Spray Painting Sliding uPVC Patio Doors – A Comprehensive Guide
If your patio doors have seen better days, it is natural to consider changing them. However, replacing these doors is expensive, which is why deciding to paint upvc doors and windows is a good idea.
This guide answers if you can paint upvc doors on your patio, and how to achieve the best quality finish with your upvc door and window frame.
Is it possible to spray paint sliding upvc patio doors?
Yes, the simple answer is you can spray paint your upvc door.
The task isn’t too difficult if you take care, and follow the recommended steps. It is possible to hire a professional to spray paint your upvc doors like Revamp Spray, but there is no reason you cannot do this work yourself.
The sliding mechanism will cause some people to worry about painting upvc doors, but if you take your time and keep surfaces you don’t want to paint covered, there is no reason why you cannot achieve success.
What do I need for spray painting upvc doors?
The following items are helpful when spray painting upvc doors:
- Spray paint
- Spray gun or paint sprayer
- Masking tape for glass and key locks
- Covers for floors, surrounding masonry or glass
- Tools such as screwdrivers for removing door handles and locks
- Sealant
- Primer (optional)
When you have all the equipment you need, it is time to spray paint your sliding upvc window or door.
Are you changing colours when you paint upvc windows or door frames?
If you want to match the existing colour of your upvc door, the painting process is simple. However, if you want a different colour when you paint upvc, take time to match colours, test materials and see how it looks after a first coat. You can change colours when you paint upvc windows or sliding doors, but it might take some work. I covered some of the most popular door colors in our previous post.
Essential Tools for Spray Painting uPVC Doors
- Spray paint
- Spray gun or paint sprayer
- Masking tape for glass and key locks
- Covers for floors, surrounding masonry, or glass
- Tools such as screwdrivers for removing door handles and locks
- Sealant
- Primer (optional)
How do I spray paint upvc doors?
The spray-painting process begins with removing door handles. These can be covered up, but given the problems which will arise if paint gets into these mechanisms, it is often best to be safe rather than sorry.
Take time to remove old silicone from the upvc patio door frame, and ensure all surfaces to be painted are thoroughly cleaned. It is worth taking the time to remove dust and carry out a deep clean on this surface.
Ensure all glass and sections that you don’t want to come into contact with paint are covered. Masking tape is useful for covering small or tricky sections.
Steps to Spray Paint uPVC Doors
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you spray paint your uPVC doors flawlessly:
- Preparation: Remove door handles and old silicone from the uPVC patio door frame. Thoroughly clean all surfaces to be painted.
- Covering: Use masking tape to cover all glass and sections that you don’t want to come into contact with the paint.
- Paint Choice: Solvent-based paint is often considered the best for uPVC doors and windows.
- Priming: Although optional, applying a primer can give you an added sense of security.
- Paint Application: Ensure the uPVC paint isn’t too thick before you funnel it into your spray gun or paint sprayer. Spray paint the tricky areas first, then the corner areas. After that, evenly spray paint length and straight sections.
- Finishing Touches: Look for imperfections after the first section is complete, and fix them. Apply as many layers as you think necessary. Once the top coat is dry, add a sealant.
- Reinstallation: After you’re satisfied with the paint work, remove all covers and reinstall the lock and handles to the door. Test the opening mechanism to ensure it works smoothly.
Solvent-based paint is often the best paint for upvc doors and windows
Many experts suggest there is no need to apply a primer to sliding doors before you paint it, but this is down to you. If you’d feel happier applying a primer before painting, feel free to do so. In my experience, If you use a solvent-based paint, this should permeate the first layer of the door, allowing you to paint with confidence. Sanding shouldn’t be required for these doors, but some people believe sanding helps create a smooth finish at the end of the process.
Ensure the upvc paint isn’t too thick, and then funnel it into your spray gun or paint sprayer.
Paint upvc windows and doors with smooth strokes
If there are any obtrusions or difficult shapes, spray paint these areas first. Then, paint the corner areas, ensuring they are completely covered. After this, evenly spray paint length and straight sections. You should apply paint with smooth and long strokes.
You can apply more coats and brush paint for a smooth quality finish
Once the first section is complete, look for imperfections, and resolve these matters. You can add as many layers as you feel is necessary. If you want darker colours, or you are switching from a dark to light colour, say a brown to a white door, one coat is unlikely to be enough, you’ll need a second coat or more.
After you apply the top coat, allow time for it to completely dry, and then add a sealant. If your patio door is exposed to harsh weather conditions, this protection will save time, money and wear in the long term.
When you are satisfied with the paint work, remove all covers and reinstall the lock and handles to the door. Test the opening mechanism to ensure it works smoothly.
Does your doors face the sun?
For many people, their patio comes to life when the sun shines, so it makes sense that many doors are exposed to a lot of sunlight. If this sounds like your home, invest in UV-resistant paint, which will better protect your doors from the suns’ rays.
It is nice to enjoy the heat on a patio, but the right paint applies a perfect finish and an energy efficient addition to your home.
Why do people paint sliding doors?
The reasons behind painting sliding doors are often the same reasons why people paint upvc window frames, upvc doors, guttering, soffits etc. The doors might have seen better days, perhaps there is peeling paint, but are still in good condition. The cost of replacing patio frames or doors is expensive, so if spraying a coat of paint revitalises them, it makes sense to change colour every so often.
You also have people looking to make their home more appealing, or they want to change the appearance of their home. No matter the reason for painting sliding doors, it is straightforward.
How long does upvc paint last on sliding patio doors?
Given there are many variables involved with painting a upvc window or door, you can’t state for sure how long each spraying job will last. However, when done well, you can expect many years. Professionals often provide a ten-year guarantee for painted sliding door frames, which is a good benchmark.
FAQs – Spray Painting Sliding uPVC Patio Doors
Summary
In this comprehensive guide, I’ve shared valuable insights on how to spray paint sliding uPVC patio doors effectively. I’ve confirmed that anyone can undertake this DIY project with the right patience and tools. The necessary equipment for this task has been listed clearly. Additionally, I’ve guided how to choose the perfect color for your uPVC doors. The article thoroughly explains the step-by-step process of painting these doors – starting from preparation, selecting the right paint, optional priming, correct application of paint, adding the finishing touches, and finally reinstallation. I’ve also addressed frequently asked questions about painting uPVC doors. Through this guide, I aim to simplify the task of spray painting sliding uPVC patio doors, enabling homeowners to enhance their doors affordably and efficiently.