How to Paint Vinyl Windows Black

You know you’ve been eyeing those edgy black windows on Pinterest. They’re ultra modern, they stand out and they would completely transform the look of your home.

There are two major issues holding you back:

You’re on a budget
Your window frames are made of vinyl

Being on a budget means you’ve probably already ruled out replacing your windows entirely, and if you have vinyl windows, you probably think you can’t paint them. The former I can’t help with, but what if I told you there’s an easy way to paint vinyl windows black?

It won’t cost much and you don’t have to be an expert to get it done. With meticulous taping and a little bit of patience, you can paint vinyl windows black in just one day.

Note: This DIY is for indoor vinyl window frames only as outside frames require exterior paint. However, since the primer/sealer I’ve recommended is for indoor/outdoor use, I believe you can swap out the interior black paint for exterior paint and transform the look of your outdoor window frames too.

Here’s what you’ll need

Acrylic primer/sealer*
High-quality matte black paint (I chose this one from Benjamin Moore)
2 large foam brushes
1 small paintbrush (dollar store paintbrush will do)
FrogTape

* You can also opt for Sherwin Williams VinylSafe paint that is specifically made for vinyl surfaces.

How to paint vinyl windows black (step by step)

1. Clean window frame

Before getting started, you have to clean your vinyl window frame. Dust it and use a damp cloth to really make sure there is no dirt left.

The acrylic primer/sealer you will use will trap in any debris left on your window frame, and I promise you won’t be able to remove it without ruining the paint. Do I speak from experience? Yes, yes I do.

Make sure all surfaces are dry before moving on.

2. Tape window glass and trim

If you’ve ever painted your walls before, you know how important it is to tape all adjacent wall corners first. Especially when using an unforgiving color like black, you can’t afford to freestyle it, no matter how steady you swear your hand is.

Start by taping the window trims and then tape the inner corners of the glass. If you want to be extra cautious, you can even use newspaper on the glass and then tape the edges over it.

Note: If you have a mosquito net on your window, remove it and paint its trim separately. If you keep it on the window while painting, it might get stuck.

3. Apply acrylic primer/sealer

Acrylic primer/sealer is viscous, meaning it’s very thick. You’ll want to be careful when applying it on your window frame using one of the foam brushes.

You need to use enough to get full coverage, but not so much that it clumps up. One coat should be enough – apply it in even strokes to avoid any awkward marks. Follow the instructions on the can for best results.

If you want a streamlined look, apply the primer/sealer to the hardware and locking mechanism too. I lifted the lock before painting so that it wouldn’t get stuck in the closed position.

4. Paint vinyl windows black

Once the primer/sealer is completely dry, you can apply your first coat of black paint with the unused foam brush. Use the same technique as when you applied the acrylic primer/sealer.

You will most likely have to apply two coats, even if you use high-quality paint. I used Benjamin Moore’s Regal collection and still needed two for full coverage.

5. Remove tape before paint dries

Once your second coat is done, remove the tape before the paint dries. This will help avoid paint chipping. Now you can take a step back and enjoy your “new” modern black windows.