How to Paint Vinyl Windows
2 Materials
$12
1 Hour
Easy
Did you ever invest in a project or purchase and realize something was not quite right? Now multiply that mistake by a few thousand dollars. That was what happened just a few days after our NEW vinyl windows were installed.Like a HUGE mistake! My mistake? I had ordered the almond trim color windows instead of the white trim package.
I know. With white casings around our kitchen windows, the almond window trim package was a huge mistake. And, those almond (oatmeal) casings set in motion the challenge to learn how to paint vinyl windows.
So I did what I always do when I find myself responsible for a HUGE house related error. I searched online for solutions and told no one in my family. Just like the time I made this online shopping mistake.How Not to Paint VInyl WindowsMy first attempt to paint the vinyl windows was unsuccessful. I used a paintbrush and white primer and just painted over the almond trim.Do not use a paint brush to paint vinyl windows. But with the visible brush strokes, paint drips and the crank handles (which is what I loved about my new windows), the paint brush application failed. How to Paint Vinyl WindowsI shut down the entire project site and ran down to Home Depot.I grabbed a few cans of Rust-oleum paint +primer spray paint.
To prep the window, I lightly sanded the vinyl trim and cleaned the window to remove any dust or errant bugs.
For the first coat, I used only a spray primer. And, finished with two coats of a primer + white spray paint. Next time, I will skip the first can of primer and just use the primer+paint spray paint.
The dual primer and paint combo provided great coverage and meant one less step to screw up the window finish. The spray paint went over the window crank like the first coat of a new bottle of OPI nail polish; a smooth finish with instant results.
And, guess what? Within 10 seconds I knew I found the best technique for my skill level and pay grade. The spray paint adhered to the vinyl with a smooth finish. There was a bit of over spray on to the windows, but it was an easy cleanup with a razor blade
The hardest part was getting a crisp picture of the white handle in front of the newly painted vinyl window!
Painted Vinyl Window Update: After almost two years the windows look great. And that crank window that I was nervous about painting? looks great and is used quite a bit in the summer. I am so pleased with the results of painting vinyl windows.
For more paint project ideas on Everyday Edits check out a few favorite projects here.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
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2 comments
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It would have bugged me too but you pulled off a great fix. It must have taken ages. Is the life time warranty still good now that you painted the windows?
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Home Depot window installer told me over 50% of customers paint their almond windows to match their interior trim.
Frequently asked questions
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having our house built with all white trim and they put almond windows on the interior... so like you I am looking at painting. Do you have any areas where the windows may rub? I have single hung windows and my concern is where the window slides. Any thoughts? Did you use Rustoleam high performance enamel paint?
ummmm. doesn’t anyone notice they are different windows? before windows poked like sliders. “after” window only has one glass payne. wake up people
Would this spray paint work for paintIng outside vinyl window trim?