A Fresh Front Door Without the Cost: How to Paint uPVC Like a Pro

If your uPVC front door or windows are starting to look a bit tired (or you’re just over the basic white), painting them is a super simple and affordable way to give your home’s kerb appeal a big boost, no pricey new door required. But before you dive in with a brush, there are a few key things to know to get a long-lasting, professional finish.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to paint uPVC confidently, plus the best products we recommend for the job.

Can You Paint uPVC?

Yes, absolutely! You can paint uPVC doors and windows, provided you use the right products and prep properly. uPVC has a smooth, non-porous surface, which means not just any paint will stick to it.

One thing to note: if your uPVC is brand new, it’s best to wait at least 12 months before painting to avoid any adhesion issues. Painting too soon can damage the factory finish and lead to flaking or peeling.

Also, always check the forecast! Make sure the weather is dry and mild when painting exterior uPVC.

Step-by-Step: How to Paint uPVC Doors or Windows

1. Clean the surface

Get rid of any grease, dirt or mould with a degreaser or sugar soap. I always recommend Zinsser Universal Degreaser and Cleaner – it’s a solid choice for a spotless base.

2. Lightly sand

You don’t need to go mad here – a light scuff with fine-grit sanding pads (like our Rodo Flexible De-Nib Pads) will do the job. This just helps the paint grip.

3. Wipe down and protect

Wipe off all that dust with a tack cloth or damp cloth, then protect nearby areas with low-tack masking tape and a dust sheet.

4. Prime (if needed)

Lots of paints are self-priming, but if you want extra durability or are painting a tricky surface, a good primer can make all the difference.

Top picks:

Now you’re prepped and ready, here are the paints we genuinely rate for uPVC — whether you’re after something fast-drying, flexible, or packed with long-term durability.

5. Apply Your Paint

Choose a paint specifically designed for uPVC or multi-surfaces. Apply in thin, even coats with a synthetic brush or mini roller. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next. Usually, 2 coats will do the trick.

Here’s our go-to list of uPVC-friendly paints (and primers, if you need one), with a quick breakdown of what makes each one brilliant for the job.

Zinsser AllCoat Interior & Exterior (Water-Based) – Our Top Pick

This is our go-to. It sticks beautifully, dries quickly and gives a long-lasting finish without needing a primer. Bonus: it can be colour matched to any shade.

  • Touch dry in 1 hour
  • Self-priming and moisture resistant
  • Matt, satin or gloss finishes
  • Up to 15 years of protection
  • Available in over 16,000 colours

Sadolin Superdec

Looking for something ultra-durable? Superdec is a water-based, self-priming option with a flexible finish that resists cracking and peeling.

  • Up to 10 years of protection
  • Available in 2.5L and 5L tins
  • Wide range of colours (including tester pots!)
  • Suitable for PVCu, wood, metal, concrete and brick

Sandtex 10 Year Exterior Multi-Surface Satin

A ready-mixed, self-priming satin paint that’s quick drying and easy to use. It’s designed for all weathers and sticks brilliantly to wood, uPVC and more.

  • 10 years of protection
  • Mould resistant and low VOC
  • No primer required
  • Available in 9 classic colours

Zinsser AllCoat Exterior Satin (Solvent-Based)

Need something a bit tougher than the water-based Zinsser? This solvent-based version is ideal for high-exposure areas and works well in cooler temps too.

  • Showerproof in 1 hour
  • Works from 5°C upwards
  • Excellent adhesion and colour retention
  • Satin finish with built-in biocide for mould resistance

Bedec Multi Surface Paint (MSP)

A reliable, one-tin-wonder that sticks to almost anything. No primer needed (except on mild steel), and available in loads of finishes and shades.

  • Use indoors or out
  • Available in matt, satin and gloss
  • Breathable and low VOC
  • Can be tinted into RAL colours (including Anthracite Grey!)

Bradite One Can Eggshell

Perfect for a smooth, satin-like finish with great stain-blocking power. Works on uPVC, metal, and more.

  • No primer needed
  • Touch dry in 30 minutes
  • Available in thousands of colours
  • Suitable for interior or exterior projects

Sandtex Trade Eggshell X-Tra

Solvent-based and packed with durability. This one’s great for giving doors and trim a tough, long-lasting eggshell finish.

  • Up to 10 years of protection
  • Flexible and fade-resistant
  • Tintable to loads of shades
  • Pair with Sandtex Flexible Primer Undercoat for best results

Best Primers for uPVC (If You Need One)

While most uPVC paints don’t need a primer, there are a few surfaces where one can really help, especially if you're painting brand-new uPVC or something particularly glossy.

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a brilliant all-rounder for both interior and exterior jobs. It sticks to almost anything (including glossy uPVC) without the need for sanding. It also seals stains, blocks tannin bleed, and contains a biocide to help prevent mould and mildew, so it's great for moisture-prone areas too.

It’s quick drying, easy to apply, and gives your topcoat the best possible start. Plus, it’s available in a range of sizes and can even be colour matched to your chosen topcoat.

Key Features:

  • Sticks to all surfaces – even glossy ones
  • Blocks stains and tannin bleed
  • Contains a biocide to resist mould and mildew
  • No sanding needed
  • Water-based and quick drying

Tikkurila Otex Akva Primer

Perfect for getting paint to grip onto really smooth surfaces like uPVC, glass, or tile. Otex is a water-based adhesion primer that dries fast and gives your topcoat a solid base.

Key Features:

  • Ideal for uPVC, glass, tile and fibreglass
  • Water-based and low odour
  • Fast drying
  • Great base for both water and solvent-based paints

Dulux Trade Aqua Uniprimer

This all-in-one primer, stain blocker and sealer is a fab problem-solver. It’s water-based, quick drying, and great for helping paint stick to tricky surfaces like gloss or previously painted uPVC.

Key Features:

  • Blocks stains like nicotine, water marks and tannin bleed
  • Great adhesion without sanding
  • Works on wood, uPVC, metal and more
  • Quick drying and easy to apply

Want to Skip the Guesswork?

Well if you know me then you know I’ve thought about this already! Have a look at our Front and Garage Door Paint Bundle. It's got all the prep tools, paint and accessories you need to get started, just pick your colour and you’re good to go.

Included in the bundle:

  • Zinsser AllCoat (colour matched to any shade)
  • Universal Degreaser & Cleaner
  • Paint brush
  • Low-tack masking tape
  • Dust sheet
  • Tack cloth
  • Sanding pads

Available in matt, satin or gloss and suitable for uPVC, composite, wood and metal. Plus, 1L is usually enough for most standard doors!

Ready to Paint?

Giving your uPVC a glow-up doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. With the right prep, paint, and a bit of patience, you can totally transform your front door or windows in a single weekend. Please tag us in your project on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook! I love seeing how you transform your homes and give them a big update with a small project! I also have loads of inspo on our Pinterest if you're ever stuck!

Not sure which product’s right for your door? Just drop us a message on WhatsApp or email, we’re always here to help with colour matching, choosing the best finish, or talking you through the steps.

Happy decorating!
Helen x

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