If you have vinyl windows in your home and you are planning to paint your home, you may be wondering if you can paint the vinyl exterior of your windows or if you’re simply stuck with window frames that will clash with your home’s new exterior color.
This answer will change with every person you talk to. Painting contractors of course will tell you that it is fine while window manufacturers will generally give you a resounding no.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but there are things you should know and consider along the way. In the sections below we’ll discuss both how you can paint your vinyl windows and the risks associated with doing so.
If you wish to upgrade and replace your vinyl windows while you upgrade the paint on your home, call Quality Window & Door at 1-800-370-8751. We are a leading window and door contractor in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.
Vinyl as a material is durable and energy efficient.
Vinyl windows can be painted, but you never want to apply a coat of paint directly to the vinyl itself. The surface is not ideal for paint, so it is likely that paint applied directly to vinyl window frames will flake and peel off relatively quickly. If you insist on painting your windows, you must first clean them and apply a coat of primer before painting. The paint must also be safe for vinyl, so pick acrylic-based paint or an acrylic-urethane blended paint.
Aside from the flaking and peeling risks already mentioned mentioned in the section above, you risk damaging your window frames and voiding your warranty if you do use many of the primers available on the market today. Primers contain a number of chemicals that can soften the vinyl and reduce its structural integrity.
The color of the paint may also pose risks to the window. Darker colors will retain more heat than white, beige, or almond colors, which can lead to the vinyl frames warping and glass breaking. Aside from the obvious problems this would pose, it is also very likely to void your warranty, leaving you responsible for all repair or replacement costs.
For window replacement and repair in the metropolitan DC area, call us at 1-800-370-8751.
The best advice you can follow when it comes to buying vinyl windows is to buy a color scheme that will work well with virtually any color palette. White, beige, tan, and almond shade window frames will blend well with most paint colors, allowing you to change the look of your home while leaving your vinyl windows in their original condition.
At Quality Window & Door, we recommend Weather Shield Aspire Series vinyl-clad windows. These windows are a new product line from Weather Shield designed to take vinyl windows to a higher level. Not only are they exceptionally energy efficient, but they offer a premium aesthetic and countless design options.
Aspire Series vinyl-clad windows offer homeowners five exterior colors (white, cameo, tan, Desert Tan, and Heritage Brown). The vinyl coating is resistant to fading, peeling, or flaking, meaning your windows will look like new for years, eliminating the need for frequent and potentially warranty-voiding painting.
With numerous exterior colors available, Weather Shield Aspire Series vinyl-clad windows can match almost any aesthetic.
To learn more about Weather Shield Aspire Series windows, please visit http://www.weathershield.com/products/vinyl-windows.aspx.
Quality Window & Door is a leading Weather Shield dealer serving the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area. To request a free consultation and learn about their Aspire Series, call us at 1-800-370-8751!
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