get started with the painting. This raises the question of what is the best paint for UPVC? Well, here is the best option, as picked by our team of experts.

The Best Paint for uPVC doors

Zinsser AllCoat Exterior

A firm favourite when painting uPVC doors is Zinsser AllCoat Exterior and for good reason. It can be applied to almost any exterior surface, is available in matt, gloss & satin finishes and can be mixed in almost any colour, making it hugely versatile for any exterior painting project. It is recoatable in under an hour the surface, meaning the job should be done in a day and not drawn out for weeks, plus it has a 15 year performance in all weather conditions. Overall it is a fantastic paint that is perfect for the job.

Not only is finding the right paint important, but it is a big decision as to what colour to use. The paint mixing service at Painters World can mix any RAL colours which gives you complete flexibility to get creative. The most popular shade for UPVC today is by far Anthracite Grey, which you will no doubtably recognise on thousands of modern homes across the UK. Luckily, anthracite grey is a colour that Zinsser Allcoat comes in as a base shade, making it a great choice if you want a clean and modern look.

We have a huge range of colour match paint that can be mixed in any colour you choose!

Step 4 - Painting

After you have the paint you need, your UPVC door or window is ready to be transformed. Ensure the temperature is above 5°C, as low temperatures make it difficult for the paint to dry. Using either a roller or brush apply a thin, even first coat of the paint onto the UPVC, allowing to completely dry, which will be one hour with Zinsser Allcoat. You can then apply the second coat slightly thicker, ensuring that the paint covers any patches completely for a fantastic smooth finish.

We would recommend you use a high quality brush or roller as this will give you the best possible finish and will help to avoid any brush marks.

Painting A UPVC Door - Before & After

If you are tempted to paint your UPVC, the chances are you want to know what it will end up looking like. Take a look at a recent project that perfectly illustrates what can be achieved when you paint UPVC. We particularly love their use of both a modern anthracite grey shade and a bold orange as a feature colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does UPVC paint last?

The longevity of the paint you use on your UPVC depends on the durability of the paint you use and the quality of preparation you have put in. That is why it is crucial to use the best trade quality paint possible and to take your time when painting UPVC, as it will be worth it in the long-run.

You can expect a lifespan of over 10 years with a good-quality trade paint, with Zinsser Allcoat coming with a 15 year lifespan.

Q. What colours are available?

The beauty of painting UPVC is that there are unlimited options when it comes to what colour you want to go for.

There are a number of popular colours at the moment for UPVC, but none more so than anthracite grey, otherwise known as RAL 7016. This is the beautiful colour that you see all of the country at the moment on UPVC doors & windows. It has become so popular due to its modern look that can completely transform any property. Another popular shade at the moment is sage green, which is a more natural, subtle addition of colour that is beautiful on stone properties.

A huge range of paints that are suitable for UPVC are available in thousands of colours with our paint mixing service here at Painters World. Our paint mixing machines allow us to mix a paint of your choice in any RAL, British Standard, or NCS colour. It can also mix equivalent colours from major paint manufacturers. This includes designer shades, meaning you do not have to pay high prices for paint that does not have the same quality as trade paint.

To get a paint suitable for UPVC mixed in a colour of your choice, all you have to do is select a colour from our colour palette or type in the name of the colour and the brand its from and we will do the rest!

Q. Can you paint a uPVC conservatory?

In the same way as UPVC windows and doors, your conservatory can be painted much in the same way. Due to the size of the structure you are painting, it is crucial that you take your time to get the best possible results and it will make a huge difference to the overall look of the conservatory.

We hope this has answered any questions you may have had regarding painting your UPVC doors & windows. If you require any more help, just send an email to the team at hello@paintersworld.co.uk. At Painters World we have a wide range of UPVC paint & all of the decorating supplies you need, so no matter the job, we've got the right tools for you. While you are transforming your entrance way, why not paint your doorstep? We have a full guide to doorstep paint that has everything you need to know.