Are you tired of your old uPVC front door? Sick to death of coming home to that boring white uPVC every day? Or maybe you went different at first, opting for that timeless classic (that turned out not to be so timeless after all), the brown uPVC exterior doors, and now, unsurprisingly, you want a change...
Throughout our step-by-step guide, we'll explain exactly how to paint a upvc door in a way that's much easier than most people first assume. And, if you're not a fan of that DIY lifestyle, we'll also include information about how we here at Revamp Spray can help you - so the 'too-busy-for-all-that-painting-nonsense' among you can head to the bottom of the article now for the details.
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There are plenty of people that assume painting uPVC doors isn't safe, or even possible at all. Thankfully, they're wrong.
Whilst painting a uPVC door is certainly more difficult than painting other surfaces like wood, you can still do it so long as you use uPVC paint and know what you're doing.
Because you're painting an exterior surface, you need good quality paint that's hard wearing and has better expansion properties than other paints (due to the need for thermal expansion to be accounted for - where your door and paint will be affected by different weather conditions). But we'll talk more about that in the following sections.
Helpful tip: You can also paint uPVC windows at the same time using the same method and paint. So whilst today we're focussing on painting a uPVC door, the skills you'll learn below are interchangeable and can provide you with the best possible finish that'll transform not only your uPVC doors, but your whole house and all its window frames too!
Now you know that it's safe, it's time to talk about painting uPVC front doors for the perfect finish.
Before we begin painting, though, you need to understand the painting process and the importance of paying particular attention to the best paint to use, and the best way to apply that paint for a good finish.
And to do that, you'll need the right tools for the job...
It's key that you remove any door furniture before you get started - that means your door handle, your door letter box, and any ornate knockers you might have.
If you feel like replacing them, nows the best time to do it too. You can completely transform the look of your uPVC door with just some paint and some new accessories - and it's a much more reasonable price than a whole new door.
If you do decide to replace your door furniture, then don't put the new ones on just yet. That'd be like washing brand new clothes in a mud bath... Once the door is painted and dry, then you can add on all your new fancy bits.
Next up, it's time to clean, sand and prep the door. Start by simply using a brush to wipe over your uPVC door. This will remove the most obvious dust and debris and stop it from getting stuck in your paint colours later.
Then you'll want to take a bucket of hot soapy water to clean your uPVC door and door frame. Dry the door completely before attempting to sand.
By lightly sanding your uPVC doors, you achieve two things. First, any peeling paint will be a thing of the past, creating a smooth surface for a smooth finish later. And second, you create a slightly rougher texture on the surface of the front door, which is needed for your paint and primer to stick effectively.
To finish off this preparation stage, take your masking tape and cover anything you don't want painting. Glass panels are a must, but so too are any details you can't remove from the door easily. If you don't want a coat of paint on it, then mask it up!
There are so many different types of paint out there in many different designer shades that we couldn't possibly include a thorough guide in this post. What we can do, though, is implore you to PLEASE check the info on the paint you pick out. Specifically, make sure it mentions uPVC or else it probably won't last.
Once you've found a suitable uPVC paint, you'll also need to check if a primer is necessary or not. In most cases, you'll probably need a primer to paint a uPVC door simply because it's a notoriously tricky surface for paint to stick to. Get it right with a light sanding and the right paint/primer, though, and you'll be fine.
The paints you'll find out there will come in a variety of colours, so pick the right colour for you and your house. Look for a paint that's low maintenance too, and one with good thermal expansion properties. You might also find paints that guarantee results on the first coat, and others that need a second coat to look the part - READ THE LABELS. You'll get burned if you don't (and yes, I'm talking from experience...).
The final thing to focus on with the paint is the finish. You can get exterior gloss, quick dry satin, matte, and just about everything in between. So pay attention to this when you're picking out the paint for your uPVC front door. Check out our article about 2k Paint and Intumescent Paint.
Now that the prep and paint are both sorted, it's time to actually get on with the task at hand. Remember, this is not a rush job. You'll need to take your time with it to avoid unsightly brush marks or accidentally ruining uPVC doors and windows with paint in places it shouldn't be.
To start, check your paint again to see if a primer is necessary. If it is, apply your primer now using a brush. Brush marks are a concern here still, despite the possible two coats of paint you're also about to apply, because you can make the surface of the uPVC front door uneven if you're not careful.
Once the primer is on (or once you've determined that it isn't necessary thanks to those ever-helpful paint labels), you can apply the paint. Using a brush or roller here is simply preference. Either way, you run the risk of leaving marks on the surface once the uPVC front door is painted, so just pick the method you're most comfortable with and take your time.
If your paint only needs one coat to cover the front door, then simply apply it and leave it to dry. If a second coat is necessary, then you'll have to wait for the first coat to dry completely before painting a uPVC door again. This could take anywhere from one hour to a couple, depending on the paint.
Also, you should be aware that the colour you choose might affect how many coats are necessary for your uPVC doors. White uPVC will always be easier to paint, of course, but if you want to take your uPVC door from a dark black to a light green, then it may need to be painted multiple times to get to the colour you want.
Helpful tip: No matter what paint you're using, you should ALWAYS paint uPVC doors and windows when it's a clear, dry day, and the temperature is above 10 degrees. The science behind this is a little boring, but essentially, if you don't, then the beautiful green door you just painted might be nothing more than a pea soup on your front step the next morning. So pick your day wisely before you paint uPVC doors and windows.
Thanks to our helpful weather and temperature tip above, your uPVC door should dry and be fully cured in no time. Once a uPVC door has been painted, it's important to wait until it's fully dry before replacing the door furniture.
Once the handle is back on, your letter box is gleaming, and your knocker is ready for knocking, your transformation is complete!
Now, for all those DIY-averse people out there, let's just talk about painting your own uPVC door versus having the professionals come in and do it for you.
If you've a steady hand, the time, and the patience to paint your door yourself, then you can absolutely do it with ease. And good luck to you!
But if you don't have those things (or you do, but you don't have the get-up-and-go to get up and get it), then that's where we come in.
Here at Revamp Spray, we professionally spray your uPVC door (and/or windows) to transform the colour and the overall look. And all without the risk of brush marks or unsightly mistakes. We're pros, and we know how to deliver a factory finish every time.
Still need convincing? Then let us quick fire some reasons why our customers love us already:
The results we deliver are second to none. By using a spray paint, we're able to apply your desired colours in no time at all, and it's always as smooth as butter!
We're not suggesting your home needs a facelift, but there's no denying that a little work in the front and a little work in the back will always catch a stranger's eye...
Spraying your door or windows will always deliver results faster than when it's being hand painted.
Don't let a bad paint job take up your time and additional money. Mistakes are costly, but we don't make them, so that's why hiring us to complete the work for you can save you so much time and potentially money.
If you have a uPVC door that needs a new colour to breathe some life into it, then you have two options.
1: Take the advice from this helpful blog post and do it yourself - remembering to thank your good friends at Revamp Spray for our expert advice.
2: Contact us today and we'll handle the transformation for you.
Whichever you decide, you'll end up with a beautiful front door. If you go it alone, good luck. And if you decide to work with us, we can't wait to hear from you!
