Paint | Vinyl Windows
Hi there~ a few months ago I posted my huge mistake when I ordered new windows and the window color we selected was almond. The original post is HERE, but for those on a tight timeline here is the picture of the two windows above my sink. We had these crank windows installed last summer by Home Depot (for 1/2 the cost and they offer lifetime replacements). I couldn’t get past the contrast between the color of the windows and the trim.
Here’s a closer look. It was driving me crazy!
My first attempt was a big fail and I was a little worried because it wasn’t like I could just buy new windows. I sanded both windows with a 200 grit sandpaper and cleaned both windows several times. I used Kilz primer in the can and brushed it on. As a base coat it was okay, but when I sanded a 2nd time and went back over it with the primer I started to get drips, the ones that dry overnight. So I lightly re-sanded and wiped them down and purchased these. I bought 2 cans of primer and 2 cans of glossy white.
Important note: I highly recommend you clean your gutters BEFORE painting your windows. Trust me, you don`t want any debris or dirt in the gutters to fall onto freshly painted windows, causing imperfections or requiring redoing the work. It is best to get in touch with a professional gutter contractor for this task.
This was so easy it was like frosting a cake. No it was easier than frosting a cake! And, in almost no time. It took more time to clean and sand the vinyl for the first coat of primer. And, I just went over what I had already started with the brushed on primer. I sprayed two coats of primer and followed with 2 coats on gloss white. I know most of you know this but make sure the primer works on vinyl or composite surfaces. I am sooo excited with the results!
The best part of the spray paint is how much easier it was to spray the handles and locking mechanisms. They were a real PITA (pain in the a$$) to paint with a brush, but the spray paint went on like hairspray! Once the spray paint dried I took a razor’s edge and cleaned the remnants of spray paint right off.
I am so proud of this project. I found very few blog posts or articles on painting vinyl windows so I hope this helps! I am very proud of the results.
Hi Laura,
I just stumbled upon this post and I’m wondering how you kept the overspray off the glass and walls? I have the same problem in my home and I’m considering painting the windows. You mentioned using a razor to clean up but I’m not sure that will written for all surfaces. Thank you!!
Loving your blog and home- Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jo- I would love to tell you I wrapped adjacent walls with plastic or painter’s painter.. but I did not. Any spray paint that hit the edges of the walls I touched up with paint. I have done several windows and I just make sure I have touch up paint on hand! Thanks for stopping by! laura
I’m curious how the spray paint is holding up? I did the same thing & am regretting the almond. I have a feeling my husband would never let me paint the brand new windows though.
They are holding up very well (handles too). I was very nervous too because they were brand new, but the almond drove me nuts. I did it on an older,smaller bathroom window first to see how the spray paint adhered. No regrets! laura
Thank you for this. Very helpful. I too bought almond windows from HD and regret not going white. Going to do the exact same thing as you! Looks great, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Irene! It has worked out very well! laura