BUNNINGS August 2019

In the frame
41
Update it
Window refresh
Black, steel-framed windows are bang on trend, and it’s easy to transform
your old aluminium windows with a coat of paint to capture this look
Photography (opposite) GAP Interiors/Rachael Smith & Emma J Page; GAP Interiors/Costas Picadas.
Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings
Aluminium window
frames are built to
last, but if trends
have changed since
they were first installed, their
longevity might seem like a
curse. Fortunately, a spritz
of spray paint can transform
dated 80s frames into on-trend
black – or any colour you fancy.
1Prep the area
Painting is easy, but the
time and effort you expend
in prepping is what makes the
difference. Start by removing
window furnishings and
fixtures, then take any unfixed
windows out of the frame
entirely. Thoroughly clean
the window, inside and out,
removing all dirt and dust. Put
down a dust sheet to protect
the floors. Tape off around the
frame using a good-quality
painter’s tape. Press the tape
into the corners with a putty
knife and use shorter lengths
– around 30cm – to make it
easier to get a snug fit against
the frame. Use sheets of paper
kitchen towel or newspaper to
cover the reveals (the window’s
timber surround), securing it in
place with more tape – this will
work to protect the timber, as
long as it’s not saturated with
paint. Tape off the window, and
cover the glass completely in
paper towel or newspaper.
1 Dy-Mark mini etch primer metal paint,
$9.95/100g, SKU: 01560539. 2 Dulux ‘Duramax’
high performance enamel spray paint in
Flat Black, $16.50/340g, SKU: 01400717.
3 ScotchBlue advanced multi surface painter’s
tape, $11.54, SKU: 00257839. 4 3M ‘Performance’
reusable paint project respirator, $79.90,
SKU: 00216042. Some products are not available
at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
2Prime time
If the windows haven’t
been painted before, you’ll
need to use an etch primer
spray paint first. This product
contains a combination of
resins that will help the paint
adhere to the smooth surface
of the metal. The best way to
use spray paint is to hold the
can between 10cm and 25cm
2
1
3
4
SAFETY
FIRST
When spray
painting, it’s very
important to use
safety equipment:
a respirator,
safety glasses
to protect your
eyes, and a pair
of gloves – thin
latex disposables
are fine – to
protect the skin
on your hands
away and move it steadily over
the surface. It’s better to do a
series of fine, thin coats than
one heavy coat, which could run
and give you an uneven finish.
3Colouring in
Make sure the primer is dry
before applying the top coat
– look to the instructions on
the can for application times.
Shake the can thoroughly and
apply in the same way as the
primer, aiming for thin and
even coverage. You may need
to apply up to three coats,
waiting about 20 minutes
before the next one – but,
again, use the product
instructions as a guide.
4Clean up
Take off the painter’s tape
and paper towel before the
paint has dried completely.
If, despite your efforts, any
paint has leaked under the
tape, let it dry and remove it
carefully from the glass with
a razor blade. Once the paint
is completely dry, return the
window to its frame, rehang
the window furnishings, then
sit back and admire your
newly stylish room! u
Watch it!
For more tips on painting
aluminium windows:
bunnings.co.nz/
paintwindowframes
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