How to Paint an Aluminum Window

One of the best ways in which to change your home’s appearance is by painting its window frames.  You can even paint aluminum window frames to make them look like new.  An additional benefit to painting these frames is that it will help to protect the aluminum from oxidation.

Things That You Will Need 

• Powered soap


• A utility bucket


• Water


• Some heavy-duty cleaning cloths


• Paint thinner


• Oil-based metal priming paint


• Acrylic latex exterior house paint


• A paintbrush


• Some drop cloths


• Painter's tape

1. Wash all of your aluminum window frames.  Use a cloth and a mixture of powered soap and warm water.  Make sure that all of the dirt, loose paint and other debris is thoroughly removed.  Allow your window frames to dry for at least 48 hours.


2. Mix together one pint of paint thinner and one gallon of oil-based metal primer. 


3. Put painter's tape up to protect your home’s siding.  Make sure to put tape around all of the frames.


4. Put drop cloths under your windows in order to keep the primer from discoloring the grass or concrete.


5. Use a paintbrush to apply a single coat of primer.  Allow primer to dry overnight.


6. Use acrylic latex exterior house paint to paint the aluminum window frames within 48 hours of applying the primer.  Make sure to follow the directions on the paint and apply the correct number of coats.


7. Allow the paint to dry, which could take several days depending upon the weather and the number of coats that you have applied.


8. Remove the painter's tape once the paint is dry.