Vinyl-clad Andersen windows are typically considered one of the best brands on the market. Many come with a 20-year warranty, and they are very durable. This is why many homeowners love them so much. But it can be hard to find information about whether or not you can paint vinyl-clad Andersen windows, which is why we’re going to discuss that in this article!
You can paint your vinyl-clad Andersen Windows and Renewal by Andersen Windows. You’ll need to ensure you prep the window frame surface, so the paint adheres well. We recommend using a high-quality 100% acrylic water-based paint.
When You Should Consider Painting Vinyl-Clad Andersen Windows
There are many reasons why you might consider painting your Andersen windows or your Renewal by Andersen windows, even if they’re made of vinyl. First of all, the color palette that best fits your home’s style may not work well with the existing window colors. In such cases, painting them can be a great option.
It can be tempting to paint if you have older Andersen windows that need a makeover. When vinyl ages, darker colored windows fade, and white vinyl can become a dingy yellow.
There may even be times when this is the only option available to you if you’re trying to update your home’s curb appeal without having to invest too much time and resources into doing so.
Vinyl and vinyl-clad windows are maintenance-free, aside from general cleaning. Once you decide to paint vinyl, it’s no longer maintenance-free. You’ll need to prep and repaint your windows with high-quality paint every 5 to 7 years.
Window Parts You Shouldn’t Paint
So, what parts of Andersen windows should you avoid painting?
- Accessories such as the weatherstrip, gaskets, silicone beads and jamb liners. These are designed to keep out both air and water from your home’s interior! If they’re not properly sealed in place with a good paint job over them then there is no way for them to do their job!
- Avoid painting sliding parts like window tracks or slides. If these are painted then they may not function correctly preventing you from opening and closing the windows to allow fresh air into your house. It also becomes a safety concern for escape in the event of a house fire.
- Avoid painting hardware such as hinges, operator arms and locks. Painting these parts can prevent the windows from functioning properly and securely locking.
We don’t recommend using a paint sprayer for this job as it can be difficult to prevent paint from getting on these items. Instead, use foam brushes for better control of the paint application.
Will Painting My Andersen Windows Void the Warranty?
If you want to paint your Andersen windows, you must check the warranty coverage first. Most of today’s replacement window models come with factory-applied coatings covered by a separate warranty. Painting may likely void your warranty unless explicitly stated in the terms and conditions (which we highly doubt).
For example, the Renewal by Andersen Transferable Limited Warranty (which applies to replacement windows installed after May 1, 2016) covers Fibrex material components for 20 years.
During this period, the frames, sashes, and outside grilles are guaranteed to not flake, rust, blister, peel, fracture, crack, corrode with no manufacturing flaws or materials or quality problems. The color finishes are covered for up to 10 years against fading.
If repainting or staining your windows results in undesirable outcomes or damages the window itself, your warranty will most likely not cover it. Worse, if you repaint your windows, this might void your current warranty protection altogether.
Even though Andersen doesn’t specifically mention painting their vinyl-clad windows on their official website, any warranties related to the materials used or components installed would likely be void. We recommend painting them only in particular circumstances (if at all) and not trying to cut corners when it comes to this so that you can avoid having future problems!
Prepping Vinyl-Clad Windows for Painting
If you still want to paint the exterior of your Andersen windows, we recommend following these tips:
You’ll want to make sure that you prepare everything before you begin painting. This means using the right tools, materials and even doing some light sanding if necessary!
You’ll need the following items:
- Painters tape
- 220-grit sanding block
- A 100% acrylic water based primer (You can also use a 100% acrylic water-based exterior paint-and-primer in one)
- A 100% acrylic water-based exterior paint
- Foam paintbrushes of varying size
- Drop cloth
- A bucket of warm water and sponge for cleanup
Choose a warm day where the weather is clear for this project. It would be best if you painted on a day that is 55 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer so that the paint dries faster.
The first thing you’ll need to do is remove the screens and then tape any cracks, crevices, or gaps that could allow the paint to get inside of them.
You’ll want to tape off the glass with painter’s tape for a clean paint job with minimal window scrapping.
You’ll need to lightly sand the vinyl surface to allow the primer to adhere to the surface.
Wipe away any residual residue and dry the surface before painting.
When ready, apply a primer or paint-and-primer in one using a foam brush (and not too thick of an application) as your primary method of painting.
Foam brushes are also great for getting into corner areas or joints!
If you remove any parts from Andersen vinyl-clad windows before painting them, we recommend using something called “window putty” on both sides so you can easily reattach them at a later point in time. This will help to prevent them from wiggling around over the years and make it easier for you to paint as well!
Remember, don’t rush through this step if you want to get the best results possible!
Choosing a Paint Suitable for Vinyl-Clad Windows
Vinyl-clad Andersen windows are made with a special material that is lighter and more flexible than most other options on the market. We recommend using only high-quality 100% acrylic (water-based) paints because they will adhere well and last longer compared to others like latexes.
We recommend priming your vinyl-clad windows first as a best practice. However, many exterior paints now have paint-and-primer in one, which you can use if you’re looking to skip this step.
If you decide to prime them, we suggest using an alkyd water-based bonding primer instead. It’ll help the paint bind better to vinyl which is essential because it’s a less porous material.
When it comes time to start painting your Andersen windows, you can choose any sheen you prefer, but we recommend going for a satin finish instead of gloss or flat. This will give the best results in terms of durability and how easy it is to clean over time!
Choosing a Paint Color
If you’re looking for the perfect paint color to match your Andersen vinyl-clad windows, it can be a little tricky because they come in so many different styles and colors. However, if you contact your local Andersen dealer, they may help you out! They don’t provide color formulas, but they will give you access to color swatches that you can take to a paint store for custom matching.
Keep this in mind, especially if your windows are white, that darker colors will require more than two coats of paint to achieve the actual desired color.
In Closing
Deciding to paint your Andersen windows is a personal choice. Just be aware they will no longer be maintenance-free. As long as you’ve prepped your vinyl surfaces correctly and used high-quality paint suitable for vinyl products, your newly painted windows can improve the overall curb appeal of your home.
