Can You Paint Vinyl Windows?

Tom Gaffey
by Tom Gaffey

If you have vinyl windows, it is only a matter of time before nature and its elements begin to eat away at their luster and shine. Over the years they will not pop like they once did. They may even stain and leave the exterior of your home looking in need of a facelift. You might have considered swapping out your current vinyl windows for now ones, until you realize that such an investment will cost upwards of thousands of dollars. So if buying new ones is not an option, is it possible to paint your vinyl windows?

You can paint your vinyl windows, but you need to follow certain steps. It is critical you sand the vinyl with a fine grain sandpaper (220 grit), as this will give enough texture for the primer to stick. Next, apply a primer layer to ensure your paint layer will stick. Next apply your paint layers. Use painters tape to avoid getting paint on the home’s exterior or glass.

If new windows are not in your budget, painting your current windows is certainly a cost-effective alternative. Before you reach for the nearest paint brush, however, you need to better understand how to paint vinyl. It is important you don’t rush this process. But if you follow the steps below, you will have painted vinyl windows that can last you decades.

Is It Possible To Paint Vinyl Windows?

The short answer is yes, you can paint your vinyl windows. It is, however, a process that involves a few specific steps that you should not skip. Each step is critical, and skipping one can cause cracking and flaking paint, which is the last thing you want.

Just like all surfaces, vinyl has its own personality and qualities to consider. It is a manmade and smooth surface. This makes it difficult for paint to adhere. For this reason, it is imperative you sand the surface of vinyl before painting it. Sanding it takes off some of that sheen and makes it rough enough for paint to stick to it.

Primer is always important, but it is particularly important when painting a more challenging surface like vinyl. In regards to paint, you can opt for a canned paint or a spray paint. Just make sure the paint you are using is suitable for the outdoors and for this type of project.

Step By Step Guide To Painting Your Vinyl Windows

Step One: Wash And Wipe And Clean All Surfaces

The exterior of your windows collect dirt, cobwebs and plant particles. If possible, hose the area down in advance to get rid of the bulk of the dirt and debris. Use a damp microfiber cloth or another lint-free cloth to do the final wipe down.

Step Two: Sand The Vinyl Surfaces

Use a fine grit sandpaper, like a 220 grit. Don’t go with a sandpaper that is too coarse. The goal here is to scuff up the paint to leave a good surface for the primer to adhere too. If you go too coarse on the sandpaper, you can scratch the metal and leave marks that will show through the paint job.

Step Three: Clean All Surfaces

After you sand the vinyl, the area will be dusty with the vinyl particles. Make sure you give the entire area a thorough wipe down to avoid these particles getting mixed in with the primer layer. Use a lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth until all surfaces are clear of any residue.

Step Four: Tape The Edges

Use painters tape to cover the edges of your glass and the exterior of the window. You can even use painters tape on the home exterior to give a nice straight line against the house. This helps give a professional look and prevents any paint from getting onto the exterior of the home.

Step Five: Apply Primer

Apply your primer layer. This is a crucial step, as it will ensure your paint layer will stay on the vinyl. Skipping this step results in paint jobs that last a fraction as long. Once you complete the primer layer, allow ample time to dry. Consult the paint can for details on how long you should allow the primer to dry before painting.

Step Six: Paint The Vinyl Windows

If you are using the brush method, use a very thin layer of paint on your brush. This will give you even, smooth and professional looking results. Alternatively, if you use spray paint be sure to spray from the recommended distance. Spraying too far may damage your homes’ exterior, and too close can cause dripping paint.

Step Seven: Inspect And Remove Tape

Once your paint has dried, give a close look at the results. This is an opportunity for you to see if you need a second layer or if any areas require a touchup. Once you have completed any final touch ups, remove the painter’s tape and enjoy your new-looking vinyl windows.

Reasons To Reconsider Painting Your Vinyl Windows

While it is certainly possible to paint vinyl windows, you should definitely weigh the pros and cons before you go through with the project. Sure, a new coat of paint on an aging window might make them look new and fresh. But perhaps you have newer windows. Or if you are not certain of whether or not painting is a good idea, you should understand the reasons why painting vinyl windows is not a great idea.

Will Void Any Existing Warranty

If you decide to paint newer windows, you may want to make sure they are not still under warranty. If they are, see if the warranty will cover whatever repair or replacement you need before you opt for a can of spray paint. Once you paint your windows, the odds are you will have little to no luck redeeming warranty benefits.

Can Damage Window

Some paints and primers have chemicals that can eat away at your vinyl. This is particularly true if the vinyl is already older and vulnerable. Consult with a vinyl and/or paint professional and make sure the paint and primer you use is not harmful to the vinyl.

Can’t Undo The Process

If you are thinking about painting your vinyl windows you need to be all in. After you paint your windows there is no going back. As you read in the step-by-step guide, you need to sand and prime the windows. This means you cannot simply apply paint remover and have your old windows back. Be sure you are completely confident in this decision before you start the process.

Wrapping Up How To Paint Your Vinyl Windows

If you are wondering if you can paint your vinyl windows, the answer is yes you can. The process is, however, fairly involved. This is why it is so important to follow the step-by-step guide detailed in this article. If you skip a step you might be left with peeling and cracking vinyl windows before you know it. No one wants that.

Remember that once you start this process there is no going back. So make sure you are confident this is the best decision for your windows. Select the paint wisely, and use a paint that is right for the exterior and the vinyl. Most of all, make sure you sand the vinyl first and don’t forget to use a primer.

Tom Gaffey
Tom Gaffey

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

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