Laminated vs Painted vinyl

Ask replacement window questions & get answers!
Post Reply
Message
Author
jdann
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2020 1:45 pm

Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#1 Post by jdann »

I'm looking to do a dark exterior and was wondering what the pros/cons were for laminated and painted finishes?

User avatar
HomeSealed
Posts: 2996
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:46 pm
Location: Milwaukee, Madison, SE Wisconsin

Re: Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#2 Post by HomeSealed »

Both are proven options at this point in time with painted exterior being most common. If you are choosing between two products, I wouldn't let this be a deciding factor either way. There is a false narrative out there that painting vinyl is some sort of issue. Back before properly specified paint coatings existed there was some truth to that, but today its no less reliable than the paint on the exterior of a clad aluminum or fiberglass window in my experience.

User avatar
Windows on Washington
Posts: 5311
Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC

Re: Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#3 Post by Windows on Washington »

I used to be in the anti-paint camp when it came to vinyl, but we have installs that are nearly 20 years old at this point that look as good as the day they went up. I am a believer.

newatthis
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Aug 06, 2022 8:28 pm

Re: Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#4 Post by newatthis »

What should I look for in a paint that will hold up? I need to paint new white vinyl to match the upstairs dark wood trim. In North Carolina, so heat and humidity are major concerns.

User avatar
Windows on Washington
Posts: 5311
Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC

Re: Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#5 Post by Windows on Washington »

What kind of vinyl are you painting? A window? If so, the painting that is done to windows is a completely different process than what you can deploy at the home. That being said, Sherwin Williams does have a product that you can use to paint vinyl and is specifically designed for that substrate.

User avatar
TheWindowNerd
Posts: 2218
Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:05 pm
Location: SE PA & NJ; DFW/Metroplex

Re: Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#6 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Are you painting the interior or the exterior?
Both require good adhesion, so proper selection there.
If the exterior you will need a paint that reflects the heat off the vinyl so it does not melt the vinyl with the solar heat gain.
How is the paint going to be cured?
Do not paint or gum up the weatherstripping.

newatthis
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Aug 06, 2022 8:28 pm

Re: Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#7 Post by newatthis »

exterior window

User avatar
HomeSealed
Posts: 2996
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:46 pm
Location: Milwaukee, Madison, SE Wisconsin

Re: Laminated vs Painted vinyl

#8 Post by HomeSealed »

As stated above, there are products out there for this specific purpose, but finding the product is the easy part. Both the prep work and nature of the painting are very tedious. I'd recommend a professional.

Post Reply