When it comes to giving tired and worn-out uPVC a new lease on life, spray painting is an excellent option. It has the ability to completely transform the appearance of uPVC in addition to other benefits such as; a long-term protective finish, a wide range of colours and finishes and improved aesthetic appeal.
Common UPVC Spray Painting Mistakes to Avoid: Tips from the Pros for a Flawless Finish
When it comes to giving tired and worn-out uPVC a new lease on life, spray painting is an excellent option. It has the ability to completely transform the appearance of uPVC in addition to other benefits such as; a long-term protective finish, a wide range of colours and finishes and improved aesthetic appeal.
However, uPVC spray painting is not the most simple of jobs. A lot of things could go wrong if you do not prep and follow the steps properly. Paint could drip on your furniture or floors, the paint coverage could be uneven, or the nozzle of your sprayer could clog up.
Thankfully, you can achieve a flawless finish from uPVC spray painting if you avoid the following spray painting mistakes.
Skipping Prep Work
uPVC spray painting requires adequate prep work, which typically starts with cleaning. A clean surface encourages smoother and better adhesion of paint, so the uPVC unit (door, window, frame) will first need to be cleaned using soap and water. This is to remove any dust and dirt build-up. A surface preparation product can also be used to degrease the surface of the uPVC (especially windows and doors) to remove any oils and contaminants. Don’t forget to sand out rough surfaces and scrape away any sticky residue.
Once the uPVC is cleaned, you will need to make sure that you have all the materials needed for the spray painting. These include; good-quality spray paint (in your chosen colour), primer, covering (plastic tarp or drop cloth), sandpaper, painter’s tape, safety glasses, respirator mask, disposable gloves, and a sprayer and bucket for mixing the paint (this is only required when the paint doesn’t come in a spray can).
Improper cleaning and sanding of the uPVC’s surface usually result in lifting or peeling paint, so it is better to avoid this mistake by adequately prepping the surface.
Wrong Paint Quality
With spray painting, you get what you pay for. This means that the type of spray paint you use plays a very important role in the quality of the finish you get. Poor-quality paints tend to react easily with common substrates, so it is always better to go for high-quality paints that are specially formulated to give the best finish.
Not Priming Properly
Priming is necessary for a smooth, even and strong adhesion of paint to the uPVC surface. Ideally, you only need a single coat of primer before you begin painting. Avoid applying the primer too thickly, as this can lead to dimpling (small pin holes in the paintwork).
Also, do make sure to give the primer enough time to dry completely before applying the paint. Drying times for primers may vary depending on the brand (read the labelling to see the recommended time).
Mixing Different Paint Types (Lacquer/Enamel, e.t.c)
Spraying different types of paints over each other can often lead to peeling and other issues with your finished work. To avoid this problem, get enough paint for the project. If you do find yourself needing to use more than one paint, make sure that the components of the paints are the same.
Spraying too Heavily or Lightly
When you spray a surface too heavily, the paint will run, and you will end up with drip marks. However, if you spray too lightly, the finish will look shabby and unprofessional. A good way to avoid this problem is to conduct a spot test on a piece of cardboard or scrap wood before you start painting. Also, you can read the manufacturer’s instructions on how far away you need to hold the paint can or sprayer to achieve the ideal level of coverage. When spraying, slowly sweep the sprayer back and forth to get even coverage and avoid drips.
Not Enough Drying Time Between Coats
It is very important to allow enough drying time between coats, as rushed paintwork is a major cause of poor-quality finishes. Remember that not all paints will dry in under 15 minutes (which is a common misconception). Sometimes the paint may appear dry on the surface but is yet to cure completely. To avoid wrinkling, smudging or shriveling which commonly results from recoating too early, it’s best to check with the paint’s manufacturer for the recommended drying time between coats.
Trying to fix wet paint
This is a very common mistake many people make with spray painting. It is important that you resist the urge to fix mistakes on wet paint, as this will only make the mess bigger and much worse. The best thing you can do is wait for the paint to completely dry, sand out the mistake, and then repaint.
Not Accounting For Overspray
Overspray is something that is quite common with spray painting. It is when the paint becomes airborne and the mist covers other unintended surfaces. An easy way to avoid overspray is to cover up the spaces near your painting area with plastic sheets.
Not Accounting for Weather Conditions
Avoid spray painting when it is too hot or too cold. Hot conditions can cause the paint to dry too quickly and develop cracks, while excess cold can cause your spray Paint to freeze up in the nozzle leading to blob-like chunks in the liquid. An ideal temperature for spray painting is between 50-90 degrees F.
To avoid waste, it is also important that you avoid spray painting on windy days.
Conclusion
Spray painting can be an excellent way to transform worn-out uPVC and although achieving the best outcome is no easy feat, you can make things significantly easier by avoiding the above mistakes. For a more personalized approach to your needs, it may be beneficial to conduct a targeted search such as “spray painters near me.” This will yield more precise results, potentially providing detailed information about local service providers who can cater to your specific requirements professionally and efficiently.
