Should I spray this uPVC window frame grey?

FreeBear

Tali1989 said:

FreeBear said:

To get rid of the diamond patterned glass, you can simply change the sealed units (the glass) for plain ones. Probably cost less than £20 for each unit (plus fitting).

Dark colours will absorb more heat from sunshine - This will increase the amount of expansion in the frames. As for painting them grey,you do realise that a growing number of people consider it to be naff.

Oh right, do you know where I can buy the individual panes that cheap?

Any local glazing supplier should be able to produce sealed units to the dimensions you give them. Failing that, look up your nearest window doctor/repair man (they will also fit for an additional fee).

twopenny

What you have to remember is that grey is just a fashion.
These fashions last just 5-6yrs. We're already at that point.
So when it's last years colour, can it be removed? Or will it have to be all new windows at cost a bomb?

Oh how I remember the must have glass blocks, the abstract multi colour of the 70s, the everything brown of the 80s, the lime green and yellow of the 90s.

Slinky

We have grey window frames, with the walls rendered in a cream colour at the bottom, and with split faced slate mosaic tiles across the top of the house. Not bothered about it looking dated in a few years time, anything is better than the 1960s green concrete hung tiles that were there before. It has got many compliments.

BarelySentientAI

BarelySentientAI said:

There's a house on my street had their windows changed from white to grey.  Looks a bit funny the first time you notice, like something is different but you can't spot what, but I think it looks pretty good.



That's the 'before' - I can nip out and get an 'after' photograph if it's close enough stonework to yours to be useful for comparison.

Turns out I'd misremembered and it was actually a light green.  A few others nearby are similar:

ThisIsWeird

BarelySentientAI said:

BarelySentientAI said:

There's a house on my street had their windows changed from white to grey.  Looks a bit funny the first time you notice, like something is different but you can't spot what, but I think it looks pretty good.



That's the 'before' - I can nip out and get an 'after' photograph if it's close enough stonework to yours to be useful for comparison.

Turns out I'd misremembered and it was actually a light green.  A few others nearby are similar:

Interesting that they changed from sash-style windows. Doesn't strike me as a positive aesthetic move for such a traditional-looking property.

BarelySentientAI

ThisIsWeird said:

BarelySentientAI said:

BarelySentientAI said:

There's a house on my street had their windows changed from white to grey.  Looks a bit funny the first time you notice, like something is different but you can't spot what, but I think it looks pretty good.



That's the 'before' - I can nip out and get an 'after' photograph if it's close enough stonework to yours to be useful for comparison.

Turns out I'd misremembered and it was actually a light green.  A few others nearby are similar:

Interesting that they changed from sash-style windows. Doesn't strike me as a positive aesthetic move for such a traditional-looking property.

There's a bit of a mix around as people have changed.  Mine were timber when I moved in, looking very much like their 'before' shot, but I kept the same glazing structure when replacing with uPVC - although I didn't keep the sash horns.  I don't think anyone has leading though like the OP wanted rid of.

ThisIsWeird

I like Tali's leading. It's not at all 'fussy', but the simple geometric pattern (a bit Mackintosh furniture-ish) adds enough interest to what would otherwise be a very ordinary window - no offence  

I also think the leading will fit in with anthracite surrounds better - the lead colour will match, after all.

The only thing 'wrong' with Tali's windows is that they look like PVC. Anthraciting them will help with that too.

chrisw

I think the 'before' looks a lot better. More like a cosy house than a stark prison.

ThisIsWeird

Tali1989 said:

Here’s another picture (would prefer not to show more of the house), my main concern is the strange pattern in the opening pattern of the windows (OP pic) and how it would look if the frames are painted grey, any thoughts on this? 

My plan is to use a brand called WRX (https://amzn.eu/d/iFONeMu)

Anyone know if this is likely to last a long time / look good compared to having it done professionally?

Check that it's 'satin' and not gloss - both are mentioned.

Spraying will need serious masking-off, so make sure you know what's involved.

Preparation is literally key - best to use an abrasive method that does remove the very smooth finish. A scourer should do.

I think 'Plastikote' has a good repute for adhering to PVC? Rust-Oleum ditto.

I would still suggest using a foam mini-roller, rolled out thinly, and pressure eased off as you finish - you'll get a very even finish, and the paint layer will be thicker than spray. It'll need at least a couple of coats either way, tho'.

I'd still keep that leading. I really would.

Albermarle

chrisw said:

I think the 'before' looks a lot better. More like a cosy house than a stark prison.

Another vote for 'before' !