Because Pella windows are designed to be maintenance free, you may find yourself asking, "Can I paint the exterior of Pella Windows", if you decide to change the color of your home. The answer depends on the type of windows you have installed.
Types of Pella Windows
Pella windows fall into three basic categories:
- Aluminum clad wood
- Fiberglass
- Vinyl
Each category has its own properties and design elements which can enhance the appearance of your home. Aluminum clad wood windows are designed to be real wood inside, but aluminum outside to cut down on the amount of maintenance you have to perform. Fiberglass windows give you the look of textured, painted wood also in a maintenance free finish. Vinyl window casings are available in white and almond only, and have a color which goes straight through the frame. They offer the greatest durability, but the fewest design options.
Why Paint Your Exterior Windows
In many exterior painting schemes, the window casements can play a big part in the home's design. Many older architectural models place the darkest color on the window casements, and lighten outward from there. Newer homes will frequently have the lightest tone that is still present in the rest of the color scheme placed on the casing.
While Pella windows and storm doors are designed to be maintenance free and never need repainting, there are times when you may wish to do so. In addition to occasionally peeling aluminum, there may come a time when your home's exterior requires a new paint job, and you decide to change the entire color scheme at this time. In this case, you may find that the existing window frame color doesn't mesh with your new look. While in some cases white, tan or almond might still work, if your windows are painted a certain color at the time of construction, this can make them stand out in a new exterior color scheme.
Can the Exterior of Pella Windows be Painted?
If you have wood clad aluminum or fiberglass Pella windows, the answer to whether you can paint them is yes if you use the correct materials. Unfortunately, vinyl window casings do not handle new paint no matter what the precautions, leading to peeling and flaking. If you have Pella windows which can be painted, follow these tips to ensure a great looking paint job.
Aluminum Clad Wood
While aluminum is a fairly maintenance free product, it can fade in UV light and peel over time. Pella does realize this fact, and sells touch up paint for its aluminum windows. For the best results, purchase aluminum paint directly from Pella, even if you plan on changing the color completely, not just touching it up. Their paints are specifically designed to give the best results on their windows; using another product will not have the same results. Luckily, they can and do match many historical and popular exterior paint colors, so you will have a number of colors to choose from.
Fiberglass Windows
To paint fiberglass windows, you will need to take some additional steps. Begin by cleaning your window frames thoroughly. You need a completely clean, dry surface to begin on. Apply a latex primer to the window panes and let it dry completely. Apply two coats of fiberglass paint or stain to the window and allow 48 hours between coats for the stain to dry. Allow an additional 48 hours to pass after the final coat, and apply a very thin coat of fiberglass finish. Dip only the very tip of the brush in the finish and apply sparingly; it will appear milky in color until it dries. Allow a final 48 hours to pass to allow the finish to dry.
Due to the amount of time it takes to properly paint fiberglass windows, it makes sense to remove them from the home and paint them in a protected area before reinstalling to prevent weather, dust and rain from affecting the final product. Tape plastic over your window openings in the meantime to prevent the elements from entering your home.
Work Carefully
By asking yourself, "Can I paint the exterior of Pella windows", you've already shown that you care about the final results. Take your time, use the right products for the job and know that your new window color will help keep your home looking great for years to come.
