UPVC Spraying vs Replacement: Which Is Right for Your Commercial Property?

The Decision Every Property Manager Faces

Faded, discoloured UPVC windows and doors make any commercial building look dated. When it is time to refresh the exterior, you have two main options: spray the existing frames in a new colour or replace them entirely. Both have their place, but for most commercial properties, spraying delivers better value with far less disruption.

Cost Comparison

UPVC spraying typically costs 20–30% of full replacement. For a standard commercial unit with 20–30 window and door frames, that difference can amount to tens of thousands of pounds. The savings are even greater on larger buildings with aluminium curtain walling or composite panels.

Replacement costs include not just the new frames but removal, making good, skip hire, decoration, and potential fire-stopping remediation. Spraying avoids all of these secondary costs.

Disruption and Downtime

• Spraying — work happens externally with no need to enter occupied units. Most frames are completed within a single day per elevation. No scaffolding is required for ground and first floor work.
• Replacement — each frame requires internal and external access, making good to plaster reveals, and redecoration. Expect 1–2 days per frame depending on size.

For occupied offices, retail units, or residential blocks, the reduced disruption of spraying is often the deciding factor.

Finish Quality and Longevity

Modern UPVC coatings are factory-grade polyurethane systems, applied by airless spray to achieve a smooth, even finish. When applied by trained operatives to properly prepared surfaces, the coating will last 10+ years without peeling, cracking, or fading. We provide a written guarantee on every project.

Replacement frames come in a limited range of factory colours. Spraying offers an unlimited colour palette, including RAL and BS colour matching, so you can match corporate branding or architectural specifications exactly.

When Replacement Is the Better Choice

Spraying is not always the answer. You should consider replacement if:

• The frames are structurally damaged, warped, or the seals have completely failed.
• You need to upgrade from single to double glazing for thermal or acoustic performance.
• Building regulations require a specific frame type, for example on a listed building.

Our Recommendation

For most commercial properties where the frames are structurally sound, UPVC spraying offers a faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive solution. Contact Newlook Protective Coatings for a free survey and we will advise honestly on whether spraying or replacement is the right approach for your building.