Can You Paint Vinyl Windows?

Ideally, homeowners purchase vinyl windows in the color they like, avoiding the need for paint. But, if your tastes have changed or your new home came with windows in a color you don’t like, you might be tempted to paint them.

So, can you paint your windows? Yes, you can, but we wouldn’t recommend it. However, if you decide to, we’ll outline what it takes to paint vinyl windows and how to do it right if you take this on.

Ahead, find tips from experienced paint industry pros — Rachel Otto from Fleury Lumber and Joseph Umana from Painting Belen.

What Are Vinyl Windows?

Vinyl windows are built using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) frames and glass. They are a popular choice among homeowners who value their low cost and maintenance needs. Vinyl windows are resistant to rot, pests and moisture damage and last between 10 and 40 years.

Vinyl does not need to be sealed or painted regularly, but this means there are fewer color choices besides factory finishes. Vinyl windows are traditionally white but do come in black and shades of brown and green. Vinyl windows differ from wood, aluminum and fiberglass windows, which can be painted more easily and offer the most color customization.

Can You Paint Vinyl Windows?

“You can, but it’s not recommended,” Otto says. Specific products must be used, and there are risks involved.

Risks Of Painting Vinyl Windows

Only you can decide if the risks outweigh the benefits of painting vinyl windows. Here are the primary challenges to consider.

Voids the warranty

If you decide to paint your vinyl windows, you will likely void the manufacturer’s warranty. If your windows are still under warranty, check with the manufacturer before painting.

Paint failure and maintenance

Vinyl windows are not meant to be painted, so are prone to early paint failure. “Vinyl expands and contracts more than wood, so you run the risk of it cracking and peeling sooner if you decide to paint it,” Otto says.

Painting vinyl window interiors is also problematic. While not exposed to the elements, window interiors bear the brunt of window usage. Weather stripping rubs against the frame during opening and closing, and frequent handling increases wear and tear. This risk is so great that vinyl window manufacturers only offer exterior color options with white interiors.

According to Umana, painting vinyl windows a dark paint color can lead to sheen unevenness. “After a few years, a glossy sheen becomes splotchy with both flat and shiny areas,” he says, “especially on the south side of a house.”

Vinyl damage

The color you choose could also have negative implications to the window as well. Dark colors will absorb more light and heat from the sun, which transfers to the vinyl. This could cause the window to warp and potentially crack the glass.

You can also inadvertently cause secondary vinyl damage after painting. “If you use too high of a gloss it can reflect that heat onto your neighbor’s home, or onto another part of your home and melt the vinyl,” Otto says.

Tips for Painting Vinyl Windows

Follow these tips for a more successful project.

Use a separate primer

You absolutely must use a separate, vinyl-compatible primer for the paint to adhere. We recommend a good waterborne bonding primer.

Don’t skimp on paint quality.

You want a paint that will last and that is made for use on vinyl. We recommend a high quality acrylic exterior paint in one of Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe paint colors, or Benjamin Moore’s Colors for Vinyl palette.

Avoid painting in direct sun

Unless using a paint sprayer, Umana recommends you work in the shade. “If you use a brush or roller in the sun, you can’t move fast enough and the heat will dry the paint too quickly,” he says.

How to Paint Vinyl Windows

Make sure the vinyl is clean and dry, then prime and paint.

1. Thoroughly wash the vinyl with a mild detergent and let it dry. “Make sure that it’s very clean, with no remaining factory oils,” Otto says. She also says to skip sanding, as “this could weaken, scratch or damage the vinyl.”
2. Wipe down the vinyl with denatured alcohol and a rag.
3. Mask off the window glass with painter’s tape. If spraying, use butcher paper and plastic sheeting to protect nearby surfaces from overspray.
4. Apply the primer with a brush, roller or sprayer — whatever method is easiest for you. We’d recommend a paint sprayer for the smoothest finish and to easily coat all the intricate surfaces.
5. Apply two coats of paint once the primer is dry. As with the primer, use a paint sprayer for the best results. A small foam roller is a good alternative if you don’t have access to a paint sprayer.

FAQ

How long do vinyl windows last?

High-quality vinyl windows can last 30 years or longer.

Are wood windows better than vinyl?

Despite the popularity of vinyl windows, wood windows are still considered the “best” industry standard. Wood windows increase a home’s value, can last fifty years or longer and add a natural beauty aesthetic to a home. However, if cost is your most important factor, vinyl windows will be your best choice.

Should I paint or replace my vinyl windows?

If you can afford new windows, vinyl window companies manufacture them in a myriad of colors to complement any home. While you can paint vinyl windows, we recommend spending that money on replacements instead to avoid spending a ton of time and money on fixing the paint job down the line.

About the Experts

• Joseph Umana is the owner of Painting Belen, a residential painting company in Western Massachusetts. Joseph is a licensed Home Improvement Contractor in the State of Massachusetts with nine years experience in the painting industry.
• Rachel Otto is the paint department manager at Fleury Lumber in Easthampton, Massachusetts, specializing in Benjamin Moore products. She has 10 years of industry experience.