You can give your home an updated look by painting windows.You might have heard that vinyl windows can't be painted.This is due to the fact that vinyl repels most paints.If you sand the frames to create a rough surface and choose vinyl-safe paint and primer, you can add this home improvement project to your to-do list.
Step 1: You should check the warranty on your windows.
It's important to find out if painting the windows will void the warranty.You can mail a paint chip to the window manufacturer if you want to paint the windows.They can determine if the paint is safe to use.Check with the company you bought the windows from to see if they're under warranty.There is no need to check your paint choice if your windows are not under warranty.
Step 2: Make sure the window hardware doesn't get covered with paint or primer.
To make it easier to paint the windows, take a screwdriver and remove any hardware you don't want to use.Put the hardware pieces in a small bag.This prevents them from getting lost because you don't have to put them in a bag.If you have a lot of different pieces you might want to separate them into labeled baggies.
Step 3: The frames should be scrubbed with soapy water.
Primer and paint won't stick to the vinyl if the material is dirty, which is why it's important to clean them first.Put a bucket with soapy water and a soft cloth in it.Rub the cloth over the frames and scrub them with dirt.If you want to work with harsh detergents, use a mild dishwashing liquid.The vinyl could be damaged.Before you wash the frames, you should use a soft vacuum attachment to suck up the debris.
Step 4: The window frames should be washed with clean water and dried with a cloth.
Take a bucket with clean water and put a cloth in it.To clean the frames, wipe the wet cloth over them.Dry the frames with a soft cloth.If you don't like spraying the window frames with water, you can turn on a garden hose.If you use a high-pressure washer to clean the windows, the pressure may loosen or destroy caulking.
Step 5: The vinyl needs to be sanded with 220-grit sandpaper.
Because it repels paint, vinyl is too smooth to begin painting.To make the paint adhere, rub 220-grit sandpaper over the window frames.The vinyl needs to be sanded until it feels rough.You can damage the vinyl if you rub it hard.
Step 6: The frames should be wiped with a tack cloth.
There is a lint-free cloth with a sticky substance.This will allow you to pick up the sanding dust from the window frame.You can buy tack cloth at home improvement stores.
Step 7: The frames should be masked to protect them from the paint.
Remove a strip of painter's tape that is as long as the glass in the window.Press it along the bottom edge of the glass to protect it.For each side of the glass, repeat this.To protect the wall, tear strips of painter's tape and put them on the opposite side of the frame.If you have a steady hand, you could skip this step.
Step 8: The primer should be applied with a 2 in brush.
Depending on which style you're most comfortable with, use a flat or angle brush.Apply an even coat to the entire surface of the frames after dipping the brush into the primer.If the primer is not designed for use on vinyl, it may peel off.
Step 9: The primer should be dry for at least 3 hours.
To find out how long you need to wait before applying paint, read the manufacturer's instructions on your primer container.If you wait until they're completely dry, most primers will dry to the touch within 30 minutes.It takes around 2 or 3 hours.
Step 10: There is a paint that is labeled "vinyl-safe".
Although you can paint the frames in any color, darker colors absorb more heat which can cause the window to warp or crack.Purchase vinyl-safe paint for interior and exterior windows.A dark color on an interior window can cause it to warp or crack.
Step 11: Place a thin coat of vinyl-safe paint on the window frame.
You can dip the clean brush into the paint with a flat edge.Use long, smooth strokes to brush it onto the vinyl window.Make sure the paint dries smoothly by brushing over drips.Hardware stores have paint-spraying equipment.You can speed up the process by spraying the paint, but you'll probably need to mask off more of the windows and the walls.
Step 12: Allow the paint to dry for 3 hours.
Read the manufacturer's instructions for how long to wait before applying more paint.You should wait at least 3 hours so the paint doesn't peel off as you apply more coats.If the weather is humid, the paint may take longer to dry.
Step 13: Apply a second coat of paint.
Unless you're using a dark color, you will want to put on another coat or two of paint.Let the paint dry for a few hours before brushing it on.If the windows are exposed to a lot of sunlight, you may want to coat them with extra paint.
Step 14: While the last coat is wet, remove the painter's tape.
Pull the painter's tape away from the window after you've applied the final coat of vinyl-safe paint.When the paint is still wet, peeling it will prevent it from pulling up dried paint.As you pull the tape, make sure it doesn't fall into the wet frame.You should have a straight line from where the tape was placed.If you have a scraggly line, you can adjust it with a small paintbrush.