Typical prices
Most uPVC painting is done by specialist spraying firms rather than general decorators. They'll typically charge per window, per door, or a fixed price for a whole house. As a rough guide for 2026:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Standard casement window (one side) | £90 – £160 |
| Large or bay window | £150 – £300 |
| uPVC front or back door | £180 – £350 |
| French or patio doors | £250 – £450 |
| Whole house (8–10 windows and 2 doors) | £1,400 – £2,800 |
| Conservatory frame | £800 – £2,000 |
Indicative costs for spraying uPVC (labour and materials)
Why it's cheaper than new windows
Replacing all the windows in a typical three-bed house with coloured uPVC can easily cost £6,000–£10,000. Spraying the existing frames is usually a quarter of that or less, and it's done in a day or two with almost no disruption. If your windows are structurally sound, double-glazed units aren't misting up and the locks work, painting them is a sensible way to change the look of the house.
If the units are failing, the frames are warped or the seals have perished, painting won't fix those problems. Spending a couple of thousand pounds on a finish you'll rip out in three years isn't good value.
How uPVC is painted properly
uPVC is slippery, flexible and non-porous, so ordinary gloss won't stick to it for long. A good job follows a fairly strict process:
- Deep cleaning and degreasing – years of traffic film and silicone residue must go
- Light abrasion to give a key, followed by another clean
- Careful masking of glass, seals, brickwork and hardware
- A specialist adhesion primer where the system requires it
- Two coats of a uPVC-specific paint, usually sprayed for a factory-like finish
Rather leave it to a professional?
Spraying vs brushing
Brushing uPVC with a suitable paint is possible, and some decorators do it for small jobs. But spraying gives a far smoother, more durable finish that looks like it came from the factory. The trade-off is masking time – everything around the window has to be covered – which is why spraying firms quote per item rather than by the hour.
Our guide on spray painting vs brush and roller explains the pros and cons in more detail.
How long does painted uPVC last?
A properly prepared, sprayed finish from a reputable firm should last around 10 years before it needs attention, and many companies offer guarantees of five to ten years. Darker colours can absorb more heat in direct sun, so ask whether the paint is suitable for dark shades on south-facing elevations.
DIY jobs with the wrong paint often start to peel within a year or two, especially on doors that get handled and slammed.
Colours and planning
Anthracite grey remains the most popular choice, followed by black, sage and cream. If you live in a conservation area or a listed building, check with your council before changing the colour of windows on the front of the house – some areas have rules about it. Leaseholders should also check the lease.
Painting uPVC usually pairs well with refreshing the masonry or render at the same time. If you're planning both, our guide to the cost of painting a 3-bed house exterior will help with the wider budget, and you can get quotes from local exterior painters.
