anyone out there know if it is possible to spray paint old aluminum storm window frames? And if so, what would be good products and preparation to be done? We’re painting our house and I would like to do something with these storm window units aside from just throwing out and buying new vinyl ones. Any suggestions are appreciated.
annayo
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I don't see why not. They have paints for aluminum siding. One thing I would be careful about would be to not get paint in the tracks as this might make raising and lowering the glass sash difficult. I also seem to remember seeing something about painting alum. siding where you need to clean it very well as it chalks over time.
I have not done this myself, but it seems to be quite possible -- though probably quite time-consuming too.
The best method would be to uninstall the storm windows completely. Then take the window and screen panels out and set them aside. (If you are doing multiples at the same time, mark each piece so you can later match it up with its frame.) These don't need paint, as so little of them is visible, and so much of them is involved in the moving parts of the storm.
Wire brush, then steel wool the frame, inside and out. Mask off the tracks, as paint will hinder movement. Then paint till your heart's content. Check with the guys at the paint store as to which primer and paint you should use.
When the paint is dry, put the windows back up, and enjoy them for the next twenty years or so.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.