Spray paint vs hand paint new wooden windows - is there a difference in quality?

[reastie]

We are having new double glazed sash windows done throughout and have 2 quotes we are choosing between; one is for spray painted windows which come from the 'factory' (or wherever) in Poland ready spray painted, the other are more traditionally made and painted on site after installation. There's about £3k difference in the prices, the more expensive being the traditional type with painting with a brush not spray painted.

Traditional (and more expensive) man says he refuses to spray paint as quality is less. Just wondered if anyone knows anything about this? We want decent windows to last our lifetime so if it means it will make a difference paying £3k more now, we would do it, but, if there's not much difference then we wouldn't bother.

Polish company can take all old windows out and put new ones in very quickly (less than a week) and it's all made ready to do before they come on site, whereas traditional man would take a few weeks as he works in a different way, so the cheaper and quicker way feels much more convenient but we aren't sure if there'll be much difference in quality [clueless] . Any knowledge or help will really be appreciated.

[RationalBrain]

I don't know

But if they are wood, won't they need repainting every couple of years anyway, which will be by hand? So I would go for the cheaper option now, as it will be hand painted soon enough anyway.

[reastie]

That's kind of what I was thinking rational

[frenchfancy]

We have been told in the past that spray painting penetrates the wood more so gives more protection - which makes sense to me.

[noddyholder]

The factory finish lasts years up to 10 Much better finish and esp on sashes the smooth finish makes sliding effortless and less paint chipping. You can also specify a slightly flexible spray which is great.If you can afford it its worth it just for the convenience

[noddyholder]

Also the bits you can't reach with a brush are usually really well covered and so they last! Can you tell I like them?

[fossil97]

Make sure you find out what the spray paint used is, and what you should use to paint over it when you do get to the point of needing a re-coat on the exposed bits. Ours are done in something called Teknos and they gave me a touch-up tin, but at least then you can find a compatible coating.

We had similar windows from a local joinery company (similar to the previous poster I guess) I would agree they are an engineered product with high-tech coatings, it's more reliable to have them factory made. Just triple check the measurements . Good luck.

[reastie]

That's really helpful thank you. I wonder why the traditional guy was so about spray painted windows then maybe because he doesn't do it?

Isisj where about are you based with your business? (we are SE England)

[reastie]

isis do you have any customers with your wooden sash windows in West Kent by chance (or near)? If you do our area it might be useful to get you in to get your take and quote on the job, but I'm not sure I fancy going up to Herefordshire to see examples in situ of your work sorry if that sounds lazy ?

[reastie]

Have emailed

[growingweeble]

A good decorator in our area recommended that you should get factory painted if possible as it lasts longer. So spray paint is first choice.