Can I Repaint Windows?

Question

Hey guys,

I'm under contract for a house that doesn't have room in the budget for new white windows (normally we do new windows all around).

The current windows @ the home are silver aluminum. Is it possible to paint these white? If so, how? How does it look afterwards?

Thanks!

George P. · Answer

no need for googling, i know exactly what you are talking about. i am in the process of closing on a house that has the alum windows and the paint is flaking off on each window. looks terrible. you can paint them, but the prep works is important. or else you will be painting a few times per year.

i am replacing mine (10 windows). would be around $3500 or so.

George P. · Answer

the ones i am dealing with (and i think tony's talking about), we have to cut the metal out with a sawzall. then build a wooden frame, nail it to the brick, then secure the plastic/vinyl window to the wooden frame.

i have a few pics, will post them tonight.

Brian Levredge · Answer

If you're replacing steel casement windows or other steel frame windows, then you would have to alter the frame as you mention.  On aluminum (unless they're casements) you shouldn't have to.

George P. · Answer

scott, you are 2 miles away from me.

:)

Scott Sherlock · Answer

As others have already pointed out, if you're going to take on this task by youself.... Take your time on the prep, this is coming from someone who likes to "learn the hard way", for some reason... LOL

Rusty Thompson · Answer

sorry... I meant $200 total for the job... paint goes a long way :-). But don't buy that crap in spray cans, it wont hold up. Go to a place that sells automotive paint.

George P. · Answer

no problem. new windows do look amazing and tenants do notice.

Tony Nguyen · Answer

got it George, thanks for the breakdown, i see what you mean now =)

<-- noobie.

George P. · Answer

tony, it depends on the size, but yes, they are anywhere from 60 to 400 for a large picture window.

the thing you have to remember is that the installation is much more expensive when you are replacing the alum/steel windows compared to a vinyl replacement.

with vinyl replacement, the wooden frame, the sill, the wood trim inside, and the vinyl trim on the outside are already there....so, you just have to pop out the stop and screw down the new window.

with steel/alum window going to vinyl, you need all those things mentioned above. they have to "break" (term used to bend the alum trim) the trim, secure it, caulk it, etc, etc.. so labor and parts are much more.

i am going through this right now with the house i am buying.

Tony Nguyen · Answer

wow @ 200-300 per window, might as well buy a new window right? i believe they are only about $140 a pop @ home depot... maybe another $50 labor for the install so you're @ 190. i could be wrong =/

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