Mission brown and silver aluminium frames date a house instantly. Replacing windows is expensive and disruptive; painting the frames is the middle path that more Melbourne homeowners are taking. Done with the right system, it holds up well.
Why preparation is everything on aluminium
Aluminium is smooth and non-porous, and factory finishes are slick. Paint won't grip it without:
- A thorough clean. Oxidation, grime and silicone residue all have to come off. This alone decides most of the outcome.
- Sanding or abrasion. The surface gets keyed so the primer has something to hold.
- A specialist metal primer. Standard primers peel off aluminium. An etch or adhesion primer made for non-ferrous metal is the step that makes the system work.
- Quality topcoats. Exterior-grade acrylic or enamel in your chosen colour, applied in thin, even coats.
What colours work
Charcoal, monument and black are the popular updates - they make frames visually disappear and suit both brick and render. Lighter tones work too; the main thing is choosing a colour that suits the whole facade, because frames, gutters, fascia and the front door all read together.
Painted frames vs replacement
Painting costs a fraction of new windows and takes days, not weeks. It won't change the glass, the seals or how the windows open - if frames are corroded through, warped or leaking, replacement is the honest answer. For sound frames that are simply the wrong colour, painting is usually the smart money.
How long does it last?
With correct preparation and primers, years of service is a fair expectation on frames that aren't in constant harsh exposure. Like any exterior coating, sun-facing elevations age faster.
Thinking about updating your window frames? Call 0420 596 677 - we can usually tell you what's involved from a few photos.