Image: Edgaras Maselskis

Did you know you can paint powder coated aluminium windows? Aluminium windows and doors are painted using a special process called powder coating. Powder coating colours work just like regular paint. Almost any colour can be achieved and can be mixed to achieve a specific tone. The aluminium surface is prepared, the paint applied electrically and then the section is placed in an oven to bake and finish. This ensures the finish is consistent, hard-wearing and easy to handle.

Benefits of aluminium powder coating:

• Evenly applied to all sides for consistent colour and finish

• Large choice of colours to match existing colours around your property

• More durable finish than painting timber

• Offers added protection against the elements to prolong the life of the metal

Anodising on aluminium windows and doors

Aluminium anodising is another popular option. It is a coating added to aluminium by means of an electrochemical process. Anodising increases the durability and corrosion-resistance of aluminium, as it increases the thickness of the oxide layer on the surface of the metal.

There are varying grades of anodising measured in microns, from 15um to 25um. The ideal external anodising level is the highest: 25um. This is a marine grade finish and will ensure the metal on your windows and doors is best protected against all the elements and provides the longest lifespan.

Anodising is a popular option for people who require the highest protection against the elements, particularly in coastal regions (although high quality powder coating can offer very good protection for most residential applications).  The downsides a much more limited choice of colours and that the metal is prone to scratching as there is very little physical protection against the metal.

Painting old aluminium windows and doors

Older aluminium windows and doors can be repainted later in life. Again, this is a specialist job. Using a regular brush to paint aluminium windows leaves unattractive brush strokes and blobs of paint on the surface. This is because the paint runs freely over the existing finish but more importantly, it can get into rollers, locks, handles and other window hardware. This would ruin the operation of the product and would involve costly repairs or even replacement of the window altogether.

The other factor to consider is how well the paint will stay on. If it begins to flake or chalk, you’ll end up in the same situation in a short space of time. The surface must be roughed, cleaned, masked and prepared before any spraying takes place. The paint is then applied using either the electrically charged process or using a careful layered spray-painting technique.

Repainting older windows may be a good way to give your home a cost effective make over. It should be noted that if pitting has started to occur in older aluminium, simply repainting will not prevent further pitting. Once the metal has begun to corrode, the windows will really need to be replaced as they may become unstable.

Here are some tips for keeping your powder coated aluminium windows is shape!

1. In rural environments, your make sure you clean your windows roughly once every six months.

2. If you’re in the city or near the sea, make sure your window are cleaned about once every three months.

3. Use a non-abrasive detergent and lukewarm water to ensure easy cleaning that won’t damage the finish.

4. Using the above solution, use a soft cloth to simply wipe the surface clean. Soft nylon bristle pipe cleaners can be used to get into the hard to reach places.

5. Once you’ve finished cleaning, use fresh water to wash away any remaining residue.

If you have any questions regarding the replacement of aluminium windows or doors, contact us on 1300 44 64 44.

Our 14 standard colours are included in all quotes. We are also able to provide colours from the Dulux, Colorbond and Interpon ranges as an optional extra. Please contact us for details.