Painting windows

Windows painting is a project that many people prefer to leave to the house painter. Window painting, what is actually involved? How much will it cost you? How do you know if your windows need a new paint job? What colours should you choose? Is painting on wood the same as on aluminium or plastic? In this article we will discuss everything to do with painting windows in detail and provide tips for anyone looking for a good house painter.

What will it cost to paint your windows?

You will of course first want to know approximately how much it will cost to paint your windows.

You should first take into account the hourly rate of the painter.

• The price per hour including paint, materials and VAT is on average between £35 and £50

The dimensions and the number of windows also play a role.

• Average total price: from 7 m2 to all exterior windows £ 470 – £ 1,800

In addition to the painter’s hourly rate and the total number of square metres of windows to be painted, the material of your windows also affects the price. If your window is made of wood, it will require much more maintenance than an aluminium or plastic window.

When looking for a painter, it is recommended anyway to request several painting quotes so that you can compare hourly rates. If the job is not limited to window painting, but also requires painting the doors or stairs, for example, you will probably qualify for a discount.

How much VAT is charged on window painting?

If your home is more than 2 years old, you are eligible for the 9% VAT rate for many painting jobs. Apart from window painting, the following activities also fall under this low rate:

• preparing the painting work
• staining
• painting
• varnishing

But beware! The 21% rate is charged on replacing glass, doors and frames, as well as installing wooden inserts in windows.

Where can you find a painter with a quality mark?

The painting industry has several quality marks. It is proof that the painter meets various requirements and conditions. A quality mark also gives the consumer certainty that the work will be carried out as agreed and you can count on a guarantee in the event of bankruptcy.

A large proportion of the painting companies (over 1,300) are affiliated with the AF-approved painter quality mark. These painters have the appropriate professional qualifications and also meet the conditions drawn up in collaboration with the Consumers’ Association and the Home Owners’ Association.

AF-recognised painters offer a two-year guarantee on exterior painting. A four-year guarantee applies to interior painting.

Other quality marks are:

• De Betere Schilder: The more than 400 painters who have this quality mark all meet the set quality standards and score high in terms of customer satisfaction. They offer three and four-year guarantees on exterior painting and interior painting respectively
• Certified Quality Craftsman guarantees that painting work will be completed even in case of bankruptcy or illness. Guarantee minimum one year.
• VGO-keur. The 38 member companies score at least a 7 as their satisfaction rating. They specialise mainly in large-scale work, for example for a housing association.

There are also painters who do not have a quality mark. This does not necessarily mean that they are not craftsmen and necessarily do bad work.

How does window painting work?

Outdoor windows, especially if they are made of wood, require maintenance. They need to withstand the changeable Dutch climate. Good paintwork will ensure that you enjoy your windows for longer. In that case, the painter will first apply an undercoat with primer, to which the paint can then adhere well.

When you receive a quote, check carefully whether the work is specified or discuss it with the painter. For example, he should first degrease the window, then look for weak spots in the wood, remove dirt, and then remove the old paint, before starting the real painting work.

Can you paint interior windows yourself?

With the paint you can buy these days, it is quite doable. For best results, use acrylic paint because it dries quickly, does not smell and is virtually non-discolouring. Yet painting windows on the inside of your home involves more than you might think. For instance, you will first have to fill the window with filler, sand it, prime it and remove cracks and seams before you can apply the layer of acrylic lacquer.

Unless you like to use the paint brush yourself, painting the windows on the inside can often be combined with those on the outside. In that case, it is worth investigating what such a paint job will cost you if you have it done by a professional. You can always request some quotes. We will explain the best way to do so later in this article.

How do I know when to paint my windows?

Before you send for a painter, you will of course want to be sure that it is actually necessary. When do you paint your windows? Wooden windows can show signs of decay that you can spot yourself. Wood rot, for example, can be recognised by pieces of wood coming loose or the presence of weak spots. Yet it is often not necessary to replace the entire window. It is quite possible to repair wood rot.

Also when paint starts to flake off, it is time for a paint job. Actually, there is only one solution for that. Namely removing the old paint layer and applying a new one. Wrinkling can also occur. Usually due to the fact that the top layer of paint was applied on a primer that was not yet fully dry. Finally, paint can also yellow. This is caused by too little sunlight, but also by cigarette smoke, for example. You can prevent yellowing by applying a shade of grey.

Do I have to have my plastic or aluminium windows painted?

In principle, this is not necessary. Plastic windows are available in all kinds of colours these days. Aluminium windows often already have a protective coating. These windows are therefore perfectly resistant to weather conditions. When it comes to maintenance, cleaning them once in a while is actually enough. Still want to paint? Then keep in mind that painting this type of window requires craftsmanship. In that case, choose a good painter who knows exactly how to apply the paint.