Windows are not only a source of light and a necessary element of house finishing, but also its decoration. The appearance of window profiles directly affects how we perceive the façade of the building and its interior. It is commonly believed that aluminium windows are extremely durable and that is true, but it does not mean that they will keep their aesthetic values without our support. Proper care of the windows will ensure the comfort of their use and allow us to enjoy their quality for longer. Painting aluminium windows is a perfect way to do it. We explain why!
How to paint aluminium window frames?
Aluminium is one of the most popular raw materials used for window joinery. Despite its undeniable advantages, like any kind of metal it requires regular refreshing. So, how does painting aluminium window frames look like?
First cleaning, then painting
The principle is simple - do not paint or varnish dirty surfaces. Therefore, even painting aluminium windows is not enough to prolong their durability and appearance if you don't take care of their cleanliness all the time. Dirt, in the long run, damages the surface of the frames, so it is important to clean the windows regularly.
However, before you start cleaning and then painting aluminium window frames, remove any additional fittings or accessories such as handles, knockers and locks. Secure the areas you can't blot by covering the floor around the door and nearby surfaces with tape, foil or tarpaulin.
Do not use acids, detergents, solvents or abrasives to clean aluminium frames. A simple cloth dampened with water and washing-up liquid is suitable for this purpose. In the case of heavier dirt it will be necessary to use products intended for aluminium windows or preparations used for car body care.
Whether the window frames are already painted or you will be painting "bare" aluminium, this thorough cleaning process is absolutely essential for the paint to adhere to the material.
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Once the aluminium window frames are clean, you can start painting them. But be careful when choosing the right product - only paint designed for this purpose is suitable. Ordinary metal enamel is definitely not enough. So, before you choose a product, make sure it's approved by the manufacturer for use on aluminium surfaces.
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Which paint should be used for aluminium window frames?
Paint for aluminium, apart from the fact that it should be intended for painting this material, should meet several other requirements. We should make sure that it is fast-drying and that it provides our windows with a solid protection. If, in addition to that, an anti-corrosive primer is used, an appropriate protection against rust will be achieved.
Such a preparation must also protect aluminium windows against harmful weather conditions - strong wind, rain and snowfall, strong UV radiation. We should also pay attention that it has universal application and is suitable for painting many surfaces. Such multifunctionality will allow us to paint aluminium window frames, but also doors and gates made of this material.
Anthracite-coloured aluminium windows
Painting of aluminium windows
Once we have the right product and have cleaned the frames well, it is time to paint the aluminium window frames. If the surface is not greasy and the other parts of the window are well protected, we can start painting it with an anti-corrosive primer. Use a paintbrush, paint roller or spray. The primer will make a flexible, highly adhesive layer on the aluminium, to which the paint will later easily adhere. It will also strengthen its protective effect - for at least 8 years we can forget about the existence of corrosion.
Note: If you are using spray to paint your aluminium windows you must take care to avoid toxic fumes, only priming and spray painting in well ventilated areas. If possible, wear the necessary goggles, gloves or other protective clothing.
After 3-6 hours, i.e. when the primer has dried, we apply a first thin layer of paint. After another 6 hours, the aluminium is painted a second time, this time with a thicker layer of paint. In most cases, this is enough to protect the aluminium well, but if you are also very concerned about its appearance, you can paint it with another layer of paint (after the previous one has dried, of course).
Once you are satisfied with the results, you can safely remove any masking material, reattach the accessories you removed earlier and check that everything is working as intended.
As you can see, painting aluminium window frames is not a very complicated activity, although it is a bit labour intensive. This is enough to enjoy the aesthetics and functionality of aluminium windows even longer.
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