apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've got the same problem... except mine are bronze. And it's a house so you can see them from the outside too.

Something tells me it's not a good idea to paint them.

I was thinking about painting our (aluminum) replacement windows as well, but did not know how to proceed (paint type? primer?)... hoping that some answers might emerge.

Google results on this:
http://www.finishing.com/112/63.shtml

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4434079532/m/5621031403

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/oldhouse/msg0112005821381.html?8

Same problem here--my architect strongly recommended against it as she said the paint would never stick right (or something like that). I've chosen to believe her for now.

Similar problem... super-cheap, poorly installed vinyl windows-- brown, in my case. When the apt was painted before I bought it, they splashed white paint randomly across the brown frames... *sigh*. Since I'm not replacing the 15 windows just now, I'm wondering if I can paint them brown to cover the splashes, or if there's some way to remove the paint without damaging the vinyl frames? Would love any input on this

hi. i painted mine white. just used regualar trim paing (restoration hardware--the glossier kind. they have 2 finishes.)

it took about 2 or 3 coats but it was so easy. i just painted over it each time it dried. i did this over the summer, and it has gone through heat and cold and there is no flaking.

it made SUCH a difference. brightened up my whole apartment! made the view outside softer instead of framed by gross black aluminum

DO IT!!! don't be scared.

oh, forgot to mention to keep opening and closing them each time you do a coat so the winow doesnt get stuck.

also, cleaning it off the glass is easy. i didn't use tape, i just painted it all messy then scraped it off when i was done. i didn't even have a razor so i used my pancake flipper thing.

my developer installled windows with greenish frames.. even more unfortunate, there is cross-hatching (don't know if this is the right term. whatever separates a pane of glass in to 6 smaller panes) of the same color in between the double-paned glass. i'd rather not be stuck with this greenish color on my interior. has anyone ever had this dilemma?

i had all my windows replaced last year and am loving the draftlessness of it all. i was told by the manufacturer's rep that while i c o u l d paint them (which i took to mean he didn't really know), it would not be good in the long run (repainting, peeling, etc) and that i should choose a color i could live with.
not that satisfactory, but i got white, painted all the trim another shade of white, and used pale shades to go with the whites so as to not jar and call attention to the white white windows.
in the best of all worlds, we could do exactly as we please, but in reality, we make do the best we can. and by we, i mean "me", i do.
so, my advice, for what it's worth, is to leave em alone and get cute curtains.

I work for Sherwin Williams first of all just letting you know, but what you need is some kind of either All-Surface paint or a universal primer. If your interest in an SW product, our All-Surface Enamal would work great. Or oblviously going with a universal metal primer will allow you to use regular old latex paint.

Hey Matthew, thanks!
Would those paints/primers work on vinyl windows as well as metal?

In my experience water based paints will stick like glue to anything plastic. Despite drop sheets, a 'professional' painter managed to splatter ceiling paint on my vinyl floor. While turps easily removed oil paint drops (my fault), NOTHING removed his.

As for metal windows, if they are alumiinium, keep in mind people paint aluminium boats and wall cladding, so the preparation & paint for that job may work for you.

Yep you can paint vinyl frames, I'm not too sure of what paint but if you go too a reputable painting store they should be able to guide you on what paint to get.

For the aluminum frames you can paint them also.
I have used ESP and then primed with a metal primer and painted with gloss paint. Never had seen any chipping in the time I had aluminum frame which was only 2 years.

If you choose the right paint and use a sealer as an undercoat you should have no problems painting them. At the end of the day - if they do not look good as they are painting them has got to be a better option even if you do need to repaint them over time. My theory has always been - paint it!

As a window consultant I don't like painting vinyl windows. When replacing them I always recommend windows where the color or in some cases an attractive interior wood grain are coextruded. The windows that I have been involved in painting were done professionally in a special plant, yet they only are warrantied for 20 years versus a lifetime warranty when coextruded.

I encourage you to go to www.learn-first.com to learn more important issues about windows that are certain to come to bear in the years ahead. Of course as a renter, you have little control regarding window features and quality. If you plan on becoming a homeowner or know homeowners you'll enjoy learning more.