What may seem like a run-of-the-mill home improvement project can turn into a household disaster quickly without the proper information. Painting your vinyl windows is a hotly debated topic, and there is definitely a right and wrong way to do it. To answer the question, “can I paint vinyl windows?” the answer is: maybe. If done correctly, painting vinyl windows can be a great home improvement project, but it comes with strings attached. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of painting vinyl, what it means for your warranty, and how to decide if painting your vinyl windows is right for you.
What Are Vinyl Windows?
An alternative to expensive wood windows, vinyl windows, made out of a plastic material called PVC, were invented in the 1970s as a cheaper and arguably more appealing alternative. Vinyl is one of the strongest and most damage-resistant framing materials, minimizing the risk of cracking, chipping, and warping. PVC vinyl windows are especially great in climates that witness a dramatic temperature change between the summer and winter months. Not only are vinyl windows cheaper upfront, but they also help you save on your energy bills, thanks to the insulation built in the frame.
The Pros and Cons of Painting Vinyl Windows
While painting your vinyl windows may be tempting, hearing about the labor, preparation, and potential risks that go into this project may change your mind. Without taking all the proper steps necessary first, this simple project could turn into an expensive repair, or worse, a window replacement. We’ll go through the pros and cons of painting your vinyl windows and what that can mean for the longevity of your windows, the demand of the project, and the warranty.
Pros: Most vinyl windows that are installed are in white frames, so it doesn’t leave much room for customization. Luckily, painting your vinyl windows can help match their appearance to the exterior of your home for a sleek, complementary look. Painting your vinyl windows can add to your curb appeal, and if done right, can help in the resale value of your home, considering the windows have been prepped to be repainted.
Cons: Even if painted correctly, there are still reasons you may regret painting your vinyl windows. In some cases, painting your vinyl windows will void the warranty. Choosing the wrong paint can lead to sun degradation, chipping, blistering, or fading, which is difficult to repair. Additionally, once you paint your windows, it cannot be reversed. To ensure the paint properly sticks, sanding them down is necessary, and PVC is not easy to mend back to its formerly sleek surface.
Is Painting Vinyl Windows Right For You?
So now that you’ve learned the pros and cons of painting vinyl windows, you may be wondering if this is a project you want to undertake. Take into consideration how often you change the color palette of your home — if you’re someone who likes to repaint often, choose a vinyl window frame that complements a variety of color palettes. Repainting your vinyl windows repeatedly, especially with the wrong paint, can damage them over time which can be expensive to repair. Additionally, painting vinyl windows is no easy feat. From properly sanding the surface to choosing the right paint, primer, and color to actually applying paint to PVC, there are many opportunities for error without consulting a professional painting contractor. Luckily, Mad City Windows offers a variety of frame styles and colors, so you may not have to paint at all!
No matter if you choose to paint your vinyl windows or not, vinyl windows are great energy savers and enhance the style and functionality of your home. Just like you wouldn’t let an amateur paint your vinyl windows, don’t leave your replacement windows to just anyone — Mad City is here to provide world-class products and stellar customer satisfaction, courtesy of our professionally trained, factory-certified window installers.
Call us to find out more about our vinyl windows, or request your free
in-home consultation and quote by submitting our simple online form now.
