Reasons why people paint uPVC door
We all want our home to look nice and the look of the front door is really important. A fresh coat of paint sounds like an easy fix for an old and tired uPVC door, or just one with an awful colour. Perhaps whoever replaced the door last didn't match it to your windows and it clashes.
Whatever the specific reason, most of the time people paint uPVC doors to give their home a fresh look. After all, you'd repaint a timber door for the same reason, so it stands to reason that you can do the same with a uPVC door, right? Well, not always.
Is it a good idea to paint uPVC doors?
While you can paint a uPVC door, and it won't necessarily damage the uPVC, we don't recommend it as a solution. You have to use specific paint, which can be costly, and this finish will then require touch ups over time, even completely repainting, just like a timber door. Basically, you're making what was a very low-maintenance door and turning it into a pretty high maintenance door.
Using the wrong paint can result in a worse look than you had to begin with. Standard paints can peel and crack easily and won't even adhere in some cases. Also, if you're not a confident DIY-er, then you can very easily end up making it worse, with an uneven or patchy finish.
Another reason why it isn't a good idea to paint your uPVC door, is that in most cases it voids your warranty. If your door is still under warranty, check with your documents before painting, otherwise you might not be covered if anything goes wrong with the door. We've got plenty of colour options to suit your home in our door range.
What to do before painting a uPVC door
If you still want to paint your uPVC door, here are the things you should do before you start:
Warranty checks
If you door is still under warranty, painting it will likely void that. Review your warranty documents before sanding, priming, or applying paint.
Current surface condition
Check for signs of wear like cracks, fading, warping, scratches, dents, or discoloration. These issues can affect how long the paint adheres and how long it will last.
Sanding
Because uPVC is smooth, that makes it harder for paint to stick to it. In a lot of cases, you will probably have to lightly sand the surface to make sure the paint actually sticks.
Choose the right paint
It's important you choose the right paint to paint a uPVC door. Flexible, durable options like polyurethane or acrylic paints can cope better with thermal expansion and weathering. Spraying is also recommended for a better finish, so make sure you cover glazing before applying.
Check the weather
Obviously you shouldn't paint in the pouring rain but it's also not a good idea to paint when it's too hot either. Don't paint in hot weather of direct sunlight as this impacts the finish.
Common problems with painted uPVC doors
Like we say, we don't recommend painting uPVC doors. Now we've told you what to do before you paint, here are some common issues you may run into if you decide to paint them:
Poor adhesion and peeling
You tend to see this if you use the wrong paint, don't sand the door to help the paint stick, or you paint in the wrong conditions. Sometimes poor painting skills can come into play - for example if you've put too much paint on the door, the finish can look messy, crack more easily and even peel.
Patchiness or uneven coverage
We all approach decorating projects with the best intentions, but we're not all brilliant at it. If you're not confident in your painting skills or you don't have the right brushes, you could end up making your door look worse than when you started. Uneven coverage and a patchy finish can make a door look awful.
Weathering
If you use the wrong paint or paint in the wrong weather, the paint job will never look great. Worse still, using the wrong paint can ruin your paintwork and make it look awful. Even the right paint finish isn't as durable as the original uPVC finish, and over time it'll get weathered and you'll need to repaint.
Damage
While the paint itself doesn't damage uPVC doors, the preparation for painting probably will. You will probably need to give the uPVC a light sanding to help with adhesion, permanently damaging the uPVC. This could cause longer term damage and make your door weaker than before.
When replacing the door is the better option
If your door is old, weathered, warped, damaged, insecure, or no longer suits the property then replacement is probably the best option. Repainting a door is often, but almost always in the case of uPVC, a temporary fix. Older doors can be harder to close or even less secure, leaving your home vulnerable to intruders.
Painting over damage is also never a good idea, as a damaged door needs to be replaced to keep your home dry and secure. Safestyle modern uPVC doors are a great way to refresh your home. They come with plenty of colours, security features and insulation benefits.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote.
Paint or replace your uPVC doors?
While uPVC doors can be painted, it’s not always the best option for long-term. We definitely don't recommend it. Painting can refresh the look of a uPVC door but it runs the risk of voiding a warranty and turning an easy maintenance door into a high maintenance one.
Painting uPVC doors FAQs
The best way to paint a uPVC door is to clean and sand the surface, then apply a suitable primer designed for uPVC. Use high-quality paint specifically designed for plastics and allow proper drying time. If you're not confident with a brush, spraying can get the best results.
Use a high-quality exterior paint designed for plastic or uPVC surfaces. These paints are designed for adhesion and durability. The best kinds are polyurethane based or specialist acrylic. The paint need to be able to expand and contract, be durable for everyday wear and be sufficiently weather resistant.
Yes, light sanding and priming are essential before painting a uPVC door. Sanding helps create a rough surface for better adhesion, while a primer designed for uPVC helps further. Careful not to sand too hard or use thick grade sandpaper as this will ruin the surface and make it rough.
In many cases, painting a uPVC door may void the warranty. Take a look at your warranty documents provided by the door’s manufacturer or installer before you paint.
If the door is simply faded but in good condition, painting can be a good option for a cosmetic refresh. However, if the door is old, damaged, or no longer meets your security needs, replacement may be a better long-term investment.
Yes, uPVC door frames can be painted, but the same considerations apply: proper preparation and the right type of paint are crucial for good results. Consider using a paint designed specifically for uPVC or plastic surfaces.