So, you’re staring at your old aluminium windows thinking… what was the previous owner even thinking with that colour? Or maybe you had a crack at painting them yourself and now want a fresh start.
Whatever the reason, if you’re trying to figure out how to remove paint from aluminium window frames, you’re in the right place.
We’ve been restoring and re-spraying aluminium doors and windows for years, and there’s a right way to do it — and a few wrong ways that’ll make a mess, damage the frame, or leave you with patchy results.
Let’s run you through it.
First Things First: Is It Worth Removing?
If your aluminium window frames have flaking, bubbling, or peeling paint, then yeah — removing the old stuff is worth the effort. A clean surface gives you a smooth finish, helps the new paint stick properly, and makes the whole job last a hell of a lot longer.
If the paint’s in good condition and you’re just changing colour, you might be able to sand and repaint. But if it’s a dodgy DIY job or the surface wasn’t prepped properly in the first place, it’s best to take it right back.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Paint from Aluminium Window Frames
Here’s how we tackle it when we’re getting a frame ready to respray:
1. Remove the moving parts – That means sliding panels or window sashes. You want full access to the entire frame without fiddly obstacles in the way.
2.Take out all the hardware – Rollers, handles, locks, and weather seals all need to come out. This helps avoid overspray or damage, and makes it easier to strip the paint off evenly.
3. Sand it back – Once most of the paint is gone, we sand the surface to clean up any leftovers and remove imperfections. This step is key for getting a smooth finish when you repaint.
4. Clean it properly – Before any new paint goes on, clean the surface with wax and grease remover. Aluminium can hang onto oils and dust, and you want that gone before you respray.
That’s the basic approach if you’re DIY-ing. But if you’re going for a long-lasting finish, especially one that looks factory fresh, there’s a bit more involved, like applying a proper etch primer and using high-quality acrylic lacquer.
Be Careful What You Use
We’ve seen people go hard with wire brushes, grinders, and even acid-based cleaners to try to remove paint from aluminium window frames. Don’t. Aluminium is softer than you think, and you’ll end up doing more harm than good.
Stick with fine sandpaper, and gentle solvents. And always mask off the glass and rubber seals so you don’t damage anything else while you’re working.
When It’s Best to Call in a Pro
Honestly, if you want that fresh, modern, “brand new windows” look — without actually replacing the frames — painting them properly is the go. But it’s not a quick or easy job.
At business, we do everything on site:
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Remove the frames
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Take out hardware
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Mask up everything
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Sand, clean and prime
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Spray three to four coats of industrial-grade acrylic lacquer
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Reassemble with brand-new rollers, handles and seals
All our work is backed by a 7-year warranty — and we’ve had people tell us their windows still look great after 12+ years.
So if you’re not confident on how to remove paint from aluminium window frames without damaging them or making a mess, it might be worth letting someone who does it every day take care of it.
Final Thoughts
Removing paint from aluminium window frames isn’t hard, but doing it properly takes time and a bit of know-how. Whether you’re doing it yourself or getting a pro in, the key is surface prep. Take shortcuts, and you’ll be redoing it in a year.
Take your time, do it right, or give us a call and we’ll handle it for you.
Need help? Want a quote? Use the form below or find us on socials.
We’re a family business, and transforming homes (without replacing every window) is what we do best.
