Is it possible to paint plastic windows and with what, choice of paint, preparation for painting, application technology

Why paint plastic?

There is not always a specialized PVC painting company in the city, and it is not always possible to find a professional car painter with special painting compounds. In this case, they resort to plan “B” - painting PVC window frames on their own. If you are wondering whether it is possible to paint plastic windows a different color, one of the following situations has arisen:

The frames have lost their attractiveness, and I want to refresh them. Over time, the coating may change color, turn yellow or gray; The culprit of the changes is ultraviolet radiation.
Scratches and chips appeared on the surface of the frames. Defects occur due to mechanical stress, poor quality material or incorrectly selected cleaning products.
The color does not fit into the updated design of the room. In the new interior it is necessary to create an aesthetic, consistent composition. Colored frames are becoming increasingly popular; they help create a more attractive environment, and the feeling of artificiality disappears.

Interior with orange accent Source vox-cdn.com

Tired of the profile color. Windows are a part of the house that means a long service life. It is not surprising that over time the color becomes boring and there is a desire to change the design, and at the same time make the room more original.

Is it possible to paint plastic windows inside and outside?

Plastic products are reliable and have a long service life. But over time, they may turn yellow or simply become boring. Therefore, they can be changed by repainting them in the desired color.

The main reasons why you want to paint an installed plastic window:

To refresh and add attractiveness. Due to ultraviolet radiation, plastic may turn yellow or gray.
Frames may become scratched or chipped due to mechanical influence.
The color of the plastic does not harmonize with the updated design of the room. Thanks to colored frames you can create an interesting, stylish atmosphere in the room.

Advice! To paint the plastic slopes on the windows with the highest quality possible, you can pre-treat them a little with sandpaper. In this case, the paint will adhere better to the resulting rough surface.

To paint window frames indoors, you must wear a respirator.

Is it possible to paint plastic windows brown?

Some people find that the paint may bleed off the plastic or the shine will fade over time. But such statements are incorrect.

Painting PVC windows from white to brown can be done quite simply. To change the color, you need to take a primer and dye for plastic surfaces.

Attention! Metal primers can also be used to prime plastic. Therefore, they can be safely taken in the absence of special means.

The decorative coating for plastic also has good elasticity and allows you to completely paint over the previous color. To increase the astringent characteristics of the dye, vegetable or animal glue and hardening oils are added to the product.

In order to paint PVC windows with the highest quality, it is recommended to use a primer and aerosol dye instead of brushes and a roller

The jets of product will be thinly and evenly distributed over the surface. For reliability, the decorative coating is applied in two layers, allowing the first to dry completely.

Pros and cons of painting yourself

Before painting PVC windows from white to brown (or any other color), it is useful to become familiar with the intricacies of the process. It is also important to understand not only the positive, but also the negative consequences of coloring plastic. Self-painting has the following advantages:

Transforming windows will cost a relatively small amount, especially if the profiles are already installed. Inviting specialists will cost significantly more.
There is no need to disassemble the window into parts. Specialized companies work with a bare profile; at home, parts that need protection are sealed with masking tape.
You can combine colors: match the outside to the color of the facade, and coordinate the inside with the interior palette.

Imitation of a wooden surface Source 2gis.com
Opponents of home painting claim that plastic cannot be painted efficiently, and the composition will not stay on a smooth surface for a long time. This statement is not entirely true, since the problem is solved by using the correct composition. At the same time, preparation and the process itself are quite a painstaking task. Lack of experience and inattention to detail can result in the following disadvantages:

The finished paint layer may be very sensitive to scratches. If the profiles were painted before installation, the installation must be extremely careful: the mounting foam stuck to the frame will only be removed if the paint layer is damaged.
A surface painted by hand (without a camera and a spray gun) turns out uneven. From a distance this is not very noticeable, but in the future the frames will quickly become covered with dust.
It is important not only to paint correctly, but also to dry the frame correctly, and the most difficult thing is to ensure that there is no dust.

Blue frames in bay windows Source vox-cdn.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in paints and varnishes and related work

Do-it-yourself painting of plastic windows

The most common color of modern plastic windows is white. Yes, when ordering, you can ask for profiles to be made in any color, but this will cost money. Why is this particular color present? This is done to simplify production, and as a neutral color suitable for many types of design.

What can you do if you want windows of a different color, but you want to keep costs to a minimum? Is it possible to paint plastic windows yourself? What will be required, and how can you do it without the help of specialists?

Firstly, it is possible to set the initial color of the window or “wood” style only at the order stage. If the window is already installed, then changes can only be made by painting.

Secondly, the algorithm of work is the same as when painting other surfaces. But the technology and materials are different. You cannot paint PVC windows, for example, with wood or concrete paints.

Thirdly, all stages of painting should begin only after the final finishing of the slopes.

What paint is suitable

Any modern paint is a multicomponent composition, and the substances included in it determine its characteristics. Dyes for PVC surfaces are distinguished by the following components:

By pigment type. It affects the stability of the composition to external factors (temperature and humidity fluctuations, ultraviolet radiation). Covering power also depends on the pigment - the ability to cover the previous color of the substrate when applied evenly.
By filler. The filler also increases coverage, and is also responsible for the hardness of the coating, resistance to abrasion and contamination. The size of the filler particles affects the brightness, roughness and texture of the paint.
By binder. It has another name - film-forming; it is responsible for the formation of a stable film during the drying process. Synthetic polymers and glue of plant or animal origin are used as a binder (it is of secondary importance).
For solvents. The solvent facilitates the application of the dye, reducing the viscosity of the remaining components (pigment, glue). Water, alcohol, and oil are used as solvents.

Profiles in the color of the kitchen palette Source pinimg.com
Compositions suitable for coloring plastic must meet the following requirements:

Be resistant to environmental factors.
Do not emit volatile compounds harmful to health during operation.
Have optimal viscosity, lie perfectly flat on the surface, do not leave unpainted areas, and do not form sagging.
Have a short drying period. This will help maintain its attractiveness, since dust will not have time to spoil the appearance.
Do not contain active solvents (ether, alcohol) that can damage the rubber seals of the glass unit.

Most often, owners have a question about how to paint white plastic windows brown, which is not surprising, given the advantages of this tone. Brown shades give the profile a natural look, which makes the room more cozy. Also, the colors of natural wood are practical because they can be easily combined with many shades.

Dining area in a country house Source blob.source.immo

The composition of the paints is indicated in alphanumeric markings. Acrylic dyes (marked AK, based on acrylic resins and polyacrylates) are ideal for painting plastic windows. They have all the necessary qualities: excellent adhesion (stick to a smooth plastic frame) and hiding power, are not afraid of sunlight, and dry quickly.

The water-based dye is suitable for use inside the home: it is non-toxic, has no strong odor, and is labeled as VD-AK (water-dispersible acrylic dye). The composition can be used to paint the frame from the outside. The optimal temperature for use is considered to be 20-25°C. As the temperature decreases, the formation of the paint layer slows down; limit temperature of use – +5°C.

Country style kitchen window Source inmyroom.ru

It is also recommended to use acrylic varnish for painting PVC profiles. It can be applied with a brush without any problems and forms a smooth matte surface on the plastic. The following dyes can also be used:

Auto enamels. They are sold in aerosol cans, which require experience to work with. They are convenient because they dry in 15-20 minutes at a temperature of +20°C.
Nitro paints. They create a thin layer with less coverage than acrylic. The main advantage is the drying speed: in hot weather, five minutes is enough. When working with nitro paint, personal protective equipment is required.

The least problems arise for owners who choose how to paint their plastic windows white. Liquid paints are often sold in white, but you have to create the desired shade yourself; the process is called tinting. The chosen dye must be suitable for working with plastic surfaces. This possibility is indicated by the inscription on the packaging: “PVC painting”.

Light green frame above the sink Source pinimg.com

What colors are suitable?

To choose paint for plastic windows, you need to follow some requirements.

Persistence. On the street, layers of paint will be susceptible to external factors: temperature changes, humidity, ultraviolet rays. The selected color scheme must withstand all these influences qualitatively.
Viscosity. During the application process, the paint does not need to form sagging or smudges. Fast setting without fluidity is one of the main requirements.
Environmentally friendly. Absence of harmful compounds.

The best modern paints that meet these requirements are water-dispersed acrylic-based ones. Just before purchasing a color, you should make sure that it can be used to paint plastic windows; the packaging should be marked for PVC.

Acrylic resins in the applied layer form a durable and stable coating of the required color.

It is important to know that modern paints are initially white by default. After selecting the required color range, dye is purchased separately. The dye packaging indicates the consistency to obtain the required shade.

The advantage of acrylic paints is their quick drying and resistance to fading. They do not have an unpleasant odor, which allows them to be used in enclosed spaces. Such paints are diluted by adding ordinary water to the composition.

Selection of tools and surface preparation

For work, it is preferable to use a spray gun, since it ensures even spraying of paint and its economical consumption. If painting the profile will be done manually, in addition to paint, the following items will be required:

Paint brushes for the width of profiles with soft synthetic bristles.
Thin brush for painting hard-to-reach places.
Metal or plastic spatula. It will help clean the surface of dirt.
Container for paint, solvent, rags (napkins).
Respirator and gloves.

Paint does not adhere well to smooth, glossy surfaces, so the profile must be prepared for painting. To ensure that the coloring composition goes on evenly and lasts for a long time, perform the following steps:

The surface of the frame and joints are thoroughly cleaned of stains, dust, and glue residues. Used detergents and cleaning agents are washed off with water.

Contrasting palette in kitchen design Source pinimg.com

The plastic must be not only clean, but also dry. It is best to treat the surface with compressed air.
To enhance the adhesion of paint to plastic, sometimes (not necessarily) the frame is treated with fine sandpaper, after which the dust is washed off and the frame is dried.
The edge of the glass is covered with masking tape, making it easier to remove the handles.
The plastic is degreased (there are special solutions for degreasing PVC).
Some paints require a preliminary coat of primer (this is indicated in the instructions). Acrylic-based primers are used for plastic, but primers for metal can also be used. The primer is applied in one layer and allowed to dry.

Elegant design in gray Source pinimg.com

How to paint plastic windows on the outside yourself

You can paint the double-glazed windows a different color on the outside. To do this, buy exterior paint intended for plastic. A good product has a high concentration of pigment to cover the surface with a dense layer. Thanks to the spreadability of the composition, uniform coverage occurs without white spots.

You can paint the outside of plastic frames using a spray gun.

Coloring occurs as follows:

The surface is washed well. The plastic is lightly sanded and wiped again with a damp cloth. After drying, a protective film or masking tape is glued to the glass.
An acrylic primer is applied to the frame with a small roller and a synthetic brush.
After drying, paint with a water-based acrylic product intended for plastic. It is applied to the internal joints of the corners, then distributed along the wide edges of the frame.
After setting and drying, apply a second layer.

Important! It is best to paint the outside of PVC frames at a temperature of at least 18 degrees Celsius and an air humidity of 80%.

How to paint correctly

The main thing in the process of painting a profile is to obtain a thin, uniform layer. It is quite difficult to achieve the desired quality when working with a brush; special care is required. Therefore, it is recommended to use a spray gun (spray gun) and work in a respirator. For a high-quality result, the following operations are performed:

Select the parameters of the spray gun. Adjust the nozzle diameter (it should not exceed 1.2-1.7 microns) and air pressure (2-3 atmospheres).
Painting begins from the corners; This makes it easier to assess the quality of the application.
During operation, move the spray gun evenly; hold it so that the torch (jet of sprayed composition) is at right angles to the profile plane.

Red frames for a red kitchen Source wp.com

It will take 8-9 hours for a thin layer to dry, and 4-5 days for complete polymerization.

An alternative to a spray gun is to use a spray can. In this case, the dried layer is coated with acrylic varnish for reliability.

Before turning white plastic windows brown on the outside and inside, you need to understand that household painting is inferior in its characteristics to the industrial method. After a few years, the profiles will begin to lose their attractive appearance; Defects, flakes or chips will appear in some places. In this, the self-painted PVC profile resembles a wooden frame; its paint layer can also be updated from time to time.

Plastic windows in olive tone Source vox-cdn.com

Window painting

They start with tinting the paint, you should immediately prepare the composition for the entire scope of work, then it will be difficult to get an identical shade. Work on the outside can only take place at temperatures from +18 to +25 degrees. Otherwise, the paint layer will dry unevenly and the effect will be blurred.

You should immediately prepare the composition for the entire scope of work.

The ideal solution would be to use a spray bottle. It creates an even distribution of the coloring composition, eliminating smudges. The work process will go quickly. In this case, paintwork materials will not be wasted unnecessarily.

On the spray gun, the pressure is adjusted to 2 atmospheres when the nozzle diameter is 1.6-1.8 mm. This will help to obtain the required layer thickness; it will be enough to apply the product in one layer.

The master must protect himself if he works with a spray gun. Wear safety glasses and a respirator.

The sprayer creates an even distribution of the coloring composition, eliminating smudges.

If brushes are chosen for work, then use them with bristles made of natural or synthetic material. Apply two layers with brushes, each must dry before applying the next. It is possible to apply a second layer of clear varnish, which will give either a matte or glossy finish. It can also be applied from a spray gun.

If brushes are chosen for work, then use them with bristles made of natural or synthetic material.

Briefly about the main thing

If the standard white color of plastic frames no longer suits you, you can do without expensive window replacement. There is a simple technology that allows you to repaint a PVC profile in any other shade.

To obtain a high-quality result, it is important to choose a paint suitable for working with plastic. The best option is water-dispersed acrylic dye, but other compositions are also suitable, for example, acrylic varnish, nitro paints and car enamels.

To ensure that the layer is smooth and durable, the plastic surface is cleaned, dried and degreased. It is convenient to apply the coloring composition using a brush or spray gun, not forgetting about a respirator that protects the upper respiratory tract.

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Paints and varnishes for interior and exterior window decoration

It is better to carry out restoration work indoors using acrylic painting materials.

For external work use:

Polyol-based paint (polyurethane);
Nitro paints;
Paints based on alkyd resins;
Painting materials based on drying oil.

It is problematic to paint frames outside in apartments of multi-storey buildings; most often such work is carried out in one’s own home, in dachas and suburban areas. There is sufficient natural air circulation, so there is no need to worry too much about an unpleasant odor.

Don’t forget about the correspondence between the type of wood and the chosen coloring agent:

Oak is resistant to moisture, but is susceptible to attacks by harmful organisms; special attention must be paid to the protective and antiseptic properties of the paint;
Pine quickly gets wet, which contributes to the appearance of fungal infections and moldy areas. Maximum protection from moisture and dampness is required using a protective film formed on the surface;
Deciduous species tolerate negative environmental factors well and are unpretentious in dyeing agents.

It is better to carry out restoration work indoors using acrylic painting materials.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Knowledge of the distinctive characteristics and basic properties of various paints and varnishes will help you achieve better results and preserve wooden windows and frames for a long time.

Repair work should be carried out in a warm, but not hot season - optimally the first autumn and spring months, as long as the ultraviolet radiation is not too strong;
High humidity slows down the drying process;
The wood must be dry and clean, otherwise there will be poor adhesion and the coating will lie unevenly;
Visible external damage to wood must be corrected with plaster;
Treatment with an antiseptic will enhance protection against harmful microorganisms;
You should not paint from a can - a wide container with low sides will do;
The first layer is applied to impregnate the wood, the paint is diluted 1 to 2. The remaining two are made with a composition of thick consistency. Density is varied by solvent;
It is worth purchasing several brushes of different sizes for painting hard-to-reach places;
Large construction supermarkets offer a service for selecting coloring pigments for white paint using a computer - the best option for non-standard shades and guaranteed expected results;
To preserve the natural beauty and naturalness of wooden frames, colorless varnishes are used - the same paint, but without pigment;
For interior painting, choose a semi-gloss paint that matches the color of the doors or ceiling.

Repair work should be carried out in the warm, but not hot, season.

Paint for window frames is important for the further use and appearance of the wood. To a wise choice, you need to add diligence, a supply of free time and adherence to painting technology - then the windows will delight their owners for a long time.