When it comes to paint jobs around the house, many people often end up using paint they have lying around, as opposed to buying new paint for the job. This makes sense as DIY saves money, and it prevents paint from going to waste.
However, you need to make sure the paint you have available is suitable for the work you wish to carry out. If you have car spray paint at home, it is ideal if you need to touch-up the bodywork of your vehicle, but is it suitable to use on upvc doors?
This guide considers if you can use car spray paint on a upvc door, like garage doors, and best practices when using car spray on and around your home.
Is it possible to use car spray paint on a upvc door?
Yes, the simple answer is you can use car spray paint on a upvc door, garage doors or window frame.
Of course, there is also a longer answer that says it depends, and you should consider a number of factors before committing to car spray paint on a upvc door.
Can you paint upvc windows with car spray paint?
Yes, the process for spray painting upvc window frames is principally the same as for doors.
What items do I need when using car spray paint on a upvc door?
The following items make spray painting a upvc surface simple:
- Rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, used in the cleaning process
- Sandpaper or sanding block or fine grade abrasive paper
- Primer
- Spray paint
- Top coat paint (optional)
- Sealant (optional, yet recommended)
- Protective clothing such as gloves and masks
- Masking paper or tape
- Covers and protective coverings
When you have these items at hand, you can start the spray painting process.
How to use car spray paint on a upvc door?
Ideally, you should use car spray paint outdoors, but failing that, ensure the workspace is as well ventilated as possible.
Begin by cleaning the upvc door as best you can, with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol, a good product to use after you have thoroughly dusted and wiped the door. Use masking tape and covers to protect items you don’t want to come into contact with paint.
Surface preparation is vital
You then need to prepare the door, and sandpaper is a great way to take the top sealant off. Doing so makes the door more receptive to paint, ensuring it permeates it, and will be more likely to remain in place.
Use long and smooth strokes when spray painting upvc
Once the door is prepped and dry, apply the spray paint. Start with difficult sections, moving to corners, and then finish on long stretches. Wherever you can, apply the paint with long and smooth strokes, ensuring the surface is completely covered. Review the work for visible signs of scratching or bumps, allow it to dry, and then apply additional coats as and when you require.
When you are happy with the work, apply the final coat of upvc spray paint and then the sealant to develop scratch resistance and a professional finish. Allow the paint to completely dry, remove all covers and tape, and admire your work!
Is spray paint better than brush painting?
There are many reasons why spray painting is better than brush painting, including:
- It is faster
- It can be a cost-effective way to paint
- Many find it easier to manage a smooth finish
- In normal drying conditions, spray paint dries faster than brush painting
- Some people find spray painting easier to control than brush painting, allowing for more accurate painting
It is often a matter of personal choice, but there are clear reasons why spray paint is better than using a stiff bristle brush for upvc doors and window frames.
What type of car spray paint technology can I use on upvc?
Some of the leading automotive car spray paints to consider include:
- Acrylic enamel paint or enamel paint
- Lacquer paint
- Urethane paint
Acrylic enamel paint is durable, affordable but requires at least two stages of application, while synthetic enamel paints are a single stage paint.
Lacquer paints are cheap, but fade quickly, and require many layers. Urethane paint is highly durable, but it is expensive, and hard to use. This material is often best left to professional door spray painters.
Are water-based or solvent-based paints best to paint upvc window frames and doors?
Water-based paints are less toxic and while their thinner nature means you need to use more coats, this style of paint provides a smooth finish. You also find there is more preparation work required when using water-based paint to generate the best results.
Solvent-based paints are the traditional choice people think of when using car spray paint, and you can generate excellent results. Solvent-based spray paint is toxic, so it is best to wear a mask, gloves and other protective clothing when using this substance. It might seem as though solvent-based paints have a few negative aspects, but this is a paint you can trust to work on plastic and upvc, which isn’t the case with every paint.
A good primer helps you use a wide range of paint on plastic, but with solvent spray paints, you need very little work to achieve a great finish on upvc surfaces, which isn’t the case with normal paints.
Is your upvc door outside your house?
If you are painting a front door or patio door, consider the weather conditions and elements. If your door is exposed to the sun’s rays, consider using paint with UV protection. If your door is exposed to wind and rain, ensure you use a sealant to better withstand harsh weather conditions.
Professional painters can do this job, but doing it yourself helps you to save money. By following instructions, there is no reason you cannot enjoy a high-quality finish, akin to a professional standard, when painting upvc.