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Painting fiberglass windows to look like aluminum

8 years ago

About 10 years ago, we replaced 5 windows in our house using Milgard Ultra fiberglass windows.
We are now in the process of a major remodel and chose Milgard Aluminum windows. They are a silver'ish color (clear anodized).

For cost reasons, we have left the 5 Milgard Ultra fiberglass windows but would like to do what we can to match them to the new aluminum ones.

Does anyone have any experience on how to go about the painting process for the Milgard Ultra's. Any suggestions on color or process to use to try to achieve the aluminum look?

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Comments (3)

Michael
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I would contact Milgard and ask them about painting procedures. They will be able to provide preparation steps, primer and recommend paint choices.

If I were doing it, I'd spray them with InslX Stix primer and spray paint them with Aura exterior paint.

The below instructions are taken from Milgard website.

Milgard
Windows fiberglass painting instructions :

1. Clean frame with mild detergent.

2. Remove gloss on the factory paint finish with a ScotchBrite pad or fine (220+ grit)
sandpaper. Do not use solvent based de-glossers.

3. Clean frame and remove all paint debris. Allow frame to thoroughly dry.

4. Mask glass, hardware and weather-strip to prevent overspray. Paint applied to
weather-stripping and tracks will hinder product performance.

5. Prime frame with an acrylic based paint primer. Brush applied paint primers
will leave brush marks on the frame. Follow the manufacturer's instruction for
primer application.

6. Paint frame with either water based acrylic latex, or oil based acrylic alkyd paint.
Use premium exterior grade, acrylic house paint. The paint must be compatible
with the primer used. Brush applied paint will leave brush marks on the finish.

7. Allow paint to thoroughly dry per the manufacturer's specifications.

8. Remove masking

Milgard Paint Instructions
User
8 years ago
Use a pale grey exterior paint to blend the fiberglass frames with the aluminum. Unless you see them side by side, no one will notice.

The metallics are not weather-resistant.
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Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all for your advice. We painted the fiberglass windows by sanding and spray painting as described in the Milgard link above. We decided against trying match our aluminum windows and ended up painting a dark brown. It looks great.

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