Are your vinyl windows still in good shape but you've gotten tired of the color?  Or perhaps you're having new siding installed and would like to change the color scheme on your home.  Either way, you might be considering painting the frames rather than having new windows installed.

Painting vinyl windows are something that can be done, but whether or not it is something that should be done is debatable. A lot can actually go wrong when you go to paint the windows only to find that there are many downsides you should have thought of previously before you went ahead and painted them.

Problems With Painting Vinyl Windows

The original color on those vinyl windows is baked into the material, not added as a finish.  Paint isn't like that. Paint will not adhere to vinyl as well is it does to wood, and it could peel and chip within a short period of time. It is going to make your windows look worse than they looked before. More painting!

Not only that but painting the vinyl window frame is going to void the warranty that came with it.  If it has already expired, then it is not a huge deal, but if you want to keep your window’s warranty intact, then it is important to make sure that you don’t paint them.  Before you take that paint brush out, you might want to consider why a vinyl window company would have that provision in their warranty. It should be a red flag for you.

Painting Your Vinyl Windows the Right Way

But if your vinyl windows are already older and the frames are looking sad, it might be that painting them could be the right choice.  That way your windows will look better for awhile - until you decide to replace them.

If you choose to do this, it is important that you paint them the right way.  The first step is choosing the right color.  Ask your paint supplier for paint that's designated as safe for vinyl.  (Sherwin Williams is one company that has colors labeled vinyl safe.)  Darker colors should be avoided for the most part, because a dark color absorbs heat from the sun and could cause the vinyl to warp or buckle.

Make sure that you clean the frames extremely well. Remove any and all dirt and debris that might be caked on the frames.  Sand down the vinyl of the outside of the window to make the paint stick in the right spots. A simple scuff sand is what you're going for, not a smooth finish.

Use a primer that is higher quality that can hide any imperfections. This is going to give a better overcoat on the outside of the frame.  You'll get a smoother coat with your finish color.

If you want to have your vinyl windows replaced instead of painted then speak with us here at Quarve Contracting. We can provide you with those quality products that you’re in need of so you never have to worry about not having the best windows in your home. Call us today to learn more!

We are a Minnesota licensed full-service exterior remodeling contractor. Our main services are roofing and siding, but we also install quality replacement windows and exterior doors.