If you want to give your uPVC doors a makeover, you’ll need the right supplies and some knowledge. So what paint and primer should you use?
A paint specifically made for hard plastics is best, and a primer specifically designed for plastic should be applied first to help the paint adhere better and last longer. A finish with a semi-gloss or gloss sheen is best for durability since it will be more resistant to scratches and fading from the sun.
In this article, you will learn:
- The factors to consider when choosing paint for uPVC doors
- What type of paint to use
- What paint finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for uPVC doors
4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for uPVC Doors
When it comes to painting uPVC window frames, there are a few factors to consider before you start (don’t miss my full guide to painting uPVC window frames). Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:
1. Quality of the Paint
The quality of the paint is important when painting uPVC window frames. You want to ensure that the paint you choose will adhere properly and last a long time. Look for paints specifically designed for plastic surfaces and that have good reviews from other users.
2. Finish
The paint’s finish is also an important factor to consider. Most paints come in matte, satin, or gloss finishes, so you can choose one that best suits your environment, needs, and preferences. Gloss finishes are more durable and easier to clean than matte or satin finishes.
3. Color Selection
Color selection is also an important factor to consider when choosing paint for uPVC window frames. You can find a variety of colors, from classic white and everything in between. Be sure to select a color that complements the overall look of your home or office space.
4. Flexibility
Another important factor is the flexibility of the paint. uPVC window frames expand and contract in response to temperature changes.
Therefore, the chosen paint must be flexible enough not to crack or peel off as the frame expands and contracts in response to external temperatures.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Oil-based paint
Oil-based paint is a type of paint that uses oil as its main binder. It is often used for exterior painting projects due to its durability and resistance to weathering.
Pros
- Durable and resistant to weathering
- More resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling than water-based paints
- Provides a smoother finish
Cons
- More difficult to apply than water-based paints
- Higher VOC content
- Longer drying time
Water-based paint
Water-based paint is a great option for exterior painting projects. It is eco-friendly, odorless, and has a wide range of color options, making it easy to find the perfect color for your home.
Pros
- Easy cleanup
- Eco-friendly and low-VOC content
- Dries faster than oil-based paints
- Wide range of colors available
Cons
- Less durable than oil-based paints
- More susceptible to cracking, peeling, and fading
What Paint Finish is Best?
One of the most important considerations when choosing a finish for uPVC doors is how well it stands up to the elements.
The four main finishes for uPVC doors are matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. A higher gloss is generally best for durability and longevity in outdoor exposure.
High-gloss finishes offer superior protection against UV rays and other weathering effects such as rain, snow, and wind.
This means that your door won’t fade or become discolored over time. In addition to superior durability, high-gloss finishes provide a visually appealing aesthetic that many homeowners enjoy thanks to its reflective shine.
Matte finishes are less durable than their glossier counterparts, but they still offer some protection from UV exposure and other environmental factors.
While matte finishes will eventually require recoating or refinishing due to wear from sunlight or moisture exposure, they’re generally easier to clean and maintain than higher glosses.
Satin finishes lie somewhere between matte and glossy regarding protection against the
elements. They balance aesthetics and durability, making them ideal for many uPVC door applications.
Satin’s subtle sheen makes it attractive without making it overly shiny or reflective, as higher glosses can be. Its light sheen also makes it more resistant to fingerprints and smudges than higher glosses while still providing moderate protection from UV rays compared to mattes.
Semi-gloss finishes are less popular than the other finishes, but they may be preferable if you want something with more shine than satin but less reflection than high-gloss.
However, they don’t reflect as much light as higher glosses. Semi-gloss paints are slightly more durable outdoors because they provide better resistance against fading due to UV radiation than matte options.
The Best Paint and Primer for uPVC Doors
When considering what type of paint to use on uPVC doors, there are a few things to remember. Firstly, it is important to determine if the paint is suitable for the door’s material.
You must also pick a paint specifically designed for outdoor use, as the UV rays in sunlight can cause regular interior-grade paints to fade quickly.
Spray paint can be used on uPVC doors and is often recommended because it gives an even layer of paint without leaving brushstrokes or other marks behind.
However, because of the nature of spray paint, extra care must be taken when using this method, as each coat should go on evenly rather than having patches of thicker and thinner areas.
Additionally, because spray painting creates overspray, you must cover any surrounding surfaces with plastic sheeting and wear safety gear such as protective glasses and gloves before beginning.
Best paint
Zinsser Allcoat Exterior makes the perfect paint for uPVC doors, with its superior quality and long-lasting finish.
It is ideal for airless spray application and can be tinted to match almost any color scheme. The fast recoat time of just 1 hour means you can freshen up your uPVC doors quickly.
The high performance of Zinsser Allcoat Exterior comes from its excellent color retention, even when exposed to the harshest weather conditions.
Its flexible and microporous formula ensures the paint will not crack or peel over time, so your uPVC door will look good for years. Not only that, but it is also easy to apply, needing minimal preparation before use.
If glossy finishes are more your thing, Zinsser Allcoat Exterior has you covered too. As it can be applied on multiple surfaces, you can easily spruce up your exterior.
So whether you’re looking for a matte finish or something more vibrant and glossy, Zinsser Allcoat Exterior is the perfect choice for painting or refreshing uPVC doors.
Best primer
Zinsser Bullseye 123 Primer is the best primer for uPVC doors. This premium quality primer features a unique blend of powerful ingredients that create an incredibly tough and durable finish, making it ideal for interior and exterior surfaces. It sticks to all surfaces without sanding and seals stains while providing a mold and mildew-resistant barrier.
The quick-drying formula dries in just one hour and can even be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F (2°C). This makes it perfect for uPVC doors due to their often exposed nature, ensuring they remain protected from the elements.
Furthermore, it is easy to apply with a brush or roller, and its high opacity also helps to hide any underlying surface imperfections.
With its superior adhesion capabilities and flexibility, Zinsser Bullseye 123 Primer is the perfect choice for anyone looking to achieve a long-lasting, professional finish on uPVC doors.