Paint metal clad windows?

Fly
by Fly

Our windows are metal clad and still working for us, but the sun has faded the bronze metal cladding on the south side. Has anyone repainted them and had it last for several years? What process and paint did you use?

  11 answers
  • Elaine Elaine on Sep 11, 2018

    Yes, 8 years so far. Clean well, let dry, primer, paint with brush and Rust-Oleum in the can, not spray. It’s oil based so have some mineral spirits handy and tape off anything you don’t want to drip on. We painted white on white.

    • See 1 previous
    • Elaine Elaine on Sep 11, 2018

      I didn’t think to use Penetrol, I would probably ask the folks at Rust-Oleum. Do use a really good sash brush.

  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Sep 11, 2018

    I think this is the info you need. Your windows will look new again!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdanPL9bamg

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 11, 2018

    I second Elaine's recommendation on RustOleum oil based paint.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Sep 11, 2018

    That factory finish is probably powder coated and I don’t think painting them will work.

    Do you have one you can do some testing on?

    I’d go to a full-line paint store and ask them about something more like a stain, something thin, not thick like a paint.

    And you know this will be tedious prep work and tedious application, because of the small tolerance in windows, lol.

  • Fly Fly on Sep 11, 2018

    The man in the video used Rustoleum Bronze. It sound like two of you VETO that process with emphasis on NOT spraying. Is there anyone out there whom can tell me professionally if one is REALLY better than the other: mAs in tougher, longer, lasting, less flaking, etc.?


    It looks like I am going to be busy this fall! The south side is 24 feet tall and has 14 windows to the peak! Arrrgh!

    • See 1 previous
    • Fly Fly on Sep 11, 2018

      I know you are right on this and done correctly, it will probably last longer. I reckon overall it will be less messy too. I will take a look at the link above and thank you very much for your help on this.

  • Fly Fly on Sep 11, 2018

    Rustoleum Bronze SPRAY Paint! Big Omission on my part!

  • Elaine Elaine on Sep 11, 2018

    We used it directly out of the can, I poured it into another can with a handle. And just poured half after stirring. We didn’t spray because I didn’t want to tape that much off and we have brick and stone siding. And I didn’t want to stop every time a wind came up. I just stayed in the shade and moved with the sun so it wouldn’t be so hot. Oh and I worked off scaffolding instead of a ladder, got it at Northern Tool it was on sale and I had a coupon. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200441242_200441242


    they have their regular scaffolding on sale now as well. If you buy scaffolding, make sure you have the leveling jacks as well, or if your property is level, and not so much landscaping you can use the wheels, just lock them before you climb up.

    • Fly Fly on Sep 11, 2018

      Thank you again Elaine. I have been out on the deck staining trim boards the last two days. It has not been terribly hot here this week, just creeping up a bit every day. I have moved with the sun today too. nd drank all the cold water I could get in me. I only have one more day to get the trim done, but I am close. Just have to keep at it.


      Thanks again for all your help.

  • Elaine Elaine on Sep 11, 2018

    Oh and I’m assuming you don’t have anodized aluminum which could be cleaned and never need painted

    • Fly Fly on Sep 11, 2018

      I don't think so. Is that often used for windows?

  • Fly Fly on Sep 11, 2018

    I hate that message they sent. I accidently clicked "resolved", darn it. Does anyone know how to unresolve a message?

  • Kelly Denoyer Russell Kelly Denoyer Russell on Sep 11, 2018

    I repainted metal outdoor lights. I just went into a Sherwin Williams and asked for the equivalent of a Krylon/Rustoleum type paint that I could brush on instead of spray. Looks great and I did it years ago. As with any paint make sure surface is clean.

  • Elaine Elaine on Sep 11, 2018

    Depends on the age of your windows and the cost of them, they were high end at one time. Won’t hurt to do a good aggressive scrub, you may have them.


    I dont know how the resolved thing works. Heck I don’t know why if we are in a thread, I would have to reply to myself and not to you.


    Glad to hear your drinking water!


    Youre welcome