refinishing studio.
Currently booking June 2026 07858 637015 Get a quote
UPVC · How-to

Can you spray brown UPVC windows?

Short answer: yes. Brown and woodgrain UPVC windows are one of the most common things we're asked to respray, and they transform a house completely. Here's how it works and what to expect.

18 May 2026 · 6 min read

Brown UPVC is a finish, not a flaw

Plenty of 1990s and 2000s homes were fitted with brown or woodgrain-effect UPVC that's now badly dated. The frames themselves are usually sound, it's only the colour that's the problem. That's exactly the situation respraying is designed for: keep the perfectly good windows, change the finish.

Going from dark to light

Brown is a dark base colour, so covering it with a lighter shade like anthracite, grey or cream simply needs the right preparation and, in some cases, an extra coat. Woodgrain frames have a textured surface, which we key thoroughly during prep so the new coating bonds properly. We assess the exact frames at survey and note anything that affects the quote.

What colours work over brown?

  • Anthracite grey: the most popular choice, and a dramatic change from brown.
  • Jet black or window grey: for a sharper or lighter modern look.
  • Cream or bone: a softer, warmer update that suits older properties.
  • Sage or Chartwell green: a characterful heritage option.

For help choosing, see the best colours for UPVC windows.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

A whole house of brown windows is usually one to two days on site. Cost depends on the number of frames and whether doors, fascias or guttering are included, see our UPVC spraying cost guide for honest guide ranges. As a rule, respraying is a fraction of the cost of replacing the frames.

Does the colour last?

Prepared and sprayed correctly, the finish is extremely durable and backed by our 5-year written guarantee, and a professional coating can last well beyond the warranty period when maintained correctly. More on that here: how long a UPVC respray lasts.

Send us a photo

If you've got brown or woodgrain UPVC you'd like to update, send a photo and your postcode. We cover the whole of South Wales, including Swansea, Llanelli and Cardiff, and we'll tell you what's possible and what it would cost.

Next step

Let's see what your home could look like.

Send us a few photos and your postcode on WhatsApp for a fast, free quote. We reply within 30 minutes during business hours. Most written quotes are returned within 48 hours once we've received photos or completed a survey.