Advice for painting old style aluminium windows?

Wkmg

I've got nasty old aluminium double glazed windows. I will replace them eventually but it's not in the budget at the moment. What's the best way to paint them white? Currently they're bare aluminium.

robinwales

I have painted several things that others claim you shouldn't paint. I painted the external soil pipes (from bathroom) to make them the same colour as the rendered wall. I used masonry paint on the plastic pipes, but you need some form of gloss paint for metal.

I'd go to a good local paint shop and see what the paint options are, or you could ring Dulux and ask their tech department. You need to clean the frames properly and remove any loose particles. You might need to use a primer first as it is bare metal. You will also need a reasonable 'key' to the surface by rubbing down with a suitable sandpaper.

Aluminium is a non-ferrous metal (no iron) and this Dulux paint sounds as if it might be suitable, but I'd ask a paintshop before you buy anything. https://www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/dulux-trade-metalshield-gloss

FreeBear

robinwales said: You might need to use a primer first as it is bare metal. You will also need a reasonable 'key' to the surface by rubbing down with a suitable sandpaper.

On aluminium, an etching primer should be used. Quite likely that the frames are anodised, in which case, I would caution against rubbing down. A wipe down with paint thinner (compatible with the etch primer) should be enough.

Bendy_House

As FB says - a thorough clean (even something like Cif if it's needed), no keying required (and best avoided), an aerosol of etch primer, and ditto of top coat.

Nice straight edges to mask off very easily?

All these products are freely available - perhaps look at car products? I'd choose a 'satin' finish paint, I think.

Could you show us some before-and-afters, pleeeeeez?

Eldi_Dos

My first thoughts were treat them as if doing car repair with cleaning off ,masking up then several light sprays of paint.

My second thoughts were could you burnish the aluminum frames to a shine,some of the finishes you see on bike parts are eye catching. Wonder what other peoples thoughts are if this is doable on window frames.

Wkmg

Thanks guys. I'll do some more research and give it a go later in the summer. Will let you know how it goes.