Recently, there has been a demand for gray plastic windows, which are increasingly being ordered instead of white models. Some architects have already called the rapid growth of their popularity a “gray revolution.” After all, new models radically change the appearance of building facades and are perfectly combined with different building materials. According to experts, in the near future, when assembling windows, gray profiles will be used along with white and wood-like PVC systems.
No. 1. Features of the technology
Although the white profile is considered classic, neutral and universal, some still don’t really like it. Many call it boring, others consider it unsuitable for a specific interior. There is only one way out of this situation - to order colored plastic windows, fortunately, technology allows it. Large manufacturers are ready to offer up to 100 different shades and textures - there really is plenty to choose from.
To give a plastic profile a certain color, various technologies are used:
- Lamination with acrylic film, during which the profile and film are actually sintered and become one. First, the profile is treated with special compounds (primers) to improve adhesion to the film, then the profile is heated in the chambers, after which a film is applied to it, which is pressed with rollers. As a result, intermolecular bonds arise between the profile and the film, i.e. they become a single whole, which suggests the high durability of structures decorated in this way. Film comes in different shades, can imitate the structure of any type of wood, any stone, etc. The most modern acrylic coatings even repeat the relief of natural wood, so that maximum similarity can be achieved. The film is not afraid of sunlight, so it will not fade, and it is not afraid of scratches. This coating can be applied to only one of the sides of the profile, or both, but the ends remain white if pre-painting has not been carried out in the paste.
- Spray painting allows you to get a lot of interesting shades that are not available using the lamination method. First, the profile is thoroughly cleaned, then treated with water-based paint by airless spraying, and if necessary to achieve a metallic color, a second layer of coating is applied. All you have to do is wait for it to dry completely, after which the system is ready for installation in the customer’s apartment. There are not just many color options, but a lot - palette of more than 2000 shades, including glossy, matte and metallic options. The coloring technology takes less time and is cheaper than lamination, and the coating can be easily renewed during operation. However, scratches and other damage appear more easily on a painted profile than on a laminated one. The quality of painting highly depends on the skill of the artist. It will not be possible to obtain a texture - only a monochromatic colored surface, but in many cases this is enough.
- Bulk coloring carried out at the profile manufacturing stage by adding colored pigment. In this way, you can obtain a surface that is most resistant to external influences. The choice of shades is limited; brown profiles are often produced in a similar way.
If you want to install plastic windows that will be as similar as possible to wooden ones , then it is better to choose those that have been painted brown and then laminated with a film that imitates the texture of wood. In this case, the white ends will not give away the real origin of the structure.
No. 2. Pros and cons of colored plastic windows
It seems that anyone can immediately name the main pros and cons of such structures. It all comes down to the fact that it is interesting, but expensive. In fact, some pros and cons are not obvious, so before installing colored windows, you need to consider this solution comprehensively.
Advantages:
- the ability to give the windows almost any shade that will be in maximum harmony with the interior and facade;
- plastic windows with wood lamination will cost less than wooden ones, and in appearance, a quality product will be difficult to distinguish from a window with a wooden profile;
- lamination or spraying of paint can be done only on one side, so, for example, not to disturb the overall architectural appearance of the house, but to create an original interior;
- safety. Any type of profile decoration is not capable of harming the health of people living in the apartment;
- resistance of the colored profile to sunlight and other negative environmental influences.
Minuses:
- higher price, colored windows will cost 25-70% more than regular white ones, the final price depends on the characteristics of the staining;
- the film can be scratched, and if there is a white profile underneath it, it will not look very aesthetically pleasing. Yes, the coating adheres quite firmly, but in terms of resistance to mechanical damage, the film is still inferior to the PVC profile. Spray paint can also scratch, but the painted finish is easier to restore. However, you can also disguise a scratch on the film using special markers;
- ordinary components for a colored profile will not be suitable, so you will have to spend money on more expensive handles, window sills, hinges and seals - everything that is non-standard costs more;
- a laminated profile is much more susceptible to temperature deformation, which requires a special approach at all stages: from measurement to installation. Firstly, laminated windows require a slightly larger installation gap, so companies warn that it is dangerous to install such windows on the south side. Secondly, during the manufacturing process, reinforced steel reinforcement with a thickness of at least 1.5 mm is carried out. In addition, it is necessary to provide holes for ventilation, and install fasteners in smaller increments (45-50 cm, not 60-70 cm for standard white windows).
Colored windows are becoming more and more popular, but you shouldn’t blindly succumb to fashion trends. Think carefully, perhaps a standard white profile can fit into the interior and exterior of the house. In pursuit of exclusivity, do not forget that the main task of a modern window is to create a reliable barrier between the house and the street, and this will be possible if a high-quality profile and a suitable double-glazed window are used, and the correct installation is carried out. Residents of Moscow and the region can safely contact, which produces plastic windows based on the German Rehau profile and gives a 5-year guarantee. Measurements are made free of charge, installation is carried out according to all standards, and the main part of the payment is made only after the windows are installed. You can calculate the cost of a window or balcony glazing using a plastic window calculator, but the price can be reduced due to promotions and special offers.
If you ever get tired of white windows (or are already tired of them), then they can be transformed using a special film or painting, which we will talk about below.
What is color lamination of a window profile?
Lamination features:
Laminated window profiles can be brown on the inside and white on the outside
White profile - standard, intended for outdoor use
Window sills, as a rule, are matched to the tone of the internal profile
Coating a profile with a special layer of colored material is called lamination. The technology consists in applying a durable film to the surface, creating an imitation of any wood species and the desired shade.
To produce a laminated profile, you need special equipment that can operate at temperatures above 130 degrees. Heated to the established limit values, the film is applied to the profile, a strong connection is ensured by polyurethane adhesive acting at the molecular level.
When cooled, a polymer mesh appears, its characteristics exceeding that of a conventional adhesive joint, the profile surface adheres to the laminate, and the final product acquires increased resistance to moisture and temperature changes.
Blitz survey: When choosing a plastic window, what is important to pay attention to? From the articles you can learn how to choose plastic windows depending on the design and heat and sound insulation characteristics.
Acrylic film withstands exposure to ultraviolet radiation and other aggressive environments . The profile surface laminated in this way retains increased performance characteristics throughout the entire service life of the window. A frame made of laminated profile will not fade under intense sunlight, is not subject to destruction from snow and rain, and retains its color in any, even the most unfavorable conditions.
Machine covering PVC profile with film
The advantages of acrylic films include the ability to reflect heat (almost 85% of the heat is reflected), as a result the profile heats up less, and the entire window structure is reliably protected from deformation due to overheating or violation of the sealing properties. Special pigments in the applied material help increase the heat resistance of the film.
Thus, a beautiful and effective acrylic film applied during lamination serves as an additional guarantee of the safety of the entire window product, including mechanical stress and scratches on the surface.
No. 3. Color options
Spray painting is done in hundreds of shades; there are fewer options for bulk coloring and lamination, but still sufficient. The following color profile options are in greatest demand:
- brown;
- with imitation wood;
- grey, black and beige are neutral shades that can easily fit into most interior styles;
- profile with metallized surface;
- profiles of non-standard shades (green, red, blue, orange) are still rarely ordered. This is an option for brave people who create a colorful interior. Also, such a solution is chosen by companies that want to make their office memorable both inside and out.
Large window companies are constantly expanding their offerings. It is predicted that in the future there will be a film with a 3 D effect , which will make windows even more interesting. Films with an even better imitation of the wood surface will also appear. I would like to believe that the performance of the film will improve. For example, after numerous customer requests, Renolit (the largest manufacturer of lamination film) has developed a material with lower thermal absorption, and now the film with the same colors as before heats up 3-110C less.
In addition, do not forget that the profile can be laminated on only one side, or laminated on both sides, but in different colors , so you don’t have to worry that the new window will not fit into the façade of the apartment building. Let the window on the outside be as required by the appearance of the house, but on the inside the profile can be whatever you want.
No. 4. Profile color and house facade
The largest selection of possible solutions opens up to the owners of their own houses, cottages and summer cottages. Here you don’t need to take into account the general appearance of the house and set a profile like everyone else’s so as not to stand out. Owners of private houses, with all the variety of available shades, essentially choose one of two possible paths - either the window is in harmony with the facade and its details, or it contrasts strikingly with it.
Designers advise paying attention to the following options for selecting a suitable shade:
- choosing a shade that harmonizes with the color of the facade. For example, for a house decorated with terracotta-colored brick, you can choose a profile of the same shade or a similar one, for example, brown. If the facade is made in gray, then why not choose frames in the same gray color, just a couple of shades darker. It is also possible to use black or metallic colors;
- We must not forget about the architectural style of the house . If we are talking about houses in a classic style, then you can’t think of anything better than a wood profile, but there is freedom of choice here too, because wood comes in different shades: from almost white to rich brown. Such windows will look especially good in wooden houses and houses covered with wood. For the classic style, calm shades of the profile, such as chocolate, brown, cream and black, are also suitable. For modern architecture, frames in grey, graphite, anthricite and the same black shade are suitable. If the house or office space is made in an extravagant kitsch style, then all restrictions are lifted - choose either blue or crimson frames;
- Can focus on the color of the roof and doors. For example, brown siding will look great with brown frames. Doors and windows of the same color are the golden rule for a harmonious façade;
- there is a tendency to base the choice of color for the outer part of the profile on the color of the garage door . The garage is often part of a common building; it is clearly visible from the street, and the gates have a fairly large area, so the garage should be treated not as a technical and auxiliary element, but as a full-fledged part of the house. If there is a garage on the property and it is attached to the house, it makes sense to make the windows and garage doors the same color. This does not cancel all other rules. Let the windows, gates, doors, and fence with roof be of the same shade, which will blend perfectly with the facade of the house. For example, dark chocolate and creamy color;
- the most daring and, at the same time, difficult decision is Contrasting profile color. In this case, the task is to highlight the windows, but to do it in such a way that they remain part of the overall harmonious facade and are not alien. If everything is done correctly and tastefully, the façade of the house will become memorable. Most often, this solution is used for the arrangement of commercial buildings. Clients will definitely not forget the company’s office with unusual blue or purple windows. You can choose a corporate color for painting. When decorating residential buildings, contrasting shades are rarely used, but if you want to make your home stand out from the rest, then why not.
Let us note once again that you should not immediately reject the option with a white profile - it really fits perfectly into most facades due to its neutrality. Moreover, white has a mass of shades, from snow-white to cream - you can find a suitable solution in any case.
Gray windows in the interior of the house
Gray color goes well with both modern and classic interior design styles. Laminating windows with gray films allows you to imitate painted wood structures. Such models are perfect for installation in rooms decorated in eco-tech style. The same laminated profile with a textured surface can be used when assembling stained glass windows to decorate classic interiors. These 2 examples clearly demonstrate the versatility of gray.
High-tech style requires frames and sashes with a smooth, uniform surface. Gray windows in the interior of such rooms are the best option, as they will ideally combine with furniture, doors, flooring and lighting fixtures. The neutrality of this color makes it go well with a variety of styles.
Choosing the optimal profile system for assembling windows and doors should not be limited to finding the right color. It is necessary to take into account the installation depth, number of chambers, wall thickness and profile cross-section. Read more about this in the review on OknaTrade.
No. 5. Profile color and interior
This is where you can give free rein to your imagination! At home, everyone is free to do whatever they want, and we have a wide selection of colors and shades at our disposal. Here, just like with the facade, you can use a color that fits into the color scheme of the interior, or you can play with contrast.
There are several win-win solutions:
- selection of window frames to match the color of interior doors . Windows and doors change quite rarely, they should be in harmony with each other, so this solution will create a stylish interior;
- choosing a window profile match the color of the walls - also a good solution to create a harmonious interior space. Let's say the walls are painted blue, but the profile can be light blue. This is an excellent basis for arranging a children's room for a boy;
- choosing a window profile to match the color of the furniture - a more complex and often reckless decision, since many people change furniture much more often than they do repairs. If we are talking about high-quality wooden furniture, then the decision will be justified - windows with wood lamination will look as advantageous as possible;
- a lot depends on the style of the interior . Windows laminated to resemble wood in brown shades will ideally fit into the classic style, and windows laminated under wood in light shades will fit perfectly into the Provence style. For country style, you can choose lamination to match dark types of wood, or choose plain brown frames. If we are talking about modern interior styles (minimalism and hi-tech), then preference is given to plain profiles. If white doesn't suit you, opt for gray or metallic ones. For the Art Nouveau, kitsch, boho style, you can take a profile of a bright unusual color: yellow, red, green, purple, pink - whatever your heart tells you;
- game of contrast is a risk that can lead to complete success or, conversely, cause complete disappointment. As in the case of the facade, you need to choose a shade so that it is contrasting, but at the same time harmonizes with the interior. Focus on the combination of colors on the color wheel;
- it is also important to consider room features. For example, for small rooms it is better to take a profile of light shades: beige, cream, light gray, etc. If the windows face south, cool shades of green, blue, and purple will help bring coolness into the house. If there is not enough light and warmth, then you can choose a profile of cheerful yellow, orange or red colors. Remember also about the specific effects of color on the nervous system. The red tint, for example, has a stimulating effect, so it is clearly not appropriate in the bedroom, but in the kitchen - please. Calmer tones are suitable for rest rooms: green, blue, beige, wood, brown;
- When installing panoramic windows, it is better to choose a calm shade of the profile, since the windows will already attract a lot of attention. The ideal solution in this case would be a gray, brown, black or metallic profile.
Please note that the color in the catalog and in reality may vary slightly - this is normal, you just need to make allowances for this fact. It’s better to come to the company’s office and get acquainted with samples of the desired color. Many manufacturers have special programs in which you can visualize the interior of the room and the color of the profile in order to evaluate your own decision and, if necessary, make changes in time.
House facade with gray windows
Architects love gray because it allows them to adjust the role of windows that they play in shaping the appearance of the facade plane. By changing its shades, you can achieve different effects - highlight the frames in the openings or, conversely, make them almost invisible. For example, if the window color is anthracite gray, it will become the dominant element on the white facade. But light-colored structures are used in cases where it is required that they merge with the facade plane and not stand out on the building.
This technique is also actively used in low-rise construction. After all, windows made of white and wood-like profiles are not compatible with all materials for cladding facades. If additional structures were used during construction (entrance lobbies, aluminum glazing of verandas and winter gardens), the incompatibility may be critical. Therefore, in such cases it is better to use neutral colors.
In order not to make a mistake with the shade, it is recommended to first familiarize yourself with how gray windows are combined with different facades. In this situation, it is not recommended to rely on intuition and personal taste. It is better to visually assess compatibility. Photos of finished objects will help you imagine what a house with gray windows will look like. In addition, it is recommended to use software that allows you to change shades directly on the image. With its help you can quickly choose the optimal color.
No. 6. Glass color in plastic windows
Yes, yes, you can experiment not only with the profile, but also with double-glazed windows - fortunately, the modern level of production allows you to do this. In addition to the usual transparent double-glazed windows, you can use colored glass , which receives a certain shade without losing its translucent properties. They will heat up more strongly in the sun (some companies do not recommend installing colored glass on the south side), and the overall illumination of the room will decrease, since colored glass transmits less light than transparent glass.
Shades can be different : from blue and pink to brown and dark green. By installing bronze or gold-colored glass, you can fill the room with warm, almost sunlight-like light that will penetrate inside in any weather. Relevant for rooms facing north. Blue-tinted glass will fill the room with sky-blue light. You can equip all the sashes in the window with colored glass, or only part of them - in any case, such a product will attract attention and create a whimsical play of light in the room.
Glass painting occurs in different ways:
- coloring in the mass shows itself best, the glass will be as resistant to all influences as possible;
- Coloring by pyrolysis occurs on the basis of finished glass, into the structure of which a colored pigment is literally soldered. The result is almost the same stable coating as when dyeing in the paste;
- painting by spraying in a vacuum gives the most predictable result, since the saturation of the shade can be adjusted;
- Applying the film is quick and easy, you can even do it yourself. Minus - the film can be scratched.
In addition to almost transparent colored glass, there are other ways to decorate a window:
- use mirror glass, which reflect part of the sun's rays, allow you to save on air conditioning and protect your living space from prying eyes. Mirror tinting can be of different shades. For a private home, it is better to choose brown, golden, green or blue shades, and for a commercial building in a modern style - gray or bronze glass;
- matte textured double glazed windows They allow only a small part of the light into the room, reliably protect from the views of strangers, and are appropriate in rooms such as a bathroom, toilet, locker room. The matte surface is achieved by sandblasting. In a similar way, you can create some kind of design or pattern on glass from transparent and matte parts - it looks quite restrained and interesting;
- stained glass - this is not only expensive, but also quite difficult, in the literal sense of the word. Only an aluminum profile can withstand it. It is cheaper and easier to imitate stained glass. The “diamond edge” technique will look good, when part or all of the inner surface of the glass is covered with a special tape that imitates a chamfer, and the glass unit begins to sparkle. In production, stained glass is sometimes imitated using films and tin broaches. Glass with a pattern is placed inside a double-glazed window, and in the end everything looks natural;
- devitrification and decorative layout divides the glass unit into several cells. This effect is appropriate in a number of interiors and allows you to make the window a little more interesting. The layout installed inside the double-glazed window looks best.
PVC windows in black
New trends in modern design include decorating windows with black frames. The exclusivity of the colors allowed us to create a whole trend in interior solutions. For many years now, black windows have been gaining increasing interest from customers. This option became possible thanks to the development of technology for manufacturing profile coatings that imitate any structure, with the ability to create a glossy, metallized or matte surface.
Any fantasy can now be realized thanks to special coating equipment and the creation of a high-strength film. Thanks to the dark shade, such frames will retain their rich, deep color for a long time, and a reliable coating will provide protection from fading and destruction of the product.
From a design point of view, it is preferable to place black elements vertically, so the design of window frames in black fits well into the list of requirements for the aesthetics of the room and stylistic compliance.
Expert commentary
Vladislav Dobronravov
Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company
A black profile looks impressive next to concrete or brick, against a background of wood or stone surface.
In addition, in some cases, the use of black frames is the only acceptable option that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
We should not forget about the fittings; they are selected taking into account the specific color of the frame. As a rule, additional decorative elements and accents are not required for this window design. Depending on the circumstances and design features, it is possible to include fittings in noble silver or golden shades. Related articles:
◾Glass unit design
◾Classes of plastic window profiles
◾How plastic windows are made
No. 7. How to change the color of plastic windows with your own hands?
Having seen enough examples of interesting solutions, many look at their white plastic windows with transparent glass with some longing. It would seem that they are still strong and airtight, there is no point in installing new ones, but I want something new. The solution is simple - you can slightly modernize the existing windows. The main thing is to weigh all your decisions so that the updated window fits into the interior.
So, what can you do with your own hands:
- change profile color using lamination films. Some people prefer to use car films. The gluing technique remains the same. The film must first be cut, taking into account an allowance of 10-20 mm. The handle and other elements that may interfere are first removed from the window. It is most convenient to work with the sash dismantled. The surface must be degreased, and then proceed to gluing, acting carefully, gradually peeling off the protective coating and pressing the film against the profile. After this, the surface is smoothed with a squeegee, bubbles are removed, excess is cut off, and the film can be heated on the folds with warm air from a hair dryer. The durability of such a coating is lower than with factory lamination, but re-gluing the film is not so difficult. There are coatings of different colors and textures on sale;
- You can also change the color of the profile by painting. Many people believe that this way the result will be more aesthetically pleasing than when covering it with film. It is advisable to first make a matte surface from a glossy surface - this way the paint will adhere better. You can sand it with sandpaper - the main thing is not to overdo it. Before painting, the plastic must be treated with a special cleaner for PVC; in extreme cases, dishwashing detergent will do - it also degreases the surface. Now all that remains is to seal the glass, prime the profile (choose products suitable for plastic or metal) and apply paint. Acrylic paints are best suited: they adhere well to a smooth surface, dry quickly, and do not fade. It is better to apply paint with a spray gun - this way you will be able to achieve the most uniform layer. Automotive paint, which comes in a spray can, is also suitable. Colors usually have a characteristic shine, but in some cases it will come in handy;
- apply tint film with a tint or mirror effect on the glass unit. The manufacturer provides all instructions on the packaging. Most films have a self-adhesive backing, but there are also heat-shrinkable products that are glued using hot air;
- matte and stained glass films They stick in about the same way as tint ones. On sale you can find coatings with different patterns. If you add stained glass film with decorative tin broaches on a self-adhesive base, you will be able to create a real masterpiece at home with your own hands;
- false binding. It is necessary to think in advance about the decorative layout scheme, buy a profile of a suitable color and shape, cut it and stick it with sealant or double-sided tape - glue or liquid nails can leave marks on the glass.
Advantages of colored PVC windows
The colored plastic used in the manufacture of the window structure provides style and aesthetics to the room. The opening takes on a more impressive design compared to the standard classic white design.
Organic inclusion into the interior and originality of design, individual selection of colors by the customer - these are the main advantages of a colored window from an aesthetic point of view.
There are other advantages in terms of functionality and performance characteristics:
pros
durability of the coating
resistance to extreme temperatures
UV protection
resistance to the destructive effects of unfavorable external environments (bright sun, snow, rain, dirt)
In addition, the window frame is easy to clean and wash without any restrictions or fear of damaging the surface. The main rule is to use the same means and tools as for standard double-glazed windows. The ease of cleaning and impeccable appearance will be appreciated by every housewife.
Thanks to paint or film on the surface of colored windows, the design becomes particularly resistant to wear, increases the strength of the product, and improves the bulk of its characteristics.
Thus, the coating on the profile provides additional protection against scratches, mechanical damage, destruction of the surface layer, and the formation of cracks. Related articles:
◾Fixed plastic windows
◾Triangular plastic windows
◾Which windows are best to choose for a private home