Practical plastic windows are equally popular among residents of large cities and among residents of modest regional centers in the outback. People like them for their excellent thermal insulation characteristics, as well as their good ability to muffle unpleasant loud sounds.
The advantages of modern PVC structures include high tightness when closing - the tight fit of the elements to each other prevents the penetration of cold air from outside and retains heat inside the room.
Unfortunately, most plastic windows are monotonous in terms of design - official white color dominates over other shades when standard models are produced. Decorating window frames to look like wood by gluing them with a special laminating film . The range of coatings is quite diverse, so that an ordinary white structure can be turned into an oak, beech or birch window. Popular film options depict wood with carved patterns or an unusual painted effect.
decorate a plastic window to look like wood in whole or in part . Some cover only the inside of the frames, leaving the outside of the window unchanged. In wooden houses they often do the opposite - they stick a film on the outside, matching it to the color and structure of the logs or boards. If you need to create the complete illusion of a wooden window, its elements are laminated on all sides with decorative film.
Advantages of lamination technology
After professional processing, plastic windows that have turned brown not only become similar to wooden structures, but also acquire a number of additional useful qualities:
pros
Their strength, service life and resistance to mechanical damage increase
The surface of windows laminated to resemble wood withstands the effects of precipitation and temperature fluctuations, as well as contact with aggressive household chemicals.
The aesthetics of structures and the possibility of using them in rooms with different interiors are increased.
The protective characteristics of wood-look film are ensured by the peculiarities of its structure and composition. The material consists of several layers of transparent polymers applied to an acrylic base, the color of which determines the color of the film itself. The top layer of coating can be glossy or matte. The thickness of the totality of all layers does not exceed 0.2 mm , and therefore, after processing, the film merges with the base of the profile so that it is almost impossible to separate it.
There are several types of window lamination, the classification of which depends on the degree of profile coverage, and this also affects the cost.
Tools for work
To paint a window profile you will need to prepare tools and consumables.:
- a soft paint brush along the width of the profile;
- thin brush for hard-to-reach places;
- spray gun or spray gun;
- plastic or metal spatula for removing dirt and protective film;
- paint container;
- masking tape;
- protective film for double glazed windows;
- solvent;
- paint;
- color;
- finishing varnish;
- a clean rag;
- respirator;
- gloves;
- work clothes.
For lamination technique:
- primer mixture;
a tool with rollers that follow the shape of the profile;- adhesive tape;
- liquid soap and detergent with spray;
- solvent or alcohol to degrease the surface;
- hair dryer;
- stationery knife;
- squeegee (scraper);
- tape measure or long ruler.
Advice . You should not laminate windows alone; it is better to invite an assistant.
Types of laminated PVC systems
Features of window profile lamination:
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
One-sided
Most often used to style a window. The inside of the glass unit is decorated under a wooden profile to create the overall design of the room. The outside street side remains white. This type of lamination makes sense to use in multi-storey buildings, when the design of the facade at height is not so important.
Street one-way
This is also a one-sided design type. When plastic wood-look windows are made on the street side. This type of lamination can be used in a private home, which will simplify the design of the facade of the house.
Blitz survey: Which plastic windows are better: German or Russian? From the article you can learn about the advantages of German plastic windows.
Double
This is a more expensive type of design, as it requires applying a wooden texture on both sides. You can also order lamination that differs from different sides (for example, on the street it looks like oak, and in the house it looks like mahogany).
Color profile in bulk
This type of window frame design does not have a texture structure. But at the same time, from a distance, such windows will look like wood.
An order for windows stylized as wood will cost more than regular white ones, as the production process becomes more complicated. The finished frame looks very natural, while maintaining all the properties of a plastic window.
When ordering lamination with a wooden texture, it is important to ensure the integrity of the entire structure: all fittings and handles must also be painted in the same style.
Related articles:
◾French windows photos
◾Beautiful large windows
◾Tinted windows in the house
Blackout
This is a special type that was invented in Finland, a country where white nights are a constant occurrence. The peculiarity of the fabric is that it does not transmit light at all, that is, it can completely immerse your home in darkness. In Finland, blackout is in demand, as it is very difficult for residents of the country to fall asleep. Recently, blackout has begun to conquer the market around the world.
Don't be fooled into thinking they are made from black opaque fabric, they come in a wide variety of colours. So if you are looking for impenetrable curtains for a wooden house made of timber, then blackout is perfect for living, especially in the bedroom, if you like to sleep for a long time and do not want the sun's rays to wake you up.
How wood-colored frames are made
The order of production of a window profile from A to Z:
1. First of all, all excess particles, dust, and dirt are removed from the surface of the plastic. This is done chemically - using alkaline detergents
2. Then the material is thoroughly dried
3. The next step is to apply a layer of primer to the plastic. It is a mixture of glue and solvent and is designed to improve the adhesion of the film to the material
4. In no less than 24 hours, the frame is ready for film application. This happens in a special chamber with precisely controlled temperature (+130°C), air humidity and pressure
5. The squeegee unit evenly distributes the glue over the surface of the film. In this case, the material is heated to a certain temperature (no more than 45°C) in order to improve the application to the plastic and at the same time prevent air bubbles from appearing under the film
6. Simultaneously with the application of glue and heating of materials, special rollers operate in the chamber, pressing the film to the frame and removing air from under it
7. If the edges of the film extend beyond the edges of the frame, the excess parts are cut off with a disk-shaped cutter or a starting knife
8. After applying the film to the window frame, you need to wait at least two weeks until the material shrinks completely. This is necessary so that the window profile does not deteriorate during transportation and installation due to an insufficiently “grabbed” surface
9. Then the product is checked for peeling of the film, presence of defects, etc.
10. When the frame is completely ready, a protective film is glued on top of it to prevent mechanical damage during transportation and installation
11. The finished profile cannot be put into operation immediately. Before welding or cutting the material, you need to wait three days, and before installing arches or otherwise curved frames - 28 days. But the difficulties do not end there - to store such products, it is important to maintain optimal humidity and air temperature. Only after this are laminated window profiles delivered to warehouses and stores, where we see them perfectly covered.
In order for the decorative “wood-like” coating to look natural and adhere well to the surface of the plastic, its gluing is carried out in several stages.
Before starting work, a special primer is applied to the PVC profile to improve adhesion of the work area. After preparation, a film with an adhesive composition is applied to the surface and the materials are pressed against each other using special equipment. For gluing, two types of compounds are used: polyester-based adhesive and polyurethane-based hot melt adhesive. Each solution requires a special preparation and storage technology. At the final stage, the connection is strengthened by rolling it through a group of shafts.
Window laminating machine
This lamination technology not only firmly adheres the film to the plastic, but also increases its strength and service life. Unfortunately, the lamination process can only be carried out using special equipment and it will not be possible to perform it efficiently at home. Many manufacturers sell beautiful wood-look PVC windows in ready-made versions, and also offer to order the desired option individually.
Sometimes, in addition to plastic elements, the glass itself is decorated with wood-like film. In some cases this is done to increase its attractiveness, and in others to improve strength characteristics. Decorative coating makes glass stronger, prevents glass fragments from scattering when broken, and some types even protect windows from bullets.
There are coatings with energy-saving functions - they retain heat in the room in winter and do not allow hot air to penetrate into it in summer. Windows with this coating can significantly save on heating costs in cold weather and do without air conditioning in the seasonal heat.
A film with ultraviolet protection will protect people who care about their health from the harmful effects, and, in addition, blocks possible external wiretapping.
A coating with a mirror effect is very popular with residents of the first floors and residents of standard high-rise buildings located close to each other - it makes it possible to observe what is happening on the street, but does not allow them to see what is happening inside the room. Related articles:
◾Arched windows photo
◾Mirrored windows in the house
◾Ventilation valve for window
Give preference to practical options
It is best when natural fabrics are used for curtains: cotton, linen, chintz. It is these materials that do not accumulate dust, allow air to pass through freely, and are washable best.
Additional accessories
When installing colored windows, it is necessary to design the perimeter of the openings accordingly. For this, there are all the necessary elements, the integrated use of which facilitates the installation of structures designed in the same style with the interior and facade of the house.
Window sills
When installing windows to match the color of wood, window sills made of wood, plastic, natural and artificial stone, as well as wood-plastic composite can be installed on the inside of the opening. The final choice of material depends on the type of profile and interior design. The dimensions of the window sills and the number of decors will allow you to implement any design project.
Slopes
These structures are designed for cladding sections of walls around the opening. They are available for external and internal use. Sloping systems allow you not only to improve, but also to insulate windows along their perimeter. These structures consist of fastening elements, connecting profiles, platbands and sandwich panels.
Nashchelniki
Painted metal and plastic elements are designed for installation on the outside of windows. They ennoble openings and protect assembly seams from atmospheric agents. They are used mainly when installing systems made of plastic or aluminum profiles.
Low tides
Brown flashings can be made from sheet steel or aluminum. In any case, they are painted with powder enamel. Aluminum flashings are more expensive, but they absorb sound better and have good rigidity.
Expert commentary
Vladislav Dobronravov
Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company
When choosing all additional elements, it is recommended to consider their aesthetic compatibility not only with the window profile, but also with each other.
Be responsible when choosing the density of curtain material
Here it is important to consider which side the windows from the room are facing: sunny or shaded. The choice of material depends on this. For the sunny side, thicker curtains are good. Since in hot weather it will be easier to keep the indoors cool and fresh.
For the shaded side, it is better to choose light and airy tulles or curtains. In this case, warm street air will easily penetrate into your room.
Where are wood-colored windows installed?
Since structures made from PVC profiles are affordable, they are installed more often than wooden and aluminum ones. Moreover, wood-colored plastic windows, photographs of which clearly confirm their versatility, have a wide range of applications. Sometimes, in order to ideally fit such structures into the architecture of buildings or interiors, additional decorative elements are used.
In cottages made of wood
In buildings made of timber and logs, products made from wood-laminated profiles look better. Although in some cases single-color systems are installed, they look worse. When combining wooden walls and plastic structures, you should not skimp on lamination film, since an attempt to slightly reduce costs will negatively affect the aesthetics of the entire house.
In brick houses
A brick house with brown windows is considered one of the most successful architectural solutions - the photos confirm how well the façade decoration, roofing and color of the profiles harmonize.
Such buildings have stood the test of time and are considered classics. Related articles:
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◾Glass unit design
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Decide on a style
Let's look at the example of three main styles that are suitable for any dacha. They all create a warm, comfortable atmosphere in their own way. These styles include country, eco-style and Provence.
Decoration of brown windows
Windows made of PVC profiles can be decorated not only by painting or laminating the plastic. There are different ways to give these products a respectable and original look.
Decorative layout
The division of internal light openings in fixed and active sashes significantly improves the appearance of the windows. This procedure is performed using a special decorative layout (spreads). It comes in several types:
- interglazed;
- invoice;
- Viennese;
- Venetian
Typically, the frames are made from the same materials from which the main window profile is made, and they have the same decorative coating. However, some design projects require the use of a contrasting layout. In such cases, golden or silver moldings of different widths are most often used.
Stained glass
You can decorate windows and limit the view from the street using stained glass windows. In addition to the classical technique, various technologies are used for their manufacture:
- fusing;
- sandblasting;
- diamond engraving;
- facet;
- photo printing on film.
In addition, reflective glass is often used to equip brown windows, which not only limit the view, but also protect rooms from overheating.
Expert commentary
Vladislav Dobronravov
Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company
In some cases, the simultaneous use of stained glass and decorative layouts may be appropriate. However, in such situations, it is necessary to ensure that the separating profiles do not spoil the pattern on the glass, which should be either symmetrical or fragmentary.
Since different materials are used to make brown windows, it is recommended to take a responsible approach to choosing the type of profiles. After all, a mistake at this stage can have serious, far-reaching consequences.
Although laminated PVC profiles reliably imitate the textures of various species, in some cases it is better not to save money and order light-transmitting systems made of wood for your home.
Moreover, models made from Euro timber today are not inferior to plastic products in terms of wear resistance, stability and durability. Related articles:
◾Colored windows photos
◾Laminated PVC windows
◾Panoramic glazing of cottages
What is it and photo
This is the name for structures with a coating that imitates the design and structure of natural wood. They are much cheaper than natural analogues and have a lot of positive characteristics. They are considered a very profitable alternative to natural wooden windows, not inferior to them in durability and practicality.
Dark windows in the interior of a country house
Let's take a look at some interior styles that work well with wood window shades.
Style solutions
Oriental design is the most suitable for using a brown shade of structures.
Chinese
Contains the richness and brilliance of colorful colors, surprising with sublime woody flowers. Smooth lines, drawings, screens and vases, figurines and low furniture. This aesthetic will be successfully complemented by brown PVC windows or wooden frames.
Japanese
Famous for its minimalism and good functionality in combination with natural colors. Brown windows will be a must here.
Indian
The combination of colorful fabrics and chic ornaments will be harmoniously complemented by dark plastic windows to match the wooden components of the furniture.
Blitz survey: Which is better: a plastic or wooden window with double glazing? From the article you can find out which windows are better, plastic or wooden, and why.
Classical
Requires high-quality facing materials, furniture and decorative components. This is elegant luxury combined with demanding forms in brown, golden, and white shades. It is better to choose curtains for windows here. This way you can emphasize the luxury of this style.
Country
It is a collection of woody colors with softly light shades, the simplicity of natural materials. Plastic windows matching the color of wood will create coziness in the room. Mediterranean style - freshness and captivating velvety lightness make this style perfect for those who prefer convenience and ease. The combination of snow-white and light colors of azure, green and red with dark wood tones creates a feeling of airiness and sophistication.
Eco style
A distinctive feature is the large rooms, made in natural colors and filled with living plants.
A style that requires wooden windows, but high-quality imitations will also work well. Natural wood is relevant for eco style, classic and Mediterranean style. However, a high-quality brown plastic window will be a delightful alternative to a wooden one. Dark plastic windows are also appropriate in rooms decorated in African, English style or classic office style. Related articles:
◾PVC windows in the interior
◾Windows with golden layout
◾Black windows in the apartment
What styles of curtains are suitable for a wooden house?
Styles acceptable for city apartments and luxury stone private houses are not always appropriate in wooden buildings. This applies to interiors: high-tech, loft, baroque. The most suitable style solutions for a wooden structure are country, classic, minimalism.
Country
This rural style, which best reflects the originality of a wooden house, is the most comfortable and closest to nature.
It is divided into national subspecies:
- American. The interior is practical and rough. Curtains - simple shapes, plain, natural colors - white, beige, gray, brown.
- French, otherwise called "Provence". Light style with a touch of romance. For small rooms, light, light curtains with a floral pattern are good. Prints depicting lavender bouquets are especially relevant. Curtains can be secured with loops and bows. Short options like cafe curtains are appropriate. In the Provence style, Roman curtains and their more luxurious modifications are used - French and Austrian.
- Russian. In such interiors, short and long linen and cotton curtains with embroidery, hand-made lace, and appliqués are appropriate.
- Chalet. This is the style of Swiss country houses. The designs are simple and laconic, the colors are natural, symbolizing the earth - beige, brown, terracotta.
Classic
For a country house with a classic design, floor-length curtains combined with translucent curtains are suitable. Fastening - on wooden cornices using rings, eyelets, loops. In large, high rooms, lambrequins and their rigid varieties - bandeaus - are appropriate. Decorative elements such as tiebacks and tassels can be used sparingly. An effective option is multi-textured blinds, which in appearance imitate classic curtains with decorative elements.
Minimalism
In this modern style the following are appropriate:
- Roll systems. You can choose wide and long models or mini-roller shutters that are attached to the sash. Mini blinds are often combined with short or long curtains. A convenient option is day-night roller blinds, consisting of alternating dense and translucent stripes. They allow you to smoothly adjust the lighting of the room. To decorate the windows of the first floor of a wooden house, roller blinds that rise from bottom to top are convenient.
- Blinds with horizontal wooden or bamboo slats or with vertical fabric strips.
- Pleated curtains. These are beautiful and compact light-protection systems that, when folded, form a tight accordion that is almost invisible on the window opening.
Low tide
Window sill is an element whose main purpose is to remove moisture from window glass and prevent water from entering the frame and window sill.
The use of flashings helps prevent the destruction of both the window structure itself and the building materials used to decorate the house.
As practice shows, prices for laminated drains for windows can vary from 180 to 4,000 rubles per piece.
We recommend the article: how to install a roof flashing and what material is better to choose?
Kinds
At its core, lamination is a process in which a colored decorative film is rolled at low speed onto a PVC base under pressure at high temperature.
The following types of lamination are distinguished:
- external;
- internal;
- two-sided;
- in bulk.
In the first option, the frame remains white inside the room, but on the facade it becomes colored. In the second case, the frame remains white on the outside and at the ends.
With double lamination, the color outside and inside can be different or the same, depending on the customer’s wishes.
Bulk-painted windows are usually beige, caramel or brown. They look very natural - like wood, from all sides, including the end. Metal-plastic, covered with wood, is the most beautiful (there are no white marks or bald spots on it), but it is also more expensive than others.
If the apartment is located in a new building, there is no need to laminate the outer side of the frame, but if the house is old, one of the architectural monuments, or simply a restored Stalin building, the colored frame will organically fit into the facade.
Original double-glazed windows or unusual fittings on the windows will add additional chic.
The process of lamination, that is, covering a window frame with a special film, is quite complex and includes several stages. First, a primer is applied to the surface of the plastic. This is necessary in order to increase adhesion, i.e. the adhesion of the plastic to the film. The primer dries within 24 hours, after which the profile of the future frame is placed in an installation in which it is heated to 1300 degrees, after which a film is applied to it. Since a special adhesive is used to secure the film, it cannot be removed once it has been applied and “set.”
After gluing, the profile is placed in another apparatus, where it is processed with different rollers so that all air bubbles are removed from under the film. After this, the coating becomes absolutely smooth and adheres 100% to the profile.
If you violate the requirements for carrying out actions, the film will either simply not stick to the plastic, or it will stick, but unevenly.
After the profile is processed with rollers, it is placed for storage in a room with a specially set temperature and humidity, where it remains for about 2 weeks. After this, a window frame is made from the profile and glass is inserted into it. In this case, it is possible to avoid deformation of the coating and minimal shrinkage of the film. Therefore, having decided that colored windows will be installed in your apartment, you need to take into account that their production will take more time.
In addition, such windows are more expensive than regular white ones. On average, their price is 20 percent higher than traditional ones.
As for the film, it is a polyvinyl chloride coating consisting of many layers. Despite the multi-layer property, it is very thin - 0.2 mm. It is based on acrylic in the color chosen by the customer. When considering coating options for a window facing the sunny side, you need to remember that colored, especially black, film heats up much faster than white plastic.
Laminate film includes several layers. The top layer is transparent, it consists of polymethylacrylate and polyvinylidene chloride. It is these components that make the film glossy and give it shine. They also help the material resist the destructive effects of environmental factors. After all processing stages have been completed, the layout is different - the layers are combined into one whole.
Coloring
Very often they choose another option for decorating windows - painting. For example, a kitchen can be bright and cheerful by using colorful paints on the base of the window frames. In addition, this is also of practical interest, since cooking grease settles on the window sills and frame, and sometimes it is easier to repaint it than to wash it.
You can paint not only wooden windows, but also plastic ones. To do this you will need acrylic paint and a compressor gun. It is strictly forbidden to paint a PVC profile with a brush. The cost of acrylic paint starts from $25 for 5 liters. If possible, it is better to take starcryl - it is a more expensive material, but it creates a new durable coating on the surface of the frame. After drying, strarkryl turns into plastic.
For wooden windows, any water-soluble paint is suitable. Its cost is from 5 dollars per 1 liter.
To make the window opening original and unusual, it is recommended to adhere to the following order of work:
- remove the cornice and curtains;
- clear the window sill of everything that stands on it;
- degrease the surface of the frame;
- cover the glass with mounting tape;
- apply the first coat of paint and wait until it dries completely;
- Apply several more layers until you reach the desired shade.
Decorating the kitchen will be a real highlight and it will take a couple of hours of time. You can also decorate any other rooms.
Possible difficulties and errors
Despite the apparent simplicity of the finishing process, a high-quality result will only be achieved if important conditions are met. List of mistakes to avoid :
- Use of low-quality materials. In this case, the service life will be reduced and the appearance of the product will be worse.
- Lack of thorough cleaning of the surface from dust and dirt. As a result, there will not be good adhesion between materials.
- Failure to comply with the temperature conditions when painting. This will lead to an increase in drying time and the appearance of white areas on the frame.
- Violation of film application technology. The consequences will appear after a few months.
Attention! The lamination or coloring process will be of high quality only if all the nuances of the technology are observed.
Advantages and disadvantages
The technique has its advantages and disadvantages. You need to know them before starting work.
pros:
- Window construction is much cheaper than a product made of natural wood.
The ability to easily adapt the product to the facade of a building or the interior of a room.- Spectacular appearance.
- The cleaning process is simplified.
- Possibility of installing slopes and window sills of the same tone as the frame.
- The film provides additional protection to the profile.
- Durability.
- Environmental friendliness and safety of materials.
Minuses:
- Increase in profile cost after the procedure.
- White areas on the edge of the sashes (except for lamination in bulk).
- Increased window production time when ordering lamination at the factory.
Helpful information! When cleaning windows, it is not recommended to use abrasives.
Reviews
According to customer reviews, the advantages of wood-look windows include:
- increase in service life;
- presentable appearance;
- good resistance to external factors.
Disadvantage: dark film can become deformed in the sun. It is necessary to work only with high-quality materials .
Reviews can be found here.
Average prices
The cost of purchased ready-made wood-look windows and those made by yourself varies. Factory-made plastic windows with wood-look coating:
- Single leaf window 1420 mm x 1160 mm:
- one-sided lamination - from 5300 rubles;
- double-sided lamination - from 5800 rubles.
- Double-leaf window 1420 mm x 1400 mm:
- one-sided lamination - from 10,450 rubles;
- double-sided lamination - from 11,850 rubles.
Triple-hung window 1420 mm x 1760 mm:- one-sided lamination - from 15,300 rubles;
- double-sided lamination - from 17,500 rubles.
Lamination in bulk - from 2900 rubles per 1 sq. m.
Materials to create the “wood” effect:
- The cost of wood lamination film is from 300 rubles to 3600 rubles per linear meter.
- The cost of paint for coloring is from 400 rubles to 2000 rubles per can.
Selecting curtains for a narrow window: tips and tricks
Refusal of lush and “heavy” materials is the key to the success of the entire work. No matter how much the owner loves velvet and wool, both materials should not appear in a small house. Otherwise, small windows will become even smaller. At the same time, the percentage of insolation - the amount of light penetrating into the room - will noticeably decrease.
It is necessary to treat patterned forms with increased caution.
A narrow window will become more attractive if it is complemented by floral ornaments. In addition, the use of not very abstract geometric shapes is allowed.
In order for window decoration to go quickly and efficiently, beginners can rely on the following recommendations:
- You cannot cover windows with floral fabric;
- A similar recommendation applies to abstract forms;
- It is necessary to decorate a small window in the kitchen using synthetics that can withstand frequent washing;
- Linen or cambric are appropriate in the bedroom;
- For the living room, thicker curtains and light-colored cornices are selected.
It is useful for a beginner to know that a small window is not a reason to abandon design experiments. In this case, you need to be careful, because the choice of material, its density and color is influenced by several factors. We are talking about the functional purpose of the room, its stylistic design, the predominant color, and so on.
Varieties
Like all plastic windows, brown structures differ in the type of glass unit:
- Single-chamber - for the southern regions.
- Two-chamber – for the middle zone.
- Three-chamber - for the northern regions.
- Triplex is glass with increased reliability.
In addition, color designs differ from each other depending on what kind of lamination was used. One-sided color coating - the window is covered with film inside or outside, most often used by apartment owners to create an individual interior. Double-sided color coating is the optimal solution for country houses and cottages, when the window is harmoniously combined with both the exterior decoration of the building and its interior.