Can aluminium windows be repainted

Aluminium windows are a popular choice for homes and businesses due to their durability, sleek appearance, and low maintenance. But what happens when the original colour starts to fade, scratch, or simply no longer matches your style?

One of the most frequently asked questions online is: Can aluminium windows be repainted?

The short answer is yes — and with the right preparation and products, they can be transformed to look like brand new, at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about repainting aluminium window frames, including how it works, what to expect, and why so many homeowners and property managers are choosing to repaint instead of replace.

Why Repaint Aluminium Windows?

Repainting aluminium windows offers several advantages over replacing them entirely:

1. Cost-Effective

Full window replacement can be extremely costly, especially if your existing windows are structurally sound. Repainting offers a budget-friendly alternative that still delivers a dramatic aesthetic upgrade.

2. Aesthetic Transformation

Maybe your windows were originally installed in a now-outdated colour like primrose, bronze, or silver. Repainting lets you update the look of your entire home without modifying any structure. Popular repaint colours include modern finishes like satin black, Monument, Pearl White, or Colorbond-inspired tones.

3. Increased Property Value

A fresh, modern exterior can make a huge difference in curb appeal and overall property value — especially important if you’re preparing to sell or lease.

4. Sustainable Choice

Repainting helps reduce waste by extending the life of your existing frames and preventing them from ending up in landfill.

Can Powder-Coated Aluminium Be Painted?

Yes, powder-coated aluminium can absolutely be repainted. However, this is where experience and proper technique are essential.

Powder coating is a durable factory-applied finish, but over time it can fade or chalk, particularly in harsh Australian sun and coastal conditions. The key to repainting powder-coated aluminium is thorough surface preparation, high-adhesion primers, and professional spray application using proven systems.

DIY vs. Professional Repainting

If you’re wondering whether to repaint your aluminium frames yourself or hire a professional, here are some considerations:

DIY Challenges:

Aluminium has a naturally slick surface, making it difficult for paint to stick without specialist primers. Uneven sanding, poor masking, or incorrect spraying can result in a patchy or short-lived finish. Most hardware store primers aren’t rated for long-term adhesion on low surface energy materials like aluminium.

Professional Advantages:

Professional painters use HVLP or airless spray systems for a smooth, factory-like finish. They understand how to properly clean, abrade, and prime aluminium for lasting adhesion. You save time, stress, and avoid expensive rework if something goes wrong.

What’s Involved in Repainting Aluminium Windows?

Every professional repainting job follows a methodical multi-step process to ensure long-lasting results. Here’s a general overview of what’s involved:

1. Surface Preparation

This is the most important part of the job. Good adhesion starts with proper prep:

Cleaning: Every frame is washed and degreased using wax and grease removers to eliminate contaminants like silicone, oil, and dirt. Sanding: Frames are mechanically abraded to remove oxidation and create a key for the primer to grip. Dust Removal: All sanding dust is wiped and blown off thoroughly before taping.

2. Masking

All glass, walls, and surrounds are carefully masked using painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to prevent overspray.

This stage also separates experienced professionals from cowboys. For example, some painters spray right over window rubber instead of taping it up — especially with dark colours like black where the overspray is harder to detect.

A proper job will always include neat, clean masking so the final result looks sharp and intentional.

3. Priming

Specialised primers are used to bond to aluminium and low-surface-energy substrates. These primers form the foundation for long-term adhesion and durability.

Depending on the colour and condition of the frames, primers may be tinted to aid in coverage for the top coats.

4. Spraying Top Coats

Two to four finish coats are typically sprayed using HVLP or airless systems. The number of coats depends on the colour change, coverage needs, and finish level required.

Popular finishes include:

Satin Black Pearl White Surfmist Woodland Grey Monument Custom metallics

5. Curing and Tape Removal

Once the final coat is dry to the touch, all masking is removed to reveal crisp lines and a renewed finish. Paint systems usually reach full cure within a few days, although they can be handled lightly much sooner.

What About Flyscreens and Security Screens?

One common question is whether screens can stay in place or need to be removed.

The short answer is — they can absolutely be removed and repainted.

Some painters will tell you otherwise because they don’t want to deal with the extra labour or masking required. But in reality, most security screens can be removed, resprayed separately, and reinstalled for a consistent look.

At RepaintPro, we even re-mesh flyscreens after repainting if needed.

Common Myths About Aluminium Window Painting

When searching online or speaking with other painters, you might come across a few questionable claims. Let’s set the record straight:

❌ “Black lasts longer than white”

This is false. Black paint doesn’t last longer — in fact, it absorbs more heat and can expand more in sunlight. This myth is often told by painters who prefer black because they don’t mask properly. Overspray on rubber seals is harder to detect with dark colours.

❌ “You’ll break glass trying to remove windows”

Again, not true when done properly. In 7+ years of aluminium repainting, professional teams have rarely broken glass — and when it happens, it’s usually due to incorrectly sized security screens, not painting techniques.

❌ “One coat is enough”

A single finish coat will rarely give you the film build or durability required for long-term exterior exposure. Most professional jobs use 2–4 coats to ensure even coverage, depth, and protection.

❌ “Security screens can’t be removed”

This is just laziness. Most screens can be taken out and sprayed separately, delivering a neater, more professional result.

How Long Does Repainted Aluminium Last?

With the right process, your repainted aluminium frames can last for years and years.

Professionally sprayed aluminium using high-quality primers and UV-stable top coats will typically outlast brush-on DIY jobs by a wide margin. And with proper surface prep, there’s no reason the finish can’t last as long as the original powder coat.

Some companies (like ours) even revisit jobs 8–9 years later and find the paint still looks great.

Can You Repaint Interior Aluminium Window Frames?

Absolutely. The same process applies, though interior jobs often require different masking strategies and ventilation control. Repainting interior frames can have a huge effect on the feel of a room — especially when changing from terracotta or bronze to a lighter, more modern tone like white or silver.

Will the Paint Smell?

There may be a slight odour during the spraying phase, but it usually disappears quickly. Water-based paints and low-VOC options are also available for customers with sensitivities or indoor concerns.

During spraying, it’s generally recommended to be out of the house or outside for 4–5 hours. This also gives the painters room to move safely with full protective gear.

Can You Match Any Colour?

Most painters can colour match to your desired tone using branded colour systems like Dulux, Haymes, or Colorbond. Whether you want a soft neutral or a bold contrast, custom colours are possible — including metallic finishes.

Just note that some colours attract a premium due to their material cost or number of coats required:

White and silver usually incur a small additional charge. Metallics may cost more due to layering and specialist products.

What Does It Cost?

Costs will vary based on the number of windows, size, whether security screens are included, access, and whether the property is multi-storey.

While prices differ from business to business, you can expect a professional repaint to cost far less than full window replacement. Many customers are surprised by how affordable the upgrade is compared to what they initially expected.

Online quoting tools are now available with many businesses to streamline the process — just upload photos, pick your colour, and note any screens.

Is It Worth Repainting Aluminium Windows?

If your aluminium frames are in good condition but just look tired or dated, repainting is hands-down one of the best upgrades you can make. It’s fast, cost-effective, and makes a massive visual difference.

It’s also perfect for:

Preparing a home for sale or rent Matching other newly painted surfaces Restoring consistency after a renovation or extension Aligning with updated council colour palettes or body corporate guidelines

Final Thoughts

So, can aluminium windows be repainted?

Yes — and when done properly, the results are outstanding.

Repainting gives you the flexibility to modernise your home, match your personal style, or refresh a tired exterior without breaking the bank.

Just be sure to choose a painter with experience, a clear process, and the right tools to ensure the finish holds up for years to come.

Stay Updated

Want to see real-life examples of repainted aluminium frames, fences, and garage doors? We regularly share transformation videos and updates over on Facebook and Instagram.