Faded or chalky aluminium window frames can drag down the look of an otherwise well-kept home. The good news is you do not need to replace them. With the right prep, primer, and paint, you can give aluminium frames a fresh colour that lasts for years.
This guide walks through the whole process.
Can You Paint Aluminium Window Frames?
Yes, you can. Aluminium is one of the more forgiving metals to paint, provided you prepare the surface properly first. Without the right prep, paint will peel within months. With it, a painted aluminium frame can look great and last many years.
The key steps are cleaning, sanding, priming with a product made for metal, and finishing with a quality topcoat. Skip any of those steps and the paint will not bond properly.
One thing to know upfront: aluminium frames that are powder-coated or anodised need slightly different prep than bare or previously painted frames. More on that below.
Brush, Roller or Spray?
Each method has its place.
Brush: Good for smaller frames or touch-ups. You get good control but brush marks can show if the paint is not thinned correctly. Use a quality synthetic brush and apply thin coats.
Roller: Works on flat sections of larger frames. A small foam roller leaves a smoother finish than a brush on flat surfaces. Not ideal for detailed profiles or tight corners.
Spray: This is how professionals do it and for good reason. Spray gives the most even finish, especially on frames with grooves, tracks, or complex profiles. It also covers faster. The glass needs to be masked carefully before you start.
For most DIY jobs on standard aluminium frames, a brush and a small foam roller for flat sections is a practical combination. If you want a factory-smooth result, spraying is worth the setup time.
What You Need
Before you start, gather everything so you are not stopping mid-job.
- Sugar soap or a degreasing cleaner
- Fine-grit sandpaper (180 to 220 grit)
- A tack cloth or damp rag
- Painter’s tape and masking paper or plastic sheeting for the glass
- A metal primer suitable for aluminium (such as Dulux Metalshield or Wattyl Killrust)
- A quality exterior enamel or acrylic paint in your chosen colour
- Brush, small foam roller, or spray equipment
- Drop sheets
Step by Step: Clean, Sand, Prime, Paint
Step 1: Clean the frames thoroughly
Start with sugar soap or a degreaser. Aluminium frames collect grime, oil, and chalky residue from weathered paint. All of that will stop your primer from bonding. Scrub the frames, rinse well, and let them dry completely before moving on. Do not skip this step.
Step 2: Sand the surface
Lightly sand the frames with 180 to 220 grit sandpaper. You are not trying to strip the frames back to bare metal. You are scuffing the surface so the primer has something to grip. Sand with light, even pressure. On previously painted frames, also sand any flaking or bubbling spots back until the edges are feathered smooth. Wipe down with a tack cloth after sanding to remove all dust.
Step 3: Mask the glass
Take your time here. Use painter’s tape along the edge of the frame where it meets the glass, then mask out the rest of the glass with masking paper or plastic sheeting. A clean masking line is what separates a tidy result from a messy one.
Step 4: Apply the primer
Use a metal primer designed for aluminium. Two products that work well in Australian conditions are Dulux Metalshield Primer and Wattyl Killrust Etch Primer. Check the product data sheet for the recommended recoat window for your primer, and follow it. Apply a thin, even coat and let it cure fully before painting.
Step 5: Apply the topcoat
Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat. Thin coats dry more evenly, bond better, and are less likely to run or sag. Follow the recoat time on the paint data sheet between coats. For exterior frames, a quality exterior enamel or acrylic gives the best durability. Once dry, remove the masking tape carefully and at an angle to avoid pulling the paint.
Best Primer and Paint for Aluminium
The right primer is the most important product choice for this job.
For bare or lightly sanded aluminium, an etch primer is the best starting point. These are formulated to bond directly to metal. Dulux Metalshield Metal Primer and Wattyl Killrust Etch Primer are both well regarded and available at Australian hardware stores. Always check the current product data sheet for coverage rates, recoat times, and compatibility with your topcoat.
For the topcoat, a quality exterior acrylic or an enamel rated for metal gives the best result. If you want a specific colour matched to Colorbond or another palette, most paint stores can tint to order.
Powder-Coated vs Anodised Frames
Most aluminium frames in Australian homes are either powder-coated or anodised.
Powder-coated frames have a baked-on paint finish. If the coating is still sound, you can paint over it with the right primer. If it is flaking or peeling, sand the affected areas back and feather the edges before priming.
Anodised frames have an electrochemical finish that is part of the metal itself, not a coating on top. This surface can be harder for paint to bond to. Light sanding followed by an etch primer gives paint the best chance. Some professionals use an adhesion promoter on anodised surfaces before priming for extra insurance.
When in doubt, do a test patch on a small section first. It will tell you how well the primer is bonding before you commit to the whole job.
How Long Painted Frames Last
A well-prepped and properly painted aluminium frame should last between five and ten years before it needs attention again. Harsh sun exposure, coastal salt air, and frames that were not prepped correctly will shorten that lifespan.
Signs the paint is starting to fail include chalking, fading, peeling at the edges, or loss of gloss. Catch it early and a clean, sand, and repaint is all it takes.
Painting vs Replacing Windows
Painting is almost always the more affordable option and makes sense when:
- The frames are structurally sound
- You just want a colour change or refresh
- The glass seals are still in good condition
Replacement makes more sense when:
- The frames are damaged, warped, or corroded
- You want to upgrade to double glazing for energy savings
- The cost of multiple repaint cycles is adding up
A full window replacement on an average Australian home can cost several thousand dollars. Painting the existing frames costs a fraction of that and, done properly, gives you years of solid results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint aluminium window frames?
Yes. Aluminium takes paint well when the surface is properly cleaned, sanded, and primed with a product made for metal. The prep is what determines how long the finish lasts.
What primer do you use on aluminium?
Use a metal primer formulated for aluminium, such as Dulux Metalshield Metal Primer or Wattyl Killrust Etch Primer. Always check the product data sheet for compatibility with your chosen topcoat.
Can you paint aluminium windows with a brush?
Yes. A quality synthetic brush works fine for smaller frames and touch-ups. For a smoother finish on flat sections, combine a brush with a small foam roller. Spraying gives the best result on frames with complex profiles.
How long does paint last on aluminium windows?
With proper prep and quality products, a painted aluminium frame should last five to ten years. Frames in harsh sun or coastal areas may need attention sooner.
How do you get paint off aluminium window frames?
A chemical paint stripper designed for metal is the most effective option. Apply following the product instructions, let it work, then use a plastic scraper to lift the softened paint. Avoid metal scrapers, which can gouge the aluminium. Light sanding after stripping preps the surface for repriming.
Want Your Window Frames Painted?
If you want a clean, lasting result without the hassle of doing it yourself, NUW Painting can handle it. We paint aluminium frames on homes across Melbourne using the right prep and the right products every time. Check out our services or get in touch to get a quote.
