Can UPVC windows and doors be painted? Yes, but there’s a right and wrong way to do it. Learn what works and what to avoid before grabbing that paintbrush.
I won’t lie—I used to think painting UPVC windows and doors was a straight no.
Like, “Why bother?” But then I had a buddy who tried it.
Let’s just say things didn’t go well the first time. His windows peeled in under two months.
That’s when I realized folks need real talk on this.
So, let’s break it down together.
First Things First: What Is UPVC?
UPVC stands for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. Big name, I know.
But all you need to remember is this—it’s the tough plastic stuff used for a lot of windows and doors these days.
It doesn’t rot, it doesn’t rust, and it’s made to last.
But… it’s not made to be painted. At least not without proper prep.
Can UPVC Windows and Doors Be Painted?
Yes—but it depends. And that’s the key thing.
You can paint UPVC, but you need to do it right, or it’ll just peel off, crack, or look like a DIY fail.
Here’s the honest truth:
It’s not like painting a wall.
You can’t just grab leftover paint and brush away. The material is slick and kind of oily, so normal paint just won’t stick for long.
Here’s what works if you really want to do it:
What You Need:
- A special paint made just for plastic or UPVC
- A good primer to help the paint hold
- Proper cleaning stuff like sugar soap to remove grease and dirt
- A dry day (no rain, no humidity)
Quick steps:
- Clean the surface really well. Dirt or oil messes everything up.
- Lightly sand the UPVC. You just want to roughen it up a bit.
- Use the primer and let it dry fully.
- Then, paint in thin layers. Let each layer dry before adding another.
When Painting Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)
There are times when painting is a good idea:
- You moved into an older house and hate the brown or yellowish color.
- The windows still work great, but you want a new look.
- You don’t have the budget for windows replacement right now.
But sometimes, painting just isn’t worth the trouble.
Skip Painting If:
- The UPVC is cracked or damaged.
- The seals around the windows or doors are worn out.
- You’re planning to sell soon (bad paint jobs can scare buyers off).
If any of that sounds like your house, it might be smarter to look into door replacement or getting a pro to check things out.
Why Some Paint Jobs Go Bad
This is where a lot of folks mess up.
- They skip the prep. Dirty plastic = paint disaster.
- They use wall paint. Nope. Wrong kind. Won’t stick.
- They don’t let it dry. Rushing leads to peeling and bubbles.
And yes, I’ve done all three. So I’m not judging.
Thinking About a New Look? Get It Done Right
If painting sounds like a lot of work (and it kind of is), then maybe it’s time to look at some other options.
There are great companies out there that do window and door replacement, and they make it super easy.
Some even offer custom colors from the start, so you don’t have to mess with paint at all.
If you’re around the area, I’ve seen really good work from this windows Oakville company.
They install stuff that’s built to last—and honestly, that might save you more time and money in the long run.
Don’t Just Go with Any Paint
Let’s say you’re still set on painting. Cool. But please don’t just grab whatever’s on sale at the hardware store.
Here’s what you should look for:
- Paints labeled “for UPVC” or “for plastics”
- UV protection—because the sun can fade or crack weak paint
- Long-lasting finish—like matte or satin. Avoid glossy stuff unless you’re a pro.
Some brands people trust:
- Zinsser AllCoat Exterior (it works great on UPVC)
- Kolorbond (they make spray paint for windows and doors)
- Rust-Oleum Universal Paint
Check online reviews or this consumer report on exterior paints for more info.
Does Painting Affect the Window Warranty?
This one’s important. And not enough people ask it.
Yes, it can.
A lot of UPVC windows and doors come with warranties. Once you paint them—even if you do a great job—that warranty is usually gone.
So if something breaks, you’re on your own.
Always check with the windows company that made or installed your windows before you paint.
Some might offer paint-friendly models or color options you didn’t know about.
What If I Just Want New Windows Already?
You’re not alone. A lot of people get to this point and just say, “Forget it—I’ll just replace them.”
Here’s why that might be a smart move:
- You save time. No sanding, no painting, no stress.
- You get better insulation. New windows save money on your energy bills.
- You add value to your home. Fresh windows and doors always look sharp.
To find the right fit, you can search for windows near me and see what local options come up.
Look for companies that show real photos and reviews.
Don’t fall for the cheap stuff unless you’re okay with replacing them again in five years.
You can also check this Energy Star guide to help you pick the best windows for energy savings.
Final Thoughts: Should You Paint or Replace?
Let’s keep it real.
If your UPVC windows and doors still work fine, and you just hate the color, yes—you can paint them.
Just do it right. Clean it, prime it, and use the correct paint.
But if they’re old, leaky, or you’re tired of fixing them, you’re better off looking into windows replacement or door replacement.
Here’s the honest checklist I’d use:
Paint If:
- The windows/doors are still in good shape
- You love DIY and don’t mind the work
- You’re on a tight budget
Replace If:
- There’s damage or drafts
- You’re upgrading your home
- You want less maintenance
One last thing—I’ve made mistakes trying to cut corners on stuff like this.
I thought I could fix ugly windows with a coat of paint, but ended up spending more fixing what I messed up.
So if you’ve been there too, no shame at all. We learn, right?
