How to Paint Vinyl Trim on a Window

Unlike wood or metal window trim, vinyl window trim generally is not painted. Instead, vinyl window trim is permanently colored. The color is ingrained in the vinyl material during the manufacturing process. A finished vinyl surface is not designed to be painted. And that's fine if you like the color of your vinyl trim, but if you want to paint over vinyl window trim, you could face difficulties. It will take paint several coats to thoroughly mask the underlying vinyl, and even then the paint may peel several weeks later. Special primer is available to make painting easier and more durable. With the right materials, almost anybody can paint vinyl trim on a window.

Trisodium phosphate
Rag
Painter's tape
Bonding primer
Synthetic-bristle paintbrush
Exterior latex paint

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the vinyl surface with trisodium phosphate and a rag. Let the surface dry completely.
- 2
  Protect the window glass and adjacent siding with painter's tape.
- 3
  Apply bonding primer to the vinyl window trim using a synthetic-bristle paintbrush. Bonding primer is designed for nonporous surfaces like glass, ceramic and vinyl. Without the right primer, paint adhesion to vinyl breaks down over time and the paint will peel. Wait for the primer to dry.
- 4
  Paint the vinyl window trim with exterior latex paint and a synthetic-bristle brush. Avoid very dark colors if possible, because dark colors absorb more heat and may cause vinyl trim to warp in the sunlight.
- 5
  Paint a second coat onto the vinyl window trim after the first coat dries.
- 6
  Remove the painter's tape after 24 hours.

How to Paint a New Mahogany Porch Floor

Tips on Painting Roughcast

Outdoor House Painting