How Do You Respray Double Glazed Windows?
Respraying double glazed windows is more involved than most people expect — and that’s exactly why so many homeowners end up disappointed with the results they get elsewhere. At Ultimate Décor, our approach to double glazed window respraying has been refined over 20 years of specialist spray painting work across Surrey and South London. The short answer is: we do it properly, which means removing the units before we spray them.
Why We Remove the Window Units First
Most spray painters work around the frame in situ. We don’t. We carefully remove each double glazed unit before any spraying begins. This isn’t about being precious — it’s about the finish.
When a unit stays in place, you get compromised edges, potential bleed onto the glass, and areas the spray gun simply can’t reach cleanly. Remove the unit, and you expose the full frame. Every edge. Every rebate. No shortcuts.
Removal is done methodically. We don’t force anything. Glazing beads come out in the right sequence, the unit is supported properly, and everything is handled as if it’s going back in tomorrow — because it is.
The Preparation Stage — Where the Finish Is Won or Lost
Once the unit is out, the preparation work begins. This is the stage that separates a factory-quality finish from one that starts peeling within a year.
We clean the frame thoroughly to remove all dirt, grease, oxidation, and any previous coatings that aren’t fully bonded. UPVC needs specific preparation — it’s a non-porous surface, so adhesion has to be earned, not assumed. We apply a specialist primer where needed and allow proper dwell time before any topcoat goes on.
There are no shortcuts here. The prep stage takes longer than the spraying itself, and that’s how it should be.
The Spraying Process
We use professional spray equipment and water-based, low-VOC coatings — the same systems used to achieve a factory finish on new UPVC profiles. The result is a smooth, even coat with no brush marks, no roller texture, and no visible application lines.
Colour matching is precise. Whether you want a standard RAL colour, a classic heritage shade, or something matched to a Tikkurila palette, we can work to it. We also match Farrow & Ball colours for customers who want consistency across their windows and interior joinery.
The unit is sprayed in controlled conditions — away from wind, dust, and direct sunlight — which makes a significant difference to how the finish settles and cures.
Refitting and the Final Check
Once the coating has cured, the unit goes back in. Glazing beads are refitted carefully, seals are checked, and we do a full inspection before we leave. The frame should look like it came out of the factory that colour — because that’s the standard we hold ourselves to.
We back our UPVC spray finishing work with a 10-year guarantee. That should tell you something about how confident we are in the process.
Is It Worth It Compared to Replacement?
New double glazed windows are a significant expense. If the frames are structurally sound and the glazing is performing well, respraying is a genuinely practical alternative — not a compromise. You get the colour you want, the clean finish you want, and you avoid the disruption and cost of full replacement.
It’s worth reading Which?‘s guidance on home improvement decisions before committing to either route. But for frames in good condition, a professional respray is hard to argue against.
You can find out more about what we cover on our UPVC spray painting service page, or see where we work across the region on our Surrey spray painters page.
Get a Quote for Your Double Glazed Window Respray
If your UPVC window frames are looking tired, faded, or simply the wrong colour, we can help. Call us on 0203 355 1495 or get in touch through the website. We’ll give you a straight answer on whether respraying is the right option for your windows — and a clear, honest quote if it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to remove double glazed units to respray UPVC window frames?
We always remove the glazed units before spraying. It allows us to coat the full frame — including edges and rebates that would otherwise be missed — and eliminates any risk of overspray reaching the glass. It’s the only way to achieve a finish we’re confident enough to guarantee for 10 years.
How long does it take to respray double glazed windows on a typical house?
It depends on the number of windows and how complex the frames are, but most jobs across a standard semi-detached or detached property are completed within a day or two. We’ll give you a clear timeframe when we assess the work.
Will the respray on my double glazed windows last as long as new frames?
When the preparation is done correctly and the right coatings are used, the finish is highly durable. We back our UPVC spray finishing with a 10-year guarantee. The key factor is preparation — which is why we take as long as we need on that stage before any paint is applied.
