When you’re planning home improvements or managing a property project, you need to know how long each job will actually take. This is especially important for UPVC spraying, where getting the timing right can be the difference between everything running smoothly and dealing with frustrating delays.

Whether you’re a homeowner who doesn’t want your life turned upside down or a developer trying to keep multiple trades working without getting in each other’s way, understanding how long UPVC spraying really takes helps you plan properly and know what to expect. In this article, we will break down exactly how long UPVC spraying takes, what factors influence the duration and how you can streamline the process to avoid setbacks.

The Quick Answer: Most Jobs Take 1-3 Days

For most residential properties, professional UPVC spraying takes between one and three days to complete. However, this seemingly simple answer requires context because several different factors will have an impact on the actual timeframe for your project.

How long it takes depends mainly on what’s being sprayed, what condition your UPVC is in right now and how much prep work is needed. For example, refreshing windows on a newer property might be done in just one day, whilst giving multiple fixtures on an older property a complete makeover could take the full three days, or even longer in some cases.

Why It Takes This Long

You’ll get a better idea of the timeframe when you understand what actually goes into professional UPVC spraying. It’s not just about slapping on some paint – there’s careful preparation, precise application and enough drying time to make sure the finish lasts.

The preparation stage usually takes up 40 – 50% of the total job time. This means thoroughly cleaning to get rid of dirt, grime, and any bits of old coating that are peeling off. Everything around the work area has to be carefully masked and protected, which takes quite a bit of time, especially around complex window frames or detailed door panels.

Next comes surface preparation. This includes light sanding to help the new coating stick properly, filling any small defects and putting on specialist primer (colour-matched to your chosen spray colour) where it’s needed. There’s no point rushing this bit because if it’s not done right, the whole job suffers.

The actual spraying takes up roughly 30 – 40% of the total time. Several thin coats go on rather than one thick one, with drying time needed between each application. This careful approach makes sure you get even coverage and prevents problems like runs or patchy colour.

Windows, Doors & More: How Fixture Type Changes the Timeline

Not all UPVC fixtures are the same when it comes to how long they take to spray. Some are straightforward, others are more fiddly and some require a lot more prep work. The complexity of masking, how much access is needed and what condition everything’s in all make a difference to how long your job will take. Here’s what you can expect for the most common types:

Windows

Windows are the main part of most UPVC spraying jobs, and how long they take gives you a good baseline for planning. For a typical three-bedroom house with 8 – 12 windows, you’re looking at about 1.5 – 2 days.

The first day is all about preparation. Each window frame has to be thoroughly cleaned, which means getting rid of years of built-up dirt and weathering. All the glass panels need careful masking with specialist tape and protective film – which takes much longer than most people expect. Any repairs or filling work gets done during this prep stage too.

Day two begins with primer application where it’s needed, followed by the main colour coats. Most professional jobs need two full colour coats to get the best coverage and make sure it lasts. Each coat needs 2 – 3 hours to dry properly in normal conditions, which explains why the spraying itself takes a full day, even though applying each coat is relatively quick.

Doors

Doors usually need more time per unit than windows because they’re more complicated and need more careful handling. A standard front door takes about half a day to do properly, whilst patio doors or bi-fold systems can take a full day each. Door frames add extra time to any door project since they require separate masking and preparation work.

The extra time comes from intricate details, panels, and hardware that need careful masking. They also need to stay usable during the process, which means careful planning around drying times and making sure you can still get in and out. Security is another consideration – front doors can’t be left unusable for a few hours.

Garage doors are similar to large patio doors in terms of timeframe, typically taking most of a day to complete. However, they’re often easier to work with since access isn’t usually restricted and there are fewer security concerns during the drying process.

Conservatories

Conservatories are the most time-consuming UPVC spraying projects, usually needing 2 – 3 full days to complete. The longer timeframe comes from both the amount of surface area involved and the complexity of working around all the glass sections, guttering and often tricky access.

The preparation alone can take a full day for an average conservatory. Every glass panel has to be individually masked, and all the complex junction points between different UPVC elements need careful attention. Weather becomes more important with conservatory projects since you can’t proceed in rain or high winds.

Common Reasons Your UPVC Spraying Could Take Longer

Several common situations can push the basic timeframes beyond what you’d normally expect. Understanding these helps set realistic expectations and avoid disappointment with scheduling.

• Weather conditions – Rain and high winds can stop external work completely, whilst extreme temperatures make drying times much longer.
• Condition of existing UPVC – Heavily weathered or previously painted surfaces need extra cleaning, sanding and primer work.
• Access problems – Properties with restricted height access, conservatories or extensions blocking ladder placement, or narrow side passages may require scaffolding or specialist access equipment, which adds significant setup time.
• Size and complexity of the job – Larger properties or those with unusual architectural features naturally take longer than standard builds.
• Last-minute repairs discovered – Sometimes damage or issues only become apparent once cleaning begins, requiring additional preparation time.

Why UPVC Spraying Causes Less Disruption Than Replacements

One of the best things about UPVC spraying compared to replacement projects for homeowners is how little it disrupts your daily life. Unlike window replacement, which needs access inside your home, extensive protection of your furniture, and often structural changes, spraying work happens entirely from outside.

Your heating stays unaffected since the existing seals and glazing stay exactly as they are. There’s no noise from power tools cutting through frames or mess from removing old fixtures. Most homeowners find they can carry on with their normal routines with very little adjustment needed.

The work moves systematically around your property. While one area is being prepped or sprayed, other areas stay completely accessible and usable. This staged approach means you’re never completely cut off from any part of your home.

Perfect Timing for Development Projects

Property developers and renovators particularly like UPVC spraying’s timeline flexibility. The work can often go ahead independently of other trades, making it much easier to fit into busy development schedules.

Unlike many building trades that have to be done in a specific order, UPVC spraying can work around ongoing internal renovations. There’s no need to coordinate with electricians, plumbers or plasterers since the work happens entirely on external fixtures without affecting anything inside.

The relatively quick turnaround means developers can schedule UPVC spraying close to when they’re ready to market the property without extending overall project timelines significantly. Fresh, modern-looking UPVC can transform how a property looks in just 2-3 days, giving excellent value for the time invested.

Conclusion

While timing is an important factor in any project, the real priority with UPVC spraying is achieving durable, professional results. Cutting corners or rushing the process can create issues that cost more to fix than the time saved. A good contractor will provide realistic timelines based on the scope of your job, site conditions, and even the weather – helping you set expectations and keep disruption to a minimum.

With over 15 years’ experience across the West Midlands and Staffordshire, our team here at Spray Vue ensures every project is completed efficiently without compromising on finish. If you’d like tailored advice or a clear idea of how long your UPVC spraying will take, get in touch for a free quote.