Aluminium window frames are common in Perth homes built from the 1970s onwards. Over time the factory-applied anodised or powder-coated finish can fade, chalk, peel or simply look dated. Many Perth homeowners ask whether aluminium window frames can be repainted — the answer is yes, but preparation and product selection are critical to a long-lasting result.
Can Aluminium Window Frames Be Painted?
Yes. Aluminium window frames can be successfully repainted with the right preparation and products. The key challenge with aluminium is adhesion — aluminium is a non-porous metal surface that paint does not naturally bond to. Without correct surface preparation and the right primer, paint applied to aluminium will peel within months.
When done correctly, a repainted aluminium frame will provide a durable, attractive finish that can last 8 to 12 years in Perth’s climate.
What Preparation Is Required?
Proper preparation is the most important factor in successfully painting aluminium window frames. The preparation process includes:
- Cleaning — the frames must be thoroughly cleaned to remove all dirt, grease, salt residue and oxidation. In Perth’s coastal suburbs this is particularly important as salt deposits on aluminium frames are invisible but significantly affect paint adhesion
- Sanding — the existing finish must be lightly sanded to create a mechanical key for the primer to bond to. Smooth anodised aluminium surfaces require sanding before any primer is applied
- Wiping with solvent — after sanding, the frames are wiped with a solvent such as methylated spirits to remove any dust or residue before priming
- Self-etching primer — a self-etching primer specifically formulated for metal surfaces must be applied before topcoats. Self-etching primers chemically bond to the aluminium surface to create a foundation that topcoats can adhere to. Skipping this step is the most common cause of paint peeling on aluminium
What Paint to Use on Aluminium Window Frames
After priming, a quality acrylic enamel or oil-based enamel topcoat is applied to the frames. For exterior aluminium window frames in Perth, a premium exterior enamel with UV resistance is recommended due to the strong sunlight exposure.
Dulux Aquanamel and Solver acrylic enamels are commonly used for aluminium window frames. For frames that are exposed to direct sunlight, a UV-resistant exterior enamel is preferred over a standard interior enamel.
What Colour Options Are Available?
Aluminium window frames can be painted in virtually any colour available in the Dulux or Solver colour systems. Popular choices for exterior frames in Perth include:
- Dulux Vivid White — the most popular choice for a clean, contemporary look
- Dulux Monument — a dark charcoal that has become popular for modern homes
- Dulux Domino — a deep black for a bold, contemporary look
- Matching the frame colour to the external wall colour for a seamless appearance
Is It Worth Painting Aluminium Window Frames?
For most Perth homeowners, repainting aluminium window frames is significantly more cost-effective than replacing them. New aluminium frames typically cost $300 to $800 per window installed. Repainting a standard window frame typically costs $80 to $150 per frame when done by a professional painter as part of an exterior repaint.
Repainting also allows you to change the colour of the frames to modernise the look of the home without the disruption and cost of full window replacement.
Can I Paint Aluminium Window Frames Myself?
Painting aluminium window frames is a task that can be attempted by a competent DIYer, but the preparation requirements are exacting and the margin for error is small. The most common DIY mistake is skipping or underperforming the preparation steps, which leads to paint peeling within months. If you are repainting window frames as part of a larger exterior painting project, professional painters will typically include frame painting in the exterior repaint quote.
Professional Painting Services in Perth
Auzz Painting Service regularly paints aluminium window frames as part of exterior repaints throughout Perth. We carry out all preparation steps correctly and use appropriate primers and topcoats for aluminium surfaces. With over 20 years of experience and 140+ five-star Google reviews, we deliver high quality results. Call 0474 157 273 or fill in our contact form for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Aluminium window frames can be successfully repainted with the right preparation and products. The key requirements are thorough cleaning, light sanding, solvent wipe-down and a self-etching primer before topcoats. When done correctly, a repainted aluminium frame can last 8 to 12 years in Perth’s climate.
A self-etching primer specifically formulated for metal surfaces must be used on aluminium before any topcoat is applied. Self-etching primers chemically bond to the aluminium surface to create a foundation that topcoats can adhere to. Skipping this step is the most common cause of paint peeling on aluminium frames.
Repainting a standard aluminium window frame typically costs $80 to $150 per frame when done by a professional painter as part of an exterior repaint. This compares favourably to the cost of replacing windows, which typically costs $300 to $800 per window installed.
With correct preparation and premium exterior enamel, paint on aluminium window frames should last 8 to 12 years in Perth’s climate. Poor preparation or budget products will significantly reduce this timeframe and can result in peeling within months.
Yes. Auzz Painting Service regularly paints aluminium window frames as part of exterior repaints throughout Perth. We carry out all preparation steps correctly and use appropriate primers and topcoats for aluminium surfaces. Call 0474 157 273 for a free quote.