Can Vinyl Replacement Windows Be Painted?

Summer is a great time to give your home a refresh, and one of the best ways to spruce up your home is with a fresh coat of paint. However, there are some considerations you need to make before you paint your home, such as what can and cannot be painted. In particular, whether you can or cannot paint vinyl windows. In this article, you will learn about the pros and cons of vinyl windows and whether you should or should not paint them. 

About Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl windows are a popular choice for homeowners for a number of reasons. Apart from their high energy efficiency and modest price point, vinyl windows come in a variety of colors, grids and hardware options that give homeowners the benefit of being able to customize the look of their home. Vinyl windows are low maintenance, they are easy to clean and don’t require painting or re-coating. 

Here are some of the pros and cons of vinyl replacement windows:

Pros

• Minimal maintenance
• Available in a range of colors
• Affordable with a great ROI
• Good thermal protection
• Energy efficient

• Some historical areas do not allow vinyl window replacements
• Cheaper vinyl windows can be less than robust
• Most manufacturers will say vinyl windows cannot be painted a new color once installed

The answer depends on who you ask. Painters will say of course you can paint vinyl replacement windows, but most vinyl window manufacturers will give a resounding no when asked if vinyl replacement windows can be painted once installed. Some manufacturers will say painting the vinyl windows will cause them to absorb more heat, which can ultimately damage them.  In most cases, painting vinyl windows will void your warranty, so it is certainly worth checking with your manufacturer. Other risks of painting vinyl windows include:

• Flaking and peeling
• Damaging window frames
• Glass breaking
• Warping the frame

If you are looking to paint your vinyl windows because they are chipped – this will likely fall under warranty (depending on how long your warranty is). If it is after the warranty period is over and you are not concerned about voiding your warranty, then painting your vinyl windows might be an option. However, it is still likely it will make your windows less effective.

So, if you do not paint your vinyl windows, what are your options?

Consider Replacing Your Windows

In most cases, whether you are looking to cover up chips or scratches in the vinyl, or whether you are painting your home a different color, replacing your vinyl windows will be the best option. While replacing your windows is more expensive, the investment will save you money in the long-run. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of replacing your windows is their great return on investment (ROI). A recent report from the National Association of Realtors revealed that new vinyl windows offer an 80% ROI.

Finding The Right Window Replacement Contractor

There are a number of ways to find the right window replacement contractor. Asking friends and colleagues for recommendations is one way, or you can check out reviews on sites like Angie’s List or Houzz, if you want to find information about how contractors have worked on past projects and what previous customers have to say.

Also, make sure your contractor is licensed. Before you hire them, it is important you ask to see their license and proof of insurance. Once you have their licensing number, you can check to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.