One of the biggest questions homeowners ask us is whether or not vinyl window painting is possible.
And the answer is, “Absolutely Yes”! It’s possible to paint your exterior vinyl windows and frames and have them last several years without peeling or warping as well. In fact, many contractors may agree that you can save yourself thousands of dollars by repainting your vinyl windows, rather than replacing them completely.
But before you grab the paintbrush and head out to your window painting project, there are a few things you need to know about the process and the ideal materials to use to get it done right.
So if you’re interested in painting your vinyl windows yourself, here’s everything you need to know about how to get that professionally painted vinyl windows look!
Top Pro-Tips Before Painting Vinyl Windows:
1. Get all the tools ready.
Make sure all your tools are ready before starting your window painting project. This includes:
- Painter’s tape
- Special Bond Primer
- Latex Paint
- Ladders
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
2. Prep the areas thoroughly.
This will ensure that the primer dries properly in place and that the paint sticks to the surface.
You can do this by washing them with warm water and soap, or with a window cleaner made specifically for exterior vinyl. You can also use sandpaper if there is any excessive dirt or grime that is embedded in the windows or door frames.
3. Use a top-of-the-line primer.
When it comes to painting a vinyl window, there’s just one thing that matters: quality. You need to use a high-quality primer that will seal your window and make it ready for painting.
This is especially important if you’re working with older windows that have been exposed to the elements or have been painted many times before; otherwise, the paint will not adhere properly.
Extreme Bond Primer from Sherwin Williams is one of the best primers for painting vinyl, and it’s specifically designed to adhere to vinyl surfaces.
4. Make sure to use the right vinyl paint for windows.
The thickness of the paint is important. If it’s too thick, it won’t be able to penetrate through all the layers of vinyl, and if it’s too thin, it may not adhere properly. For this reason, we recommend using latex or acrylic paint.
There are many brands to choose from, but our top picks are Rennerplas by Benjamin Moore and VinylSafe by Sherwin Williams.
It’s crucial you use vinyl-safe paint for these windows or they won’t stick, and they could attract more sun and heat causing them to warp as well.
How to Paint Vinyl Windows: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step #1: Sealing off the area.
First things first: protect your work area. Use painter’s tape to seal off the areas where you don’t want paint getting on anything else. This is important so that you don’t get any drips or runs in the wrong places.
Also, use a drop sheet wherever you are painting to not let paint drip on the ground and surrounding areas as well.
Step #2: Apply a coat of primer.
Primer is an essential step in painting vinyl windows because it helps keep the colour from washing out over time. It will also help with adhesion when applying multiple coats of paint over it later down the road! Allow this first coat to dry thoroughly before moving on to step #3 below…
Note: There are some newer paints and primer-in-1 paints that can also be used for vinyl window paint without a primer. If you want to use these, make sure they are ‘vinyl safe’ certified and are made to adhere to vinyl windows.
Step #3: Applying even strokes of thinned paint:
Once your primer has dried completely, you can start applying even strokes of thinned paint using a brush or roller. It’s important not to go too thick here—you want just enough to cover the window in a thin, even coat. This will help ensure that your finish is smooth and uniform, which is key to getting a great-looking job!
If you need to, apply a second and third coat to get the thickness and coverage you want.
Painting Aluminum Window Frames vs. Vinyl Window Painting: What’s the Difference?
If you have both aluminum and vinyl windows in your home or business, you may be wondering how to tell the difference between vinyl and aluminum windows when it comes to painting.
We want you to understand that the process of painting both types is very similar. However, there are some differences that you should be aware of:
- Aluminum window frames are more durable than vinyl ones. But they also can be slightly harder to clean because they don’t breathe as well. In this case, a good wash is the best way to prepare a surface before painting. You can use a garden hose or simply wipe them down with a sponge and soap as well.
- Vinyl and aluminum are both durable materials, but aluminum frames may dent or corrode more easily. If you see any dings or scratches on your window frames, make sure to spot prime or caulk the surfaces before painting.
- One great feature of aluminum window frames is that they can take any paint colour and won’t warp due to the sun. Compared to vinyl which warps with darker colours, aluminum window frames will hold their shape and won’t warp or buckle.
- When painting aluminum window frames, make sure that the paint you are using is appropriate for aluminum surfaces. Exterior Duration, A100, or Silver-Brite Aluminum Paint by Sherwin Williams are all great options.
Vinyl Window Painting Cost
Painting a vinyl window yourself can be a great way to save money, but it can also be a huge pain in the neck. So if you decide to hire a professional to do it for you, the next big question is “How much does vinyl window painting cost?”
The answer is, it depends on a lot of factors. The cost of a vinyl window painting will depend on the size of your windows and the complexity of the painting required.
But typically, the price begins at $100-200 CAD plus HST per window. For French windows, expect to pay between $500 and $800 CAD plus HST. If you have window dormers on the third floor, it can run between $1,000 and $3,000 CAD plus HST per window dormer.
Before and After Photos of Vinyl Window Painting
The before and after photos are really the best way to see how much of a difference painting your vinyl windows can make.
We’ve included them below so you can get an idea of what your home will look like after it’s been painted.
So there you have it!
Painting your vinyl windows is a great way to add curb appeal to your home, increase its value, and make it more energy efficient. It’s also a pretty easy process, as long as you have the right tools and materials.
But if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you. We, at Home Painters Toronto, know that when it comes to your home, every detail matters! And we want you to be proud of how your home looks —inside and out.
So don’t hesitate to give us a call today at 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com if you have any questions or would like to get started on your project!
