uPVC doors are popular for a good reason. They’re durable, energy efficient, and come in various styles and colors. But what if you have an older uPVC door that looks outdated? Can you paint it?
It is possible to paint uPVC doors with the appropriate preparation and paint products designed for use on plastic surfaces. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and choose the right type of paint to ensure a successful and long-lasting finish.
In this article, you will learn:
- The pros and cons of painting uPVC doors
- The best paint and primer for uPVC doors
- How to paint uPVC doors
Is Painting Your uPVC Doors a Good Idea?
Pros
Cost-effective
Painting uPVC doors is a cost-effective solution to help improve the look and feel of your home. Painting is much cheaper than buying new doors, and it can instantly update the look of your home.
Wide Range of Colors
You can choose from a wide range of colors to paint your uPVC doors, allowing you to create a unique look for your home. Painting also means you’re not limited to the boring white or cream color options in most uPVC door designs.
Durable Protection
Painting your uPVC doors provides a layer of protection against the elements, helping to keep your door looking new for longer. It also helps protect against fading and discoloration caused by UV exposure.
Cons
Time-Consuming
Painting your uPVC doors is a time-consuming process that requires patience and knowledge. You should also be aware of the potential risks involved, as fixing any mistakes you make during the painting process can be difficult.
Possibility of Fading or Peeling
Although painting your uPVC doors provides durable protection against the elements, it is still possible for the paint to fade or peel over time.
This can be caused by exposure to extreme heat, cold, and humidity levels. It is, therefore, important to use high-quality paints if you want a long-lasting finish.
Visible Brush Marks
Painting uPVC doors can result in visible brush marks and strokes, so using the correct painting technique and tools is important. This will help ensure you achieve a smooth and even finish with your paint job.
The Best Paint and Primer for uPVC Doors
When selecting paint and primer for uPVC doors, it is important to know the available options. The most important being products specifically designed for this type of material.
This ensures that the paint adheres correctly to provide longer-lasting results. Furthermore, using a good quality primer can help prevent discoloration or fading as time passes.
Once you have identified the right product, you must consider what kind of finish you want to complete a satisfactory look: satin, gloss, or matte finish are all viable options.
Spray painting is an excellent option for uPVC doors because it can achieve an even finish over large areas much faster than traditional brush applications.
For best results, however, it’s important that the proper equipment is used and that the entire piece is left to cure properly before any further work is done after the spraying process is complete.
Additionally, masking off any glass or other areas that shouldn’t be painted will help prevent accidental overspray and improve the overall aesthetic appeal.
Best Paint
Zinsser Allcoat Exterior is the perfect paint for uPVC doors. It offers a long-lasting finish of up to 15 years, with excellent color retention.
Thanks to its self-priming system, it is easy and quick to apply, taking only one hour for a recoat. Furthermore, this product allows for versatile use on multiple surfaces. It is also highly recommended for use with airless spray techniques.
This paint is designed with micro-porous properties that allow the wood to breathe while still providing a barrier to protect the wood from water damage.
Besides its exceptional features, Zinsser Allcoat Exterior offers superior protection against external elements such as rain, strong sunlight, frost, or snow.
This protective layer helps protect your door from damage caused by the weather. Furthermore, the paint’s unique composition makes it resistant to mold and bacteria growth, which is incredibly important when dealing with external surfaces like uPVC doors that are often exposed to dampness.
In addition to its sturdy properties, Zinsser Allcoat Exterior has different finishes that can be customized in any color you desire. On top of all that, Zinsser Allcoat Exterior requires minimal maintenance.
Use soap and water or a standard cleaning product to maintain the paint’s durability. All these qualities make Zinsser Allcoat Exterior the ideal choice for painting uPVC doors.
Best Primer
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer is the ideal primer for uPVC doors. It offers an unbeatable combination of premium performance, convenience, and cost savings.
Unlike many other primers, it can be tinted to most pastel and mid-tone shades for interior and exterior applications. This allows users to tailor the finish to their exact needs.
In addition, this primer also seals stains, graffiti, and tannin bleeds, which often occur on uPVC doors due to weathering and age.
These features help ensure that the finish remains attractive despite the wear and tear of external elements. Even better, it contains a biocide that protects against fungal degradation, making it a long-lasting solution.
The fact that Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer bonds to all surfaces without sanding makes it incredibly easy to use with minimal effort.
Plus, it dries in 30 minutes, allowing you to recoat within an hour. So even large projects can be completed quickly without waiting around or disrupting your normal routine too much.
How to Paint UPVC Doors
Tools and Materials
- Primer
- Paint
- Brush and roller
- Painter’s tape
- Cleaning supplies (rag, sponge, vacuum, etc)
- 120-180 grit sandpaper (or sanding block)
- Drop cloths
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Remove the hardware
Hardware such as door handles, knockers, and peepholes should be removed before painting. Not removing the hardware can result in a sloppy finish, as paint can get on the edges of the hardware and bleed onto the door.
Step 2: Prepare the door surface
Begin by wiping down the door using a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Use progressively finer-grade sandpaper to sand off any imperfections or blemishes on the surface.
The vacuum then wipes off with a damp cloth once more. Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you don’t want to be painted.
Step 4: Primer
Apply an even coat of primer over the entire door surface, including all edges, corners, and crevices. Allow it to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions before proceeding.
Step 4: Apply the first coat of paint
Using your brush or roller, apply an even coat of paint over the door surface, following manufacturer instructions regarding drying times between coats of paint.
Allow it to dry completely before adding additional coats until the desired coverage is achieved, with an even finish across all sections of the door frame and panels.
Step 5: Clean up
Once the paint has had a chance to dry and cure, you can remove any tape and reinstall the hardware. Wipe down any areas with a damp cloth that may have gotten paint on them.