ProXL

How Can I Quickly Restore Old uPVC?

31 March 2023 Automotive

New uPVC doors, windows, fascias and conservatories can transform the appearance of a property, but as sunlight and weather take their toll on the plastic it begins to fade and discolour, lose its shine and generally look tired. Replacing the windows purely for aesthetic reasons is an expensive and not very environmentally friendly option, but how can the smart appearance and perceived value of a property be maintained cost-effectively?

Painting Over Old uPVC

One of the easiest, fastest and cheapest ways of restoring tired-looking uPVC plastics is to overpaint them. To ensure the paint adheres permanently to the plastic, a special primer is generally first applied to the plastic and then when this has dried a suitable topcoat paint is added.

Most uPVC primers are applied by brush, but it’s hard to achieve the smooth uniformity of new uPVC using this method. The primer can be applied with a spray gun, but this takes time to set up and can be difficult to use if working at heights.

Applying a primer coat also adds another process to the renovation project, extending the decoration time. So what is the alternative?

No-Prime Aerosol uPVC Restorer Paints

Mindful of the time and cost restraints faced by painters and decorators, ProXL has developed a range of aerosol uPVC restorer coatings. These can be directly applied to uPVC with minimal preparation and require no primer or adhesion promoter.

Supplied as a 400ml aerosol, they are easy to apply without professional painting skills and are very fast drying, allowing multiple coats to be applied in quick succession for a uniform, professional semi-gloss finish.

ProXL uPVC restoration coatings are also highly flexible, meaning that they will flex with the plastic as it expands and contracts with temperature changes. They are also UV- and weather-resistant, providing a durable coating that will retain its colour and look great for years to come.

How Do I Apply ProXL uPVC Restoration Coatings?

The application method is similar to most conventional paints and requires no special tools or chemicals.

Start with lightly abrading the surface with grey Scotchbrite or similar to give the old plastic a key, then follow up by cleaning it thoroughly with a suitable degreaser. Rinse off the degreaser and make sure the surface is completely dry and dust-free.

Mask off surrounding areas to protect them from overspray and if possible, carry out a test spray on a small area of the plastic.

Apply ProXL uPVC restoration coating in light cross-coats. With a recoat time of just five minutes, apply 2-3 coats to achieve full and even coverage.

At 20°C, the coating will be touch-dry within 10-15 minutes. ProXL uPVC restoration coating has a full cure time of 7 days, so avoid any unnecessary contact with the surface during this time.

What can ProXL uPVC Restoration Coatings Be Used On?

While primarily developed for uPVC windows, conservatories, doors and frames, ProXL uPVC restoration coatings can be used to restore and revive plastic fascias and soffits, cladding and bargeboards, downpipes and gutters and even plastic garden furniture.

With three colours to choose from – Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016), Jet Black (RAL 9005) and Traffic White (RAL 9016) – ProXL uPVC restoration coatings can either coordinate with existing exterior uPVC detail or introduce a new, more contemporary look to the property.

For more information on ProXL uPVC restoration coatings or to find a distributor, contact ProXL via their website or by calling 01634 823900.