That's a great idea about checking leftover paint first—I always seem to have random cans tucked away somewhere. Last year, I tackled my window frames too, and sanding them down made a huge difference. Just a quick tip if you do go that route: after sanding, wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove dust before painting. It helps the paint stick better and gives a smoother finish.
Also, if you don't find enough leftover paint or want something slightly different, have you considered mixing two similar shades? I once mixed some leftover beige with white trim paint and ended up with this really nice soft cream color. It was totally accidental but turned out pretty nice...and free.
Have you thought about doing anything creative like mixing colors or trying out a subtle accent shade, or are you leaning more toward sticking with neutrals?
"Have you thought about doing anything creative like mixing colors or trying out a subtle accent shade, or are you leaning more toward sticking with neutrals?"
Mixing leftover paint can be great for saving money, but honestly, I'd be cautious about going too creative if energy efficiency matters to you. Darker shades, even subtle ones, can absorb more heat, especially around window frames, and might slightly affect your cooling costs in summer. Have you considered how color choice might impact your home's energy efficiency, or is that not a big concern for you?
I hadn't really thought about energy efficiency when I painted mine last summer... went with a darker charcoal shade because it looked great. It does get pretty warm around the frames now that you mention it, but honestly hasn't made a noticeable difference in my bills. Just my two cents!
Went with a dark navy on my own frames a couple years back—looked fantastic but yeah, definitely noticed they got warmer in direct sun. Didn't really spike my bills either, but I did notice some minor warping on the south-facing side after a while. Ended up redoing them in a lighter shade last spring... lesson learned, I guess. Just something to keep in mind if your windows get a lot of sun exposure.
"Didn't really spike my bills either, but I did notice some minor warping on the south-facing side after a while."
Interesting you mention that... I've heard darker frames can absorb more heat, but I'm wondering if the warping might've been more about the material itself rather than just the color? Have you considered trying reflective or insulating films instead of repainting? Could be a budget-friendly way to keep your frames cooler without sacrificing aesthetics. Curious if anyone's tried this route yet.
"Have you considered trying reflective or insulating films instead of repainting?"
Tbh, films might help with heat, but won't fix warping that's already there. I'd double-check the frame material first—vinyl tends to warp more easily in direct sun than wood or aluminum. Might be worth swapping materials eventually...
Yeah, agreed—films are decent for heat control, but they're more of a band-aid fix if your frames are already warped. Had vinyl frames on my south-facing windows a few years back, and no amount of reflective film stopped them from bending outta shape. Ended up switching to aluminum eventually, and it's been night and day difference. If budget's tight, maybe just tackle the worst ones first and phase in replacements gradually...worked for me anyway.
Yeah, aluminum frames are solid for sure, but if you're really tight on budget, you might wanna check out fiberglass frames too. They're not as pricey as aluminum and still hold up pretty well against heat and warping. Had a buddy who swapped out his worst vinyl frames with fiberglass, and he's been pretty happy with it—no more noticeable bending or drafts. Might be worth looking into if you wanna stretch your dollars a bit further...
Fiberglass sounds decent, but how easy is it to DIY install compared to aluminum? I've done aluminum frames before, and they're pretty straightforward if you've got basic tools. But fiberglass...is it trickier to cut or fit properly without specialized gear? Also, does fiberglass need any special prep or finishing to keep it weather-resistant long-term? Just wondering if the savings upfront might get eaten up by extra hassle or maintenance down the road.
"Fiberglass sounds decent, but how easy is it to DIY install compared to aluminum? I've done aluminum frames before, and they're pretty straightforward if you've got basic tools. But fiberglass...is it trickier to cut or fit properly without specialized gear?"
I've been down this road myself—aluminum frames were pretty straightforward, like you mentioned. Fiberglass, though... yeah, it's a slightly different beast. Cutting fiberglass isn't impossible with standard tools (a good circular saw or jigsaw with a carbide-tipped blade will usually do fine), but it definitely kicks up more dust and fibers. You absolutely want to wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a dust mask—fiberglass dust can be nasty stuff if you're breathing it in or getting it on your skin.
As far as fitting goes, fiberglass is actually pretty forgiving once you get the hang of it. It's lighter than aluminum, so maneuvering it into place isn't a huge hassle. But since it's less rigid, you might need to be careful about measurements and alignment. If you're comfortable measuring twice (or three times...) before cutting, you'll probably be fine.
Your other question about prep and finishing is spot-on, though. Fiberglass doesn't rust or corrode like aluminum can, so that's a plus. But UV exposure can degrade its surface over time if it's not properly finished or painted. Usually, fiberglass frames come pre-finished from the manufacturer, but if you're buying raw or unfinished frames to save cash, you'll definitely need a good primer and UV-resistant paint. Without that, the surface can start chalking or fading after a couple of years in strong sunlight.
Bottom line: fiberglass can save you money upfront, but factor in the extra time and materials for proper finishing and safety gear. If you're already comfortable working with aluminum, fiberglass won't be a massive leap—but don't underestimate the prep work involved.