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Paint your gutters.
Cast iron or uPVC gutters cleaned, primed and 2-coat painted — extends life and refreshes the look.
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Top tips
Hiring a guttering, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Wrong primer
Standard emulsion primer over uPVC peels within months. Always use plastic primer.
Painting in damp
Below 5°C or above 90% humidity, paint won't cure. UK September–April is challenging.
Skipping rust treatment
Existing rust spots bleed through the new paint within 1–2 years. Always treat with rust-converter primer.
Cheap brush
Acrylic brushes shed bristles into oil eggshell. Use a quality natural-bristle brush.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Zinc-rich primer per litreFor cast iron
£20–£40
Plastic primer per litreFor uPVC
£15–£30
Oil eggshell paint per litreSpecialist gutter paint
£25–£50
Cast iron repaint, semi (gutters + downpipes)2–3 days work
£500–£1.2k
uPVC paint refresh, semi1–2 days work
£250–£700
Scaffold hireIf needed
£250–£900
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Guttering explained
Painting refreshes tired gutters and downpipes — black uPVC that's chalked white, or rust-stained cast iron — without the cost of full replacement. Expect to pay £180–£800 for a UK gutter paint refurbishment, plus access costs if scaffold or tower is needed.
What Does the Work Involve?
The painter cleans the gutters (often using a vacuum first), washes the surface with sugar-soap, lightly sands or scuffs to provide a key, primes (zinc-rich primer for cast iron; plastic primer for uPVC), and applies two coats of oil-based eggshell or specialist gutter paint. Cast iron may need rust treatment (Hammerite Rust Beater) on flaking areas first. The downpipes are usually painted at the same time for colour matching.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc-rich primer per litre | 20 | 40 | For cast iron |
| Plastic primer per litre | 15 | 30 | For uPVC |
| Oil eggshell paint per litre | 25 | 50 | Specialist gutter paint |
| Cast iron repaint, semi (gutters + downpipes) | 500 | 1,200 | 2–3 days work |
| uPVC paint refresh, semi | 250 | 700 | 1–2 days work |
| Scaffold hire | 250 | 900 | If needed |
| Access tower hire | 80 | 250 | If not |
How Long Does It Take?
uPVC refresh on a semi: 1–2 days. Cast iron repaint: 2–4 days. Plus drying time between coats (24 hours minimum for oil-based eggshell).
DIY or Professional?
Ground-floor and low extension gutters are DIY. Eaves height needs safe access — most homeowners hire a professional for the full job, or hire scaffolding and DIY (saving £300–£500 in labour).
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A painter and decorator with external experience. Ask whether they include the prep — sanding, cleaning and priming — in the price. Cheap quotes often skip the prep, leading to peeling within 18 months. Ask for the brand of paint — Hammerite, Sandtex, Dulux Trade are the established UK names.
UK Regulations
No regulations for painting itself. Working at Height applies to paid trades. Listed buildings may need consent if changing colour. Conservation areas may have colour restrictions.
Common Problems
- Wrong primer: Standard emulsion primer over uPVC peels within months. Always use plastic primer.
- Painting in damp: Below 5°C or above 90% humidity, paint won't cure. UK September–April is challenging.
- Skipping rust treatment: Existing rust spots bleed through the new paint within 1–2 years. Always treat with rust-converter primer.
- Cheap brush: Acrylic brushes shed bristles into oil eggshell. Use a quality natural-bristle brush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint uPVC gutters?
Yes — with the right primer (specialist plastic primer) and oil-based eggshell top coat. Voids the manufacturer's warranty but extends the life of older systems by years.
How long does a gutter paint job last?
Cast iron repaint with proper prep: 8–12 years. uPVC paint refresh: 5–8 years. Cheap rushed jobs without primer: 1–3 years.
What's the best paint for cast iron gutters?
Sandtex Smooth Masonry isn't suitable — use a proper iron paint such as Hammerite Smooth, Dulux Weathershield Oil Eggshell, or specialist cast-iron paint from Roger Pope or similar.
Can I paint over rust?
Only over rust-treatment primer (Hammerite Rust Beater, Kurust). Direct paint over rust flakes off within 12 months.
What's the best colour for gutters?
Black is the traditional UK choice — hides dirt, suits most house styles. Heritage Green and Anthracite Grey are popular modern alternatives. White is the worst for showing dirt and staining.
Should I paint the downpipes the same colour?
Yes — matching the gutter colour is the most professional finish. Contrasting downpipes look amateur on most UK house styles.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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