Q. Can I paint bronze coloured aluminium windows and doors to a white?
(E Nolan Monkstown)


Yes, but you need a special primer though to make the paint stick to the aluminium and the natural colour beading on same. I’d suggest something like ESP, which works very well on shiny surfaces to give paint a grip.
After you apply the ESP (as usual read instructions carefully) it would also be a good idea to use a high quality oil based undercoat and top coat. I’d always suggest you do a piece somewhere inconspicuous first to get the feel of it etc. (Not the front door!)
For the best effect possible, add about 10% Owatrol conditioner to the undercoat and about 5 to 10% (just enough to make it “flow nicely”) to your top coat for a superb finish. You should end up with a lovely brushmark-free, rich finish that will last for years. The above products are available in all the better paint outlets.
 

Can I paint a uPVC door and frame which has a grained wood effect?
(Eileen Maher)

Yes, assuming the grained effect is part of the original door finish and not painted on. If the surface is sound, i.e. not flaky or rough but smooth and flat, you can repaint the door and frame in exactly the same way as outlined in above question.