How to Repaint Aluminum Clad Windows

Mix 2 tbsp. soap into a 2-gallon bucket of water. Dip a scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the aluminum-clad window to remove all dirt and debris. Rinse the window with clean water. Let it dry completely.

Tape off, using low-tack painter's tape, the window panes and anything else that you don’t want to paint.

Scrape off any loose paint with a metal scraper. Work the tip of the scraper under the loose or peeling paint and push the scraper away from you to remove the paint.

Sand the aluminum. Light sanding will add texture that allows the paint to adhere to the metal. Wipe the windows with a damp rag to remove small particles.

Dip a good-quality brush into primer. Choose acrylic primer or an oil based primer. Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the window. Let the primer coat dry overnight.

Paint the aluminum windows with acrylic paint. If you can’t find 100-percent acrylic paint at your paint store, choose an oil-based exterior paint. Either of these paints will bond well to aluminum surfaces. Apply two to three thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry to the touch before applying the next. Let the final coat dry overnight.