Key FAQ Points:
- Most greenhouse frames can be painted with great results.
- For wood, you can choose from paint, stain or varnish, but ensure it’s weather-resistant.
- Choices are more limited for PVC, but Frenchic’s Al Fresco range is up to the task.
- Aside from oil-based enamel paints, you can use Frenchic Al Fresco on aluminium greenhouse frames – but bare steel will need a metal primer first.
- Glass or polycarbonate panels shouldn’t be painted. Protect or remove them before painting.
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Unsure whether you can paint your greenhouse? We have good news. Most greenhouse materials can be painted with great results. It’s simply a case of choosing the right products and preparing your greenhouse properly.
Understanding greenhouse materials
Greenhouses come in all shapes and sizes, including several different materials that make them up. Obviously, you have the glass or polycarbonate panels which can’t be painted (more on this later). But in terms of the frame, greenhouses can be made of wood, PVC or metal.
Wood greenhouse frames
For wood frames, you have a choice of paint, stain or varnish. You’ll just need to ensure that the product is weather-resistant to both water and UV rays like Frenchic’s Al Fresco products.
Plastic greenhouse frames
If your greenhouse frame is made of PVC, you might be more limited. There aren’t as many products that adhere to PVC well. Fortunately, our Al Fresco range is an exception. You’ll simply need to sand the surface beforehand to give it a key, which the paint can adhere to.
Metal greenhouse frames
Maybe you have a greenhouse frame made from aluminium or steel. You might think you’re limited to oil-based enamel paints for these materials, but Frenchic’s Al Fresco paints can also be used with great results.
Because aluminium is non-ferrous, the Al Fresco paint will adhere without a primer. For bare steel, you’ll need a metal primer to improve adhesion. For best results, we recommend:
- Removing any grease, wax, algae or mould from the surface as well as any penetrating oil treatments.
- Treat rust and remove any loose or flaking paint.
- Clean your gate with Sugar Soap, then hand-sand it to abrade the surface.
Protecting the glass
You shouldn’t paint glass on a greenhouse as it can affect light transmission and impair the performance of your greenhouse. Not to mention that the vast majority of paints don’t adhere well to glass without extensive preparation.
To protect glass or polycarbonate panels during painting, we recommend covering them with a polythene sheet or a piece of cardboard, secured neatly using masking tape around the edges.
Depending on your greenhouse design, you may also be able to remove the glazing to make painting quicker and easier.
