Can You Paint Vinyl Windows Frames?
Painting your windows can add a fun and fresh touch to your home’s overall look. You may be wondering, however, if you can do so if your home has vinyl windows. Contractors may say “yes,” while manufacturers say “no,” making the correct answer hard to find.
In short, yes, you can paint vinyl windows, though it’s important to familiarize yourself with the correct method. Keep reading for more information on what to consider when painting your home’s exterior vinyl windows.
What’s the Proper Way To Paint Your Exterior Vinyl Windows?
Following the necessary steps for painting exterior vinyl windows is key to achieving your desired results. First and foremost, you should only apply paint directly to the frame if it’s safe for vinyl. However, you can prep the frame with a vinyl-safe primer to get around this.
If you decide to paint your vinyl windows, they must be thoroughly cleaned, and the primer must be completely dry if used. Then, you can use acrylic-based paint or acrylic-urethane blended paint to complete the project. If the wrong paint is applied to vinyl windows, it can easily chip, crack, and flake.
What Paint Should Be Used on Vinyl Windows?
As mentioned above, acrylic-based paints or acrylic-urethane blended paints are safe for vinyl, but even vinyl-safe paint has the potential to crack. Your best bet is to use a primer beforehand to ensure the paint stays put. Furthermore, you should use a styrene acrylic primer for the best outcome. Many major manufacturers offer both vinyl-safe paint and primer for your convenience.
Other Considerations When Painting Your Vinyl Windows
Here are some other considerations to keep in mind when painting your vinyl windows:
Avoid Darker Paint Colors for Exterior Frames
When painting your home’s interior, you can choose any color you like. However, darker colors aren’t recommended for the exterior. Darker paints can absorb more sunlight, warp the frames, or even break your window’s glass in certain cases. Sticking to light or neutral colors is a good rule of thumb.
Painting Your Windows Can Void Their Warranty
If you wish to paint your exterior vinyl windows, check your window’s warranties first. Some manufacturers may void warranties due to painting, leaving the homeowner with repair or replacement costs that could have been avoided.
Using Color Theory To Match Your Home & Window Colors
Determining the right color combination for your home and windows can be daunting, but there’s a right and wrong way to go about it. Using a color theory calculator lets you pair your home’s colors with your windows, creating a seamless and beautiful finish.
Contact Potomac View Energy for Vinyl Windows Today
Potomac View Energy has provided exceptional vinyl window services to our Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania communities since 2010. Our technicians are highly trained and equipped with leading tools and techniques.
Our mission is to supply our residents with quality, energy-efficient vinyl window solutions that will last years. When you choose to work with us, you can expect superior products, installations, and warranties at a price our competitors can’t match.
For a free consultation on your next project, contact our team today!
