uPVC Painting Help
Prior to making a decision to paint or repair your uPVC windows or doors, we kindly request that you review our informative blog titled "uPVC Painting Help.
While it may be tempting to undertake a DIY approach to save money, it is crucial to prioritise the quality of the finish.
At Spraylux, we offer significant savings of up to 90% compared to purchasing new uPVC windows or doors. While choosing the DIY option may potentially save you even more, it is essential to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks. Hand-painting uPVC, wood or metal surfaces can result in visible brush marks and an overall unprofessional finish.
To assist you in achieving the best possible DIY finish should you still decide to 'do it yourself', we have compiled a list of helpful tips and guidelines.
Please refer to our blog for detailed instructions and recommendations.
Contents
1. DIY Spray Painting
2. DIY Hand Painting
3. Hire a uPVC Spray Painter
Your uPVC Painting Options
1. DIY Spray Painting - Should I spray paint myself?
Spray painting uPVC is a specialized skill that requires proper training and expertise. It is not a task that can be simply learned from watching YouTube videos. Spray painting training courses provide comprehensive knowledge and cover essential aspects of the process, including:
Spray Gun Set Up - In it's most basic form, this refers to the quantity of air used, the width of the fan, and the management of the paint.
Spray Painting Speeds - The application of each coat necessitates a distinct speed. (Apply the mist coat swiftly, the second coat gradually, and the third coat slowly). The gun configuration will differ for each coat.
Paint mixing - The 2K paint, hardener, thinner, and any other required solutions must be mixed in a specific ratio. Failure to do so may result in costly and time-consuming issues, such as orange peel or paint runs. It is crucial to verify the compatibility of all solutions employed, as well as their suitability to each specific project.
Overlapping - To achieve a uniform and consistent finish, 2K paint should be applied with a consistent and even spread. Overlapping each section by 50% will help to avoid gaps and maintain a consistent colour throughout the surface. It is important to keep the spray gun in continuous motion to prevent the formation of brighter or darker areas.
Consistency - It requires a considerable amount of practice to become accustomed to the process. However, it is essential to maintain consistent hand movements throughout. Pausing, even momentarily, at the beginning or end of each section will result in areas of increased brightness (flashing).
Reveals - The most challenging aspect of spraying the reveals lies in the meticulous setup of the spray gun. It is crucial to adjust the pressure, fan width, and paint flow rate to achieve optimal accuracy and precision when applying the product. For a flawless, factory-like finish, it is essential to execute the spraying of the reveals with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Overspray - During the spraying process, the paint will reach the product and spread throughout the work area, potentially reaching the opposite side of the room in indoor environments. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper masking techniques, utilise a hand guard for spraying reveals, and place protective sheets around the work area to prevent unwanted paint spread.
uPVC Spray Painting Start Up Cost
One significant consideration is the financial investment required for a uPVC spray painting setup. To achieve a high-quality finish, the necessary materials can easily exceed 10k. This includes essential equipment and supplies to ensure professional-grade results. It is crucial to carefully evaluate this aspect before embarking on a uPVC spray painting project.
2. Hand Painting uPVC Or Wooden Doors and Windows
Consider this option if you intend to paint your windows, doors, or garage yourself. It's important to note that approximately 10% of our customers who attempted to hand-paint their uPVC windows and doors incurred additional costs due to the extensive preparations required in order for us to rectify the work. In this section, we will guide you through achieving the best possible finish if you choose to hand-paint. However, it's crucial to reiterate that a hand-painted finish will never match the quality of a spray-painted finish.
Important note to take into consideration: Please note that if you choose to hand paint and are not satisfied with the finish, you may need to hire a uPVC Spray Painting Specialist. In this case, there will be an additional preparation cost to sand down the previously painted product before starting again. This could increase the total cost of the project by approximately 20-40%.
Hand Painting uPVC Step By Step:
Prior to painting, sanding may be necessary for previously painted surfaces, peeling, dents, or noticeable damage. The severity of the damage will determine the appropriate grit sandpaper to begin with, potentially starting with 80 grit and progressing through 120, 180, 240, 360, and 500 grit as needed.
SANDING
FILLIING
To achieve a seamless finish comparable to a new door, it is crucial to employ the appropriate filler. For uPVC surfaces, utilise plastic filler, while wooden surfaces require wooden filler. To ensure a smooth and even surface, meticulously fill any imperfections, such as cracks, dents, and areas where previous paint has been removed. Prior to sanding, diligently fill any dents or cracks, and subsequently address any remaining uneven areas.
DUST REMOVAL
Now that you have completed the filling and sanding processes, it is essential to remove any residual dust from the product prior to cleaning. Tack Clothes are a highly effective tool for this purpose, as they effortlessly absorb and remove dust particles.
CLEANING
Following the dust removal process, a thorough surface cleaning is required. We strongly advise the utilization of HG cleaner and Degreaser wipes for optimal results. Pay close attention to the indents and edges, as these areas are particularly susceptible to paint failure.
TAPING
It is essential to employ appropriate tools for the task at hand. Q1 tape stands as the superior choice in the market. Its reduced propensity for causing damage to the product being protected facilitates the achievement of precise and clean lines. Conversely, the use of sellotape would yield undesirable results. Accuracy is paramount during the taping process. Masking tape may be necessary when adhering to brickwork.
PAINTING
The time has come to commence the painting process. To ensure the longevity of the paint, it is recommended to utilize 2K paint, which provides protection against UV radiation and corrosion damage. Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers to achieve an even coating on the product. If feasible, remove any detachable components such as door handles and letterboxes to streamline the process and enhance the overall finish. Aim to apply three coats of paint. Upon completion of the third coat, carefully remove the tape away from the painted areas, to avoid marking the newly painted product.
Opting to hire a uPVC Spray Painter will result in significant cost savings, potentially up to 90% compared to purchasing new replacements. Furthermore, you will save valuable time and effort compared to undertaking the task yourself, eliminating the risk of additional expenses due to an unsatisfactory finish.
Approximately 10% of our clients contact us to rectify tasks they were unable to complete on their own.
By adhering to the aforementioned Hand Painting Tips, you can achieve an improved finish; however, it will not surpass the caliber of a professional uPVC Spray Painting Finish.
At Spraylux, we take pride in our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring swift, efficient, and considerate service. Our pricing is fair and transparent, and we provide a comprehensive 10-year warranty for your peace of mind.
While we understand the option of replacing your products may be considered, unless they are damaged or you seek an upgrade from single to double glazing for example, it is generally unnecessary. Replacing windows and doors can incur significantly higher costs, including installation and potential redecoration expenses. Additionally, replacement products tend to fade more rapidly compared to the durable paint we employ.
It is noteworthy that several window and door companies engage our uPVC Spray Painting Service to extend the lifespan of their products.
Should you require our professional spray painting services, please do not hesitate to contact us for a complimentary quotation.
Thanks for reading uPVC painting help :)