How To Paint Aluminium Window

Whilst aluminium window frames are highly preferable for their durability and resistance to the elements, their shiny silver colouring is not always the best accessory for the aesthetics of our home. For this reason, a lot of people opt to paint their aluminium windows in a shade that matches the rest of their home's decor. There is a problem with this option, however, as aluminium is not porous, meaning that paint will not stick to it very well.

Before you even think about painting your aluminium windows, you will need to thoroughly clean and prep them for the process. Mix together some powdered soap with warm water and use a clean cloth to remove dirt and other debris from the frames. Use a plastic brush well lubricated with a degreaser to scrub at the aluminium surfaces. Then, rinse the windows with a hose or damp rag and let the whole area dry for at least forty-eight hours. To protect the glass and the surrounding wall, cover the surfaces adjoining the window with masking tape and place a drop cloth on the ground below.

You will need to apply a galvanized metal etching primer to your aluminium window frames using a latex paintbrush. A lot of people also like to mix about half a litre of paint thinner to just under four litres of primer to help it take to the aluminium window and dry faster. This will help the paint to seep into the metal frame and prevent it from peeling off over time. Leave the primer to dry and cure for at least four hours, ensuring that you thoroughly wash the paintbrush you used with clean water.

After the primer has completely dried, you can start applying a coat of an acrylic latex paint to your aluminium windows in your choice of colour. Using the same latex paintbrush that you used earlier is fine. Leave the paint to dry for at least two hours. You may want to apply additional coats of paint, depending on how your windows look and the quality of the brush strokes. Once the paint is dry, remove the masking tape from the window and surrounding wall.

As long as you apply the proper primer over your aluminium windows and allow it sufficient time to dry before apply your paint, this whole process is a relatively easy and painless one. It can easily be completed in a weekend, taking your home instantly from drab to fab.