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FAQs – How to Paint uPVC Windows and Doors

Not many people know that you can paint plastic, PVC and uPVC surfaces as we are often asked “can you paint plastic window frames and doors” – and it’s much cheaper than having all of your uPVC windows and doors replaced. In fact, Rawlins Paints stock uPVC paints in 4,000+ colour options, including Anthracite Grey and Chartwell Greenclick here to skip recommended products and to continue reading.

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uPVC windows and doors are a fantastic choice in the UK – their weather resistance and outstanding durability outshines other materials. You don’t have to stick with whatever the original colour was – often chosen by the previous occupier! Eventually, you may wish to update the colour scheme of your business or home.

Our blog post goes into detail with our recommended – tried-and-tested – PVC, uPVC, and plastic paints and coatings, with no peeling, cracking or flaking.

Available to buy today at Rawlins Paints – click the image!

Contents

Buy the exciting new chalky paint range from Rust-Oleum at Rawlins Paints

There really is nothing worse than old and tired uPVC windows and doors, plastered with a previous owner’s colour scheme. As a homeowner you’ll want to stamp your own personality on your house, with shades that contrast or blend in with other features and your neighbours on the street.

Landlords will definitely want to refresh their rental properties; the first entry on the Telegraph’s Landlord Guide suggests that tenants are looking for longer stays rather than temporary accommodation. Nicer-looking plastic windows and doors, with a clean paint job, helps convince renters to stay-put for longer. And it won’t cost you much to spruce them up – certainly far cheaper than buying new uPVC!

Making your uPVC chicer and up to date has never been easier. Paints specifically developed for plastic and uPVC that adhere and bond to the surface to keep their colour for years to come. Gone are the days of spending all day painting your windowsills, only to watch it peel back off again! If you are happy with the quality of your existing uPVC doors and windows, there really is no need to go through the cost and disruption of replacing them. You can have them repainted with professional coatings applied by spray, brush, or roller.

Whilst Rawlins Paints deal with trade customers and professionals, we also cater for homeowners, landlords, caretakers, and business owners, not limited to:

  • Pubs, Bars, Restaurants, and Cafes
  • Holiday Lets, Hotels, Bed and Breakfast, and Air B’n’B’s
  • Corner shops, Supermarkets, Grocery, and Butchers
  • Offices, Retail Units, Kiosks
  • Educational facilities: Schools, Colleges, Play Groups and Universities

If you’re looking to one-up the competition with a refresh and rejuvenation, or a homeowner simply looking to touch-up their exteriors, no job is too small for Rawlins Paints.

Can you paint uPVC windows and doors?

Can you paint uPVC window frames a different colour?

Can you change the colour of uPVC window frames?

How do you paint a uPVC front door?

Can you paint plastic window frames?

Absolutely! Nevertheless, it is vital to pick the correct paint – and that is where Rawlins Paints  can help.

You will need a paint that will BOND with the substrate rather than just try to stick to it. Whilst more rigid than PVC, uPVC will experience thermal movement (expanding and contracting a little in the heat). Even in our UK climate, the area between glass and wall on houses, flats and apartments is exposed to very high heats, especially if south-facing. Therefore, you will need a paint that offers UV protection from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun.

uPVC paints and coatings have become far more economical and are now readily available at Rawlins Paints in thousands of tinted colours (yes, including anthracite grey uPVC paint!), with express and next-working-day delivery options to help speed up your project. More and more contractors are using uPVC paint to give plastic doors and windows a fresh look, using a process that can be done in a day and last for many years.

An example of uPVC paint on front or back doors

What other uPVC/PVC surfaces can you paint?

Can you paint plastic and uPVC cladding?

Can you paint plastic cladding?

Can you paint plastic fascia and soffits?

What kind of paint do you use on plastic and PVC pipe?

Can you paint plastic and uPVC skirting boards?

If you are looking at painting your plastic windows and doors, then you may wish to colour-match other plastics on your building’s exterior. Pipework, downpipes and guttering, cladding, soffits and facia boards can all be made from plastic and repainted to match or contrast roof tiles, brickwork – or your freshly painted uPVC windows and doors. These exteriors can be marked and stained from rain damage, such as blocked or unclipped guttering that causes drips or overspills, leaving sediment on paintwork and surfaces.

Stained, faded, and marked PVC and uPVC surfaces make a property appear rundown. For homeowners and landlords, this affects your “kerb appeal”, especially if you’re looking to sell up or rent out. Businesses may see lower footfall because of an unappealing entrance to their premises. Your building doesn’t have to be spotless – who has the time these days? – but keeping on top of stains and faded surfaces can only increase its attractiveness.

Some garage doors are made from uPVC and can be painted to match your windows and doors – for metal garage doors, we have that covered in another blog post here.

We also receive enquiries for painting plastic storage bins and containers for bikes and garden equipment. As we look to switch to more environmentally friendly forms of transport, the bicycle is increasing in popularity. They are also a pain to store properly, clogging up hallways or sitting out in the rain to rust. Given that bike stores are often supplied in light grey or beige, it’s no wonder people are looking to repainting them!

Before painting any uPVC/PVC or plastic surface, you must ensure that it is cleaned and prepared correctly so that the paint will bond with the surface, otherwise it will peel off once dry.

Can I paint plastic garden furniture?

Given that plastic garden furniture and plant pots sit outside in all weathers, it is no surprise that they become faded over time, losing their original colours. Whilst still perfectly functional, if you enjoy the outdoors then you want to sit in chairs and eat from tables with a good aesthetic.

More and more people are now switching to plastic fences and sheds – even children’s playhouses, swings and slides – not just in their gardens, but businesses with play areas for families. Their low maintenance is a key factor as they do not rust or rot which can require near yearly attention to correct, but like garden furniture, left out to face the elements and lacking UV protection from direct sunlight will see colours dull quickly.

Our range of uPVC paints and coatings have excellent colour fastness and UV protection for years, ensuring your garden furniture, fences and more stay your chosen colour for much longer. As before, preparation is absolutely key here – ensuring your plastic surfaces are suitably cleaned, degreased and, where appropriate, lightly abraded – to make sure uPVC paints bond to the surface correctly and don’t flake, blister and peel off.

Can you paint a uPVC conservatory?

Can you paint patio doors?

When uPVC doors and windows exploded onto the scene in the 1980’s, conservatories weren’t far behind. It seemed like every other house extended out into the garden with a sunroom, contained that wicker furniture, and were constructed from white uPVC.

Just like plastic windows and doors, your conservatory can be repainted to a colour of your choice, with our range of interior and exterior uPVC paints in thousands of colours – including patio and French doors.

Can you paint composite doors?

What paint should I use to paint a composite door?

Yes.

Composite doors are not intended to be painted; made from a mixture of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), insulating foam, wood, and PVC, it is incredibly hard for normal paints to adhere to the surface.

At Rawlins Paints we stock Kolorbond Aquatek, a water-based interior and exterior coating designed specifically for uPVC and GRP surfaces, making it ideal for painting composite doors. The coating bonds with the surface with excellent adhesion – when applied correctly to a suitably cleaned surface – and has a huge range of colours available, over 2,400.

Also see How to paint Plastic, Composite, GRP, uPVC (PVCu) and PVC with Zinsser.

Can you recoat and recolour faded or aged white uPVC window frames?

Yes, exterior surfaces which have been weathered can be washed down using warm water and diluted detergent followed by rinsing off with clean water – then proceed to prepare suitably with applicable degreasers and, if needed, primers, before painting.

An example of anthracite grey painted uPVC windows

What is uPVC and why is it so popular in the United Kingdom?

Is it uPVC or PVCu?

uPVC can also be referred to as PVCu but there really is no difference. It is simply down to preference/terminology but ultimately refers to the same material.

Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), or vinyl siding as it is known in the United States, is an energy-efficient plastic often used for window and door frames. It is rigid, which means it will not change shape in the heat of the sun, and it is also recyclable. It is not biodegradable I hasten to add, but at very high temperatures it can be remoulded and repurposed.

It is also an incredibly safe plastic, more so than polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as it has no hazardous phthalates or Bisphenol A (BPA). It is also fire-resistant, giving it an advantage over wooden frames.

Note: There is more about BPA in coats and varnishes on our Food Safe Paints blog.

Which products should I use?

What paint can I use to paint my uPVC front door?

What type of paint to use on uPVC window frames?

What is the best paint for PVC window frames?

What paint to use on plastic?

Kolorbond Aquatek

Renowned UK paint specialists Kolorbond lead the way in manufacturing paint for uPVC and PVC substrates such as windows and doors, conservatories and more, for commercial and industrial applications.

The strengths of Kolorbond are its huge colour range (2,400+ colours from RAL and BS (including the current favourite, RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey), with more available on request, including Steritouch) and unrivalled guarantees. Its outstanding adhesion chemically bonds with the surface for a minimum period of 10 years and is extremely colour stable, guaranteed to hold its colour without excessive fading for a period of 5 years.

Kolorbond Aquatek is used in new and refurbishment work in the domestic and commercial sectors of the market. Specially developed for PVC, uPVC (PVCu) plastic and GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) composite, it can be used on exteriors and interior surfaces, primarily windows, doors, claddings, facias, and conservatories. Kolorbond Aquatek is water-based and formulated for spray application, but has also been modified to also be applied by brush to make it especially applicable for on-site work.

Available in multiple sheen levels including matt, satin, semi-gloss, and full gloss, Aquatek’s finish is hardwearing with good hardness and scratch resistance, tested under accelerated weathering conditions for 1600 hours!

Kolorbond uPVC Painting Kits contain all of the products and application tools required to ensure a high quality finish on uPVC windows, doors and fascias, and also suitable for use on composite doors. Kolorbond uPVC Painting Kits are designed around Kolorbond Aquatek paint and come in 4 pack sizes, for the average terraced, semi-detached, and detached house.

 

Wethertex MS11 Multi-Surface Renovation Paint

A high-performance water-based protective coating that provides a decorative satin finish in more than 4,200+ colours in RAL, BS, NCS and exclusive Wethertex shades. MS11 Multi-Surface Renovation Paint has superb adhesion to interior and exterior PVC and uPVC (and many other substrates), is self-priming, highly vapour permeable, and water-shedding, and is durable for 10 years.

Rust-Oleum CombiColor Multi-Surface

A customer favourite for many years, CombiColor Multi-Surface is a solvent-based primer and topcoat in one. Applied directly to suitably prepared uPVC (amongst many other substrates), CombiColor saves time and money with its fast application by brush and roller to interior and exterior surfaces.

Rawlins Paints offer the full range of colours – more than 4,100 – for customers to choose from right on the product page in an attractive gloss finish. Matt and satin finishes are also available, on selected colours. We also stock a limited selection in smaller, 750ml-sizes tins that are ideal for touching up and small-scale projects.

Bradite One Can

This quick-drying primer/finish has excellent adhesion and stain blocking properties that are ideal for painting interior and exterior uPVC windows and doors, cladding, and more. Water-based, Bradite One Cans’ large range of colours (2400+) come in attractive matt and eggshell finishes. Applies by brush, roller and spray, drying in as little as 30 minutes and recoatable after an hour.

Zinsser Perma-White Interior

Ideal for interior projects, Zinsser’s Perma-White Interior is a durable, water-based, very low odour finish containing a biocide that protects the dried coating against mould and mildew. It is ideally suited for areas with persistent humidity and poor air circulation, such as bathrooms, basements or laundry rooms. Zinsser guarantees protection against fungal degradation for 7 years. See our online store for more anti-mould and damp-proof paints.

Don’t be fooled by the name containing “white” – it’s just one of more than 4,000 colours available from industry standard palettes that include RAL, NCS, and British Standard, in matt and satin finishes.

Zinsser Allcoat Exterior

Ultimate performance, all surface exterior paint that is recommended for use on uPVC doors, windows, cladding, and more. Zinsser Allcoat Exterior is available in water-based and solvent-based formulas in satin, matt and gloss finishes, with a huge colour range of 4,000+ shades.

Zinsser listens to contactors and develops new products – or adds features to existing products – to meet their changing needs, delivering world class products that meet “real world” challenges, providing tried and tested solutions to painting problems, such as painting plastic and uPVC windows and doors.

Do you need to prime uPVC before painting?

How to prepare a uPVC door for painting?

Do you have to sand PVC before painting?

ALWAYS prepare the surface appropriately before using our recommended paints and coatings. The surface must be dry, clean, and free of any debris such as mould or dust. Our manufacturers have their own cleaners and pre-treatments, or recommended products, for use with their uPVC paints.

If you intend to sand or lightly-abrade PVC, take note that friction will cause heat, which can release toxic chemicals in the dust – hydrogen and chloride – that can affect breathing. Always wear protective equipment (gloves, eyewear, ventilated facemask) to filter out dust and chemicals.

Kolorbond have pre-treatment products such as Vinylkleen to remove all water-soluble contaminants together with most oils, Windowprep and Polyprep. Make sure the surfaces are sanded so that the brush can achieve a seamless stroke.

If you are using Rustoleum products, uPVC surfaces should first be cleaned with a 5% solution of Rust-Oleum Mathys ND14 Cleaner Degreaser followed by a solvent wipe with Methylated spirits.

Bradite also have their own Industrial Degreaser recommended to remove oils, grease and other contamination.

How to paint Plastic, Composite, GRP, uPVC (PVCu) and PVC with Zinsser

Step 1. Surface Preparation

The surface must be clean, dry and free from anything that will interfere with the adhesion or application of the products and materials to be applied.

Start by removing loose and failing material by scraping or brushing with a stiff bristle brush to a sound edge, feathering sound edges with a fine grade abrasive paper.

Remove contaminants and anything else that could interfere with adhesion, degreasing the surface overall with Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner in accordance with manufacturers instructions, rinse well and allow the surface to dry thoroughly.

Remove all visible signs of organic growth from the surface, treating with Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover for interior projects or Blackfriar Anti-Mould Solution for exterior projects in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow to dry.

Step 2. Priming

Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Water Based (Matt, Satin and Gloss finishes) and Solvent Based (Satin only) can then be applied directly to suitably prepared (clean, dry, lightly abraded, and thoroughly degreased) plastic, composite, GRP, uPVC (PVCu) and PVC without the requirement of a primer coat.

For Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Solvent Based Gloss and Zinsser Perma-White Interior/Exterior, use one full coat of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 to prime overall, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, allowing an hour’s drying time minimum (in normal drying conditions).

Step 3. Decoration

Interior projects – use two full coats, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, of Zinsser Perma-White Interior in one of more than 4,000+ colours in matt or satin finishes, allowing two hours minimum between coats for drying.

For exterior projects, decorate the prepared and/or primed surface with two full coats of Zinsser Allcoat Exterior (three coats for sills and more exposed projects) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow the minimum drying time (as stated on the tin/data sheets) between coats.

Notes: We would expect these systems to be applied to aged/weathered surfaces normally, if there is a requirement to paint a brand new surface of this type then a small test on an inconspicuous areas should be carried out to ensure the surface preparation is adequate to remove surface chemicals from the manufacturing process of the item and the paint has adhered well to meet the requirements of the project, prior to application to the larger item.

We also recommend that these products are for vertical surfaces with a good water run-off, products are not intended for areas of water immersion, roof areas, areas where water will pond or use on floors or underfoot.

Exterior wall damage

Are there colour options for painting uPVC?

Can you paint white uPVC windows grey?

Anthracite grey uPVC paint

Black and white uPVC paint

There are, in abundance! The most popular colours you see walking along the street are white, black, grey (RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey), and darker green or blues.

Kolorbond products can be tinted to almost any shade and are readily available in 2,400+ colours from RAL, NCS and British Standard, with more available on request, including Steritouch.

Similarly, our Wethertex, Rust-Oleum, Zinsser, and Bradite uPVC paint products can be tinted in thousands of popular RAL, NCS, and British Standard colours.

This huge range of colour option provides homeowners, businesses, and services with all the choice they need to rebrand, rejuvenate, and renovate with warmer and more inviting shades.

Can you paint over dark-coloured uPVC with light colours?

Can you change brown uPVC windows to white?

Yes – where products are self-priming, 2-3 coats of a lighter colour should cover the dark original uPVC surfaces.

Colourmatching Service

Should you know the name or the code of a colour that we do not display on our website, give us a call on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected] – we may already have a match!

Alternatively, we can match to the nearest RAL, NCS and British Standard colour (depending on the product chosen) if you wish to post us a sample of the colour you are trying to match. Our technical team can then inspect and advise you on which colours we have available and a suitable product to use.

uPVC paints in virtually ANY colour!

Can I spray paint it? Or should I use a brush?

Whilst a lot of professionals will spray uPVC paint for a quick and easy application, all the products mentioned in this blog post are designed for brush and roller as the primary and intended method of application and achieve extremely impressive results.

Brush and roller have a reputation for being inferior as an application, this just is not the case anymore thanks to leaps and bounds in paint technology that provides an excellent finish. If you do require spray application, you can hire a professional applicator that is experienced with the technical nature of spraying uPVC paints.

Using a paint brush allows you to get around any fiddly design work (with a teaspoon of stealth) such as painting windows or a front door, which you would need to take it off its hinges to truly protect the brickwork around it.

Do be aware of leaving brush marks though, by over-coating in some areas more than others – as always, check the data sheets for application instructions. These can be found on our product pages under the “Data Sheets” tab.

Can I use the same paint on interiors?

Can you paint plastic uPVC skirting boards?

If you are looking to paint interior uPVC doors, window frames, and other surfaces, our recommended DIY products are a great choice for refurbishment projects, domestic & commercial applications. Check each product for compatibility as some are exterior-only, and always apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How much does it cost to paint uPVC window frames?

How much to paint uPVC window frames?

Much cheaper than to replace them! Our recommended uPVC paints and coatings are very economical with excellent coverage rates and unrivalled performance. They are available to view and buy today at our online store – with next-working-day and express delivery options – so you can get started painting your uPVC immediately.

Can’t I just use a cheap paint/wood paint/emulsion?

We strongly advise against cheap alternatives and paints meant for other surfaces – they will crack, blister, and peel off from your uPVC in no time at all. They will then have to be fully removed, and the surfaces fully washed down, before attempting to repaint them.

We are here to help!

If you’re looking at painting your uPVC, give us a call and we will talk you through it. We can offer advice on which paint will be best for you, talk you through some colour options and advise on whether you need a primer or any preparation products. Our technical team are available on 0113 2455450, or you can email us on [email protected]. Further still, feel free to leave a query on the comments section below.

Customer reviews and testimonials

108 comments

  1. Hi, just an enquiry really, we have upvc fence panels in our garden but they have discoloured over the last couple of years. Will the bulls eye 123 paint work on it? The fence panels were brown and we would like to do them the same colour again. Thanks

    • Hi Stephen,

      Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 would be fine as a primer but something like Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin (Water Based) can adhere directly to the UPVC without the need of a primer and is available in nearly any colour of your choice.

      Best regards.

      Mark

      • AUDREY DONALDSON

        The finish is flaking off my composite door. The rosewood colour is okay not too bad underneath. Do you have a rosewood varnish I could put over the door or what do you recommend?
        Thanks

        • Hi Audrey,

          We don’t offer any translucent products for this application, our best recommendation for composite doors as an all-in-one would be the Zinsser AllCoat Exterior (water-based) Gloss or Satin. The product has excellent colour retention and adhesion to most exterior surfaces, bare or previously painted, including wood, metal and UPVC.

          Two coats are required, the first coat acts as the primer and the second seals and protects the system. It can be applied by either a brush or a roller and is re-coatable after a minimum of 1 hour. It is fully tint able so you can choose any colour from the RAL, NCS or BS colour charts.

          Always ensure that the surface has been prepared sufficiently, the Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner is ideal for this or alternatively you can try hot soapy water then rinsed with fresh warm water to remove detergent and when dry a good wipe with methylated spirit. As composite surfaces tend to have a wax like finish we would also advise lightly abrading the surface area. You should make sure the conditions are favourable during application, we recommend a temperature of above 10⁰C for water based products and the relative humidity is less than 80%. Ensure that there is no risk of rain, fog, frost or condensation from affecting the applied paint before it has had a chance to fully cure.

          Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin (Solvent Based) can be used in the same way but a coat of Bulls Eye 1-2-3 should be applied first when using Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Gloss (Solvent Based).

    • Hi just a quick enquiry. What type of sprayer would you recommend to use with your paint range for pvcu windows and doors. Many thanks

      • Hi Carl,

        Thanks for your enquiry – you can download data sheets from the “attachments” tab on any product page for advice on spray set ups for that particular product, if applicable.

      • Good afternoon,

        Having just painted the lintel above the kitchen door I’ve realised I’ve damaged the French door with the heat gun….

        Reading your info, am I right in assuming you have to sand the UPVC first so you get a”key “for the first coat of primer or whatever?

        • Hi Angela,

          Sorry to hear about the damage! Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Water Based can be applied to uPVC once it is cleaned and degreased, a light abrasion would also assist in providing a key but isn’t a necessity.

          Let us know how you get on.

    • Hi how do I repair a small damage to one hinge on the outside of my upvc French door.The paint has come of the door hinge .??Its only a tiny little piece.What do I use on it Please??

    • Good morning
      please can you advise if is possible to paint plastic gutters and drain pipes?

  2. Hi,

    I have uPVC windows with a ‘mahogany effect’ dark brown finish.

    Over time & probably due to temperature changes, the finish (which looks like sticky back plastic’ has shrivelled up & is starting to peel off.

    The doors & windows themselves are absolutely fine, it’s just the top layer that is showing its age.

    What would be the recommended solution to fixing this problem ?

    Thanks
    Bharat

  3. Hi,
    i am looking at a possible house purchase – the only thing putting me off is the dark wood UPVC colour window frames internally & on a conservatory. I am not bothered about outside being dark as my current house has dark outside,white inside.
    How easy is it to hand paint the inside to a lighter colour say white,ivory? How much paint do you need per frame / door – number of coats etc? and cost of paint please?
    What product would you recommend?
    sorry lots of question – but big purchase involved.
    many thanks in advance

    • Hi Michael,

      Thanks for your questions. The recommended products for your requirements are outlined in this article, and if you click through to the recommended products, the coverage rates are detailed in the product datasheets – please note that you may need more paint seeing as you are painting a light colour over a darker shade. Without knowing the size of the areas you wish to paint, I can’t give you a quote I’m afraid, but if you can measure them up, please contact [email protected] for a quote.

      You are able to paint over dark uPVC colours with a light ivory type colour though, so please browse the colour options in the products recommended in this article, and I am sure you’ll find something to really brighten the new house up with! Remember that some of these products can be used internally and externally, if you do want to have a more uniformed finish.

      Best regards.

      Mark

  4. I want to paint mu pvc outside door. Am I corerect in thinking that ZInsser all coat exterior satin whater base is fine to use without primer.
    What preperation should i,due to previous owner having painted it use as it is flaking Can you tell me the available colours

    • Hi Mandy,

      Yes, Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin (Water Based) is fine on weathered UPVC without a primer. Preparation should be to remove all existing paint if this is failing, ensure underlying UPVC is then thoroughly cleaned and dry and then apply Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin (Water Based) directly in the chosen colour.

      The default colour for Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin (Water Based) when you land on the product page, is white. Simply click the “Choose a Colour” text, and you’ll see over 200 colour options!
      Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

      Best regards.

      Mark

  5. I have a upvc front door it is white . I want it black with crome accsesories added to it how do i do it ? It is a basic plastic door 2 straight glass windows at the top but i feel like a change can you please tell me what i need to get this door to the colour black matt thankyou sam

    • Good morning Samantha,

      Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

      Yes, you can paint uPVC black, and most of the products recommended in the “Can I paint uPVC?” section (link here) of this article are tintable to black. It is best to check what finish you require – as some products are available in matt, satin or gloss finishes.

      Please let us know if there is anything else you can help us with, and don’t forget you can keep in contact with us through our Facebook page.

      Best regards.

      Mark

      • Hi do I need to use a certain paint brush when painting upvc door, I’m using rystoleum paint.

        • Hi Susan,

          Am I correct in saying you are looking to use Rust-Oleum CombiColor Multi-Surface? If so, data sheets state the following regarding application by brush ‘Use natural bristles, long hair brushes. Thinning generally not required’. We do have a selection of brushes here, but you may have the recommended brushes to hand already?

          Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with today.

          Best regards.

          Mark

  6. Hi

    I have painted all my exterior woodwork – front door, garage doors, patio doors, eaves – with Farrow and Ball paint, colour is ‘Tanner’s Brown’. The window frames are all uPVC, a sort of reddish brown mahogany colour, and I would like to paint them in a colour as close as possible to Tanner’s Brown, or complementary to it. (They have to be some shade of brown – management committee rules unfortunately). Please could you recommend a colour or RAL for Zinssers Allcoat exterior paint?

    • Hi Tina,

      Yes, we are able to provide an accurate colour match (rather than recommend a RAL alternative) to Tanner’s Brown. If you contact a member of our sales team on 0113 245 54540, they can process your order today for this colour!

      Best regards.

      Mark

  7. Hi can your paint be used for foiled windows?

    • Good morning Alex,

      Thanks for your question.

      We recommend Kolorbond uPVC Painting Kits for your requirements.

      Please let us know if there is anything else we can help you with today, and don’t forget that you can also contact us through our Facebook page.

      Best regards.

      Mark

  8. Hi I’m looking to paint the interior or my conservatory it’s upvc can I prime in 123 bulls eye then paint in a farrow and ball eggshell paint or would I you say I’m better to use a different type of paint ? Thanks suzie

    • Good morning Suzie,

      This would be fine as long as the F&B paint is suitable for the environment its been used.

      Best regards.

      Mark

  9. When painting upvc front door with zinsser allcoat satin will a dry winters day be ok or should I wait until summer, or would the paint be difficult through drying too quickly in summer.

  10. Hi,

    I hope that you will be able to help? I need to put a cheap window in a hole in our new build and was wondering if I buy a new white UPVC window what is the best product for painting it dark grey?

    Many thanks
    Kelly

    • Good morning Kelly,

      The products we would recommend for the task at hand are listed and outlined in this blogpost. Full application and maintenance is also available on each product page.

      It’s definitely possible to do, and with the products discussed in this article, you’ll get a long-lasting and aesthetically sound finish.

      Best regards.

      Mark

  11. I am Looking for advice on Painting UPVC , (RESIDENCE 9 CASEMENT ENGLISH OAK GLAZED window frames) .

    I only want to paint the EXTERIOR fames and I would like a stain finish. Colour to match RAL 7015

    Thank you in advance

  12. Hi

    Will i need to sand down a uPVC door before applying Zinsser Allcoat Mat and if so what grade of sand paper?

  13. Hello

    I’m looking at spraying some uPVC windows, doors etc in Allcoat Matt finsh. I’m going to be using a HVLP machine and just wondering if bullseye 123 and all coat can be sprayed through one?

    • Hi Jake,

      Thanks for your question.

      Zinsser do not recommend either of these products for application by HVLP spray, this method recommends that the paint be thinned too much – it would affect the properties and performance of the products.

      Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 can be applied by brush, roller, conventional spray (thin up to 10% with water / 50-90 psi) or airless spray .015”- .017” tip @ 2000-2500 psi.

      Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Matt (Water Based) is applied by brush, roller or airless spray – unthinned, .017” tip and high-medium (2000-2500 PSI) pressure.

      If you require any further help, certainly feel free to get in touch.

      • Hello,
        I wondered if the all coat satin finish water based would work on the exterior of a vintage and very small caravan?
        It’s currently peeling normal house exterior paint which was on when we bought and will need Sanding down to the original finish first, but the quote for a garage to spray paint is a lot. I’d like to be able to just brush this on and it look great!

        • Hi Gemma,

          Thanks for your question, I’ll ask the support team and will come back to you ASAP – can I ask what the caravan is made of, please?

  14. How long does the paint last on UVPC window frames. I was told it had to be done every two years , is that true?

    • Hi Sandy,

      Any of the Zinsser AllCoat Exterior range correctly applied inline with the manufacturers instructions would be expected to last up to 15 years.

      Obviously the performance of the system will ultimately be dependent on a number factors including, but not limited to the number of coats applied, preparation, weather conditions, etc. however we wouldn’t expect it to be reduced to 2 years unless there is something particularly onerous we are not aware of with this particular application.

  15. I’m looking to use UPVC cladding on a building and then painting it. you state that the paint will not stick to ‘new’ UPVC – would this be the case even after it was sanded and primed?

    If so, how long would I have to let it age before paining?

    Stu

  16. Hi,
    I have a faux oak roll up electric garage door which I’d like to paint black to match my front door. Given the movement of opening & closing the door, would painting it work & if so, can you advise which products I should use?

    Many thanks,
    Suzi.

    • Hi Suzi,

      Assuming the garage door is plastisol coated then we could recommend Rust-Oleum CombiColor for this application once the surface is clean and dry. CombiColor is very flexible so shouldn’t cause cracking etc once applied and fully cured. If you’re still unsure, feel free to contact our technical support team on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected], who will help find a suitable product for you.

  17. Mrs. Patricia Lloyd

    The windowsill of two UPVC south facing windows have started peeling off, the rest of the windows are in excellent condition. Would I be able to paint just the windowsills after removing the flaking UPVC and if I sent a sample would you be able to match it? Thank you

    • Hi Patricia,

      We have a blog post for painting plastic and upvc (here) with the appropriate steps to take for preparation, etc, but certainly contact our technical support team for more advice on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected].

      You can certainly mail in a sample for our team to have a look over – I’ll link you to our contact page (here) which has our office address on.

    • Hello,
      I want to paint exterior pvc door in darker shade of blue. I’d like to use Zinsser Exterior all in one Satin paint. I know that this kind of paint does not require a primer but I suppose that i can still use 123 Bulls Eyes as a primer in grey ? Thanks

      • Hi Eveline,

        Thanks for your question – Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Satin Water Based can be applied directly to uPVC without the need of a primer. Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 can be used to prime uPVC but isn’t required under Allcoat Exterior Satin.

  18. I would love to paint my upvc windows but the windows have white bars inside them. Anybody any solutions what I could stick on the glass maybe some windows film?

  19. Hi,
    I have just tried painting my upvc window with Zinsser exterior all coat satin white, however, the finish with both brush and roller is bad, granted I painted it on a very warm day but is there anyway of either thinning the paint down or an additive to alleviate the brush marks

    • Hi Peter,

      This sounds like Allcoat Exterior Solvent Based which, in warm temperatures, will flash off very quickly. We recommend using Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Satin Water Based which, if necessary, can be thinned down say 5% with clean water to slow down the drying a little further. Certainly feel free to give our technical support team a call on 0113 2455450 (option 2) or send a message to [email protected] if you require more help with the application.

      • Hi Kyle,
        I did use the water based version, but thanks for the information about thinning it with water, hopefully if I rub it down and paint it again using a diluted mix I will get a better finish.
        Regards
        Peter

  20. Hi Kyle

    I am wanting to repaint the outside of my old double glazing. The frames are made from aluminium which has a white finish. The finish now creates a chalky residue and the aluminium exposed in several areas because of damage by ivy.
    Can you please advise appropriate paints & primers.
    Many thanks

  21. all my windows and doors are uPVC, my question is are drain pipes and gutters uPVC or are they PVC as they all look the same ,,,,,Regards

  22. You state that it is easy to paint uPVC provided it is not new. I need to paint some new external cloaking profiles to match the non-standard RAL colour of some new aluminium windows. What is your recommendation?

  23. Hi
    My UPVC window frame is in need or painting it has been bleached by the sun and over 30 years old. Can you recommend a mahogany paint
    Thanks

    • Hi Mark,

      We haven’t anything currently to recommend in a finish that resembles wood but could offer Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Satin Water Based as we can tint to a shade of brown and can be applied to uPVC.

      The link to the product page is above for you to have a look at, as you’ll see we have hundreds of colour options to choose from.

  24. My porch is mahogany upvc and it’s peeling off in places
    1 Can I paint it white
    2 what type of paint would you recommend
    3 Do I have to remove all old upvc or just the flaking parts
    4 How much per litre for the appropriate paints

    • Good afternoon Mr Glass,

      In answer to your questions:

      1 Can I paint it white – yes
      2 What type of paint would you recommend – Zinsser AllCoat Exterior (Water Based) Matt, Satin or Gloss – you can find these product finishes, here
      3 Do I have to remove all old upvc or just the flaking parts – just the loose and flaking parts
      4 How much per litre for the appropriate paints – please see our website/products linked to in point 2 for pricing and data sheet for further information which can be downloaded from the ‘DATA SHEETS’ tab

      Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with today.

      Best regards.

      Mark

  25. Just prepping UPVC front door before painting – there are small screw holes from old doorbell.
    Can you suggest product to fill holes before primer coat.
    Thank you.

  26. Hello .I’ve got plastic /Pvc skirting boards that I want to paint from an oak colour to white ,what would be the best product to use

    • Hi Neil,

      We recommend our blog post “How To Paint Over PVC“; it has steps for cleaning and preparing, priming and finishing interior and exterior PVC surfaces, as well links to the recommended products available at our online store.

      Certainly let us know if we can be of any further help.

  27. Hi,
    I have a NEW uPVC window to paint, (it says not to pant new) what should I use?
    Or how long before it becomes old enough to paint?

  28. Hi there
    Some great information here, however I am a little confused. I want to paint the internal side only of my brown uPVC windows, do I need the Bullseye 123 plus primer, or can I simply sand, clean with meths and then apply All coat exterior? Will use of the 123 primer give a better, more durable finish?
    Finally as the windows will be open to paint should I use the solvent based version?

    • Hi Phil,

      Zinsser Allcoat Exterior can be applied directly to clean and dry uPVC without the need of a primer. The water based versions of Zinsser Allcoat Exterior are suitable for application in temperatures down to 10°C – if the ambient temperature is colder than this then the solvent based version would be advised.

      Let us know if we can be of any further help!

  29. Hello, I recently purchased this house, I would like to paint (internal side only) 2 french doors, they are faux golden oak UPVC about 10 yrs old. They are in my lounge which is south facing and gets a lot of sun, so much so that the flooring in that area is a completely different colour to the rest of the wood in the room, that’s another job I need to tackle! anyway.. it’s totally bleached so I assume I will need a paint for the french doors that can cope with the heat generated in this area from hot sun and changes in temp. etc. Right now in November that isnt a problem for application as it’s cooler and raining ! But my concern would be how it would handle the temp changes when the weather heats up next yr? Which paint option would be best? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I would like a dark charcoal ish matt ish or low sheen finish if at all possible, Thanks so much for your time, Linda

  30. My windows are almost 30 years old and the window sills have yellowed over time. I’m looking for a product to make them white again. I don’t think there are any cleaning or restoring products that will do. Will they need painting and is it best to employ a professional. Thanks for your help.

    • Hello Sharon,

      Thanks for your question; as we’re unsure whether this is for internal or external window sills, I have put a recommendation for each below:

      Please note that the external recommendation is solvent-based due to the current cold temperatures. These coatings have data sheets to read on their respective product pages with information regarding surface preparation and application.

      If there’s anything else I can help with then please do get in touch.

  31. Hello, I would like to change my existing golden oak coloured UPVC, bay window frame to white (internal only). As replacing the windows is financially not an option, I wondered if a high end finish could be achieved by painting them? What would you recommend? Thank you

  32. How do I calculate how much Zinnser allcoat exterior (solvent) I need for say a 3 bed semi detached. I have both lower and upper elevation soffits and guttering as well as windows and an electric up/over garage door to spray with LVLP set up. Thank you in adavance.

    • Hi Stephen,

      You would need to initially establish an overall m² area that needs painting – we’d recommend a minimum of 2 coats so multiply the total area by 2 and then divide by the coverage of the product which will then tell you how many litres are needed. You’ll also need to take in to account a loss factor for overspray etc so an additional percentage of product will be required.

      Hope that helps – let us know if we can be of any further help.

  33. Hi there,

    I have 3 good uPVC windows that i am recycling from a house i have demolished and using in a garage/gym.

    I will be stripping the hardware from the windows, masking the glass and spraying.

    I have my own spraying equipment (gravity fed paint gun)

    I will be spraying RAL 7039

    Can anyone advise the most suitable paint to use with a gravity fed gun.

    Brand / Primer or 2K / Scotchbrite to key the surface etc …

    Thanks,
    Tom

    • Hi Tom,

      We would recommend Zinsser Allcoat Exterior for your application and the temperature during application and curing would determine whether we would propose the water based or solvent based options. Unfortunately with either of these products and any others we’d recommend for uPVC, they should be applied by brush, roller or airless spray equipment only, we wouldn’t have anything we could recommend for conventional spray.

  34. I am seriously considering painting my 40yr old upvc front door as it is 2 shades of white. Old grey white round the frame & badly yellowed white in the middle. The Zinsser exterior satin has given me hope that I can indeed paint it, BUT – I live right on the coast & in the teeth of vicious northerlies & easterlies in winter. The front of the house gets salt drenched & sandblasted. Will this paint withstand such harsh conditions?

    regards
    Liz

    • Hi Liz,

      Zinsser Allcoat Exterior would be suitable for this application but you may find that it doesn’t last the expected 15 years as advised on the tin. We wouldn’t have anything else we could recommend that would offer a longer life expectancy in the environment you have detailed.

  35. Hi, would Zinsser exterior satin also work as a top coat for plastic composite decking?
    Mine is the type that is encased in a uPVC type finish.

    • Hi Marc,

      Thanks for your question; we would not recommend Zinsser Allcoat Exterior be used on any flooring substrates as it is not designed to receive that kind of traffic. Instead we would recommend Smartkote Safekote which will offer an anti-slip finish suitable for application on plastics.

      I trust that helps answer your query – certainly feel free to reply if we can help with anything else.

  36. I’d like to paint our white Upvc window frames a darker colour. I’m aware there can be an expansion issue with some paints regarding the temperature absorption of dark pigment but I’ve read that newer upvc paints have UV protection so there is a reduced absorption difference. I’ve not seen a reply stating the nature of your paint – has it the ability to counter the ‘dark paint over white upvc’ temperature issue?
    many thanks.

  37. Hi, Firstly thank you for this blog post and all your answers to questions above. It’s super helpful. I’m looking to paint the old uPVC oak colour window frames on our new home (NE facade). I understand the Zinsser All Coat Exterior Satin is probably the best option. But there are also a couple of old wooden window frames and barge boards and metal downpipes which have been painted a shade of mid-brown to match the ‘oak’. Would the same paint would be suitable for those materials? And would the colour between the materials likely match (I’m thinking of using RAL 7044). Thank you.

  38. Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin, is it a requirement to use a primer first with this paint when painting an older upvc door and frame
    Many thanks

  39. Can Zinsser Allcoat Exterior (Satin) also be used on radiators? Can’t seem to find any “temperature resistance” info on it.

    Thanks

  40. Declan Mac Cuarta

    We have dark coloured PVC windowframes and the coloured foil is coming off due to exposure to sun. As it peels off it leaves a glue residue on the original dark grey plastic. Can you recommend an effective solvent to remove the residue prior to painting? Are there other steps needed to prepare for painting with the Zinnser Allcoat or other suitable coating.

    The original frames which I am trying to match had a very delicate woodgrain pattern. Is there any way to replicate that in painting the frames.

    Thank you

    • Hi Declan,

      Thank you very much for getting in touch. Unfortunately we don’t have anything to specifically remove glues and residues such as this.

      We would suggest looking for an alternative such as a sticker remover to remove the residue before cleaning everything with Zinsser Universal Degreaser Cleaner then applying the Zinsser Allcoat.

      I’m afraid we wouldn’t be able to offer any assistance on creating a wood grain effect unfortunately.

      I hope that helps and thank you very much for getting in touch.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

  41. I have been reading about this wonderful product and I would like to know if it is suitable for painting wooden indoor dining chairs,
    Many thanks, Monica

    • Hi Monica,

      Many thanks for getting in touch. Please could you let me know which product you are referring to and what type of wood your indoor dining chairs are made from? We’ll be more than happy to advise once you have come back to us with this information.

      Kind regards
      Stuart

  42. Hi, I have a PVC framework, made from standard square downpipe. The frame will be outside 24/7, but regularly handled. Is the Zinsser Waterbesed Allcoat Exterior suitable for this type of application? Does it withstand the occasional knock and bump?

    Thanks

    • Hi Graeme,

      Many thanks for your question. We would usually recommend a 2 pack system for any application where the substrate could receive more abrasion than normal.

      In this instance we would recommend Kolorbond DecoPro which is a brushable version of Kolorbond K2 for this project.

      The surface would need to be suitably prepared with Vinylkleen followed by Windowprep before application.

      I hope this helps, please feel free to get in touch with any further questions.
      Stuart

  43. Hi,

    I have Hormann garage doors which have an external UV-resistant synthetic foil coating in an oak finish. Can I use Zinsser Allcoat to paint over these and what would be the correct prep/application method? I

    • Hi Dave,

      Thank you very much for your question, and thank you for your patience. Zinsser do not offer anything suitable for foil wrapped uPVC, so we would recommend Kolorbond uPVC Painting Kits which are suitable for this application and are also offered with a guarantee.

      I hope this helps and please feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions.

      Many thanks
      Stuart

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