How to Paint Vinyl Windows

Did you ever invest in a project or purchase and realize something was not quite right?  Now multiply that mistake by a few thousand dollars. That’s what happened the day after our new vinyl windows were installed. I realized I had made a huge, expensive mistake. Huge! I ordered oatmeal trim windows instead of the white trim package.

Gasp! I know. 

 

With white casings around our kitchen windows, the almond window trim package was a huge mistake. Did everyone notice the oatmeal shade of trim? And, it was going to bug me. 

The almond color casings set in motion the challenge to figure out how to paint vinyl windows. So I did what I always do when I find myself responsible for a HUGE house related error. I searched online for solutions and told no one in my family. Just like the time I told no one about this online purchase mistake.

My first attempt was to use a paintbrush and white primer and just paint over the almond trim. But with the visible brush strokes, paint drips and the crank handles (which is what I loved about my new windows),  I needed to find an easier way how to paint the vinyl windows.

After a trip to Home Depot, I  grabbed a few white cans of spray paint and said a Hail Mary on the drive home. 

Vinyl Windows Prep

To prep the window, I lightly sanded the vinyl trim and cleaned the window to remove any dust or errant bugs. Neither do well around spray paint.   

I used a spray primer for the first coat and finished with two coats of a primer + white semi-gloss finish. Next time, I will skip the can of primer. The dual primer and paint combo provided great coverage and meant one less step to screw up the window finish.  

And, guess what? Within 10 seconds I knew I had found the best technique, for my skill level and patience, to paint the vinyl windows. The spray paint adhered to the vinyl with a smooth finish. There was a bit of overspray on to the windows, but it was an easy cleanup with a razor blade.  The results were immediate.

I applied two more applications and allowed plenty of dry time.

And the crank on the window, my favorite feature was the section I was most nervous about with the paint. The spray paint went over the window crank like the first coat of a new bottle of OPI nail polish; a smooth finish with instant results.

 

I love it! The hardest part was getting a crisp picture of the white handle in front of the newly painted vinyl window! Love it!

After almost two years the windows still look great. And, no one notices the windows. Which is the best compliment, right. Kind of like when someone gets a little work done and everything thinks she (or he) looks “rested.” wink wink