Dwarf Walls and Surrounding Brickwork
Many conservatories are built on a dwarf wall — a short section of brickwork or blockwork beneath the glazing. Where this brickwork has been previously painted or stained, we paint the masonry sections at the same time as the frames.
Painting the dwarf wall completes the transformation. It removes the contrast between a freshly sprayed frame and an untouched base. On the dwarf-walled conservatories common in Charlton Kings and Battledown, we paint the masonry base in a colour that complements the frames.
Masking and Preparation
Masking a conservatory is a substantial undertaking. Every panel and pane of glass requires masking before any spray goes on. This masking work is a significant part of the overall job time — it is where a DIY attempt typically fails.
For UPVC and aluminium, we clean, degrease, and lightly abrade all surfaces before primer is applied. The primer stage is not optional — without it, the finish will not adhere correctly and will peel or chip within a season. For UPVC window frames and doors, the same preparation sequence applies.
Here’s How It Works
1. Site Assessment
We inspect the conservatory material, condition of existing finish, and masking requirements before quoting.
2. Fixed Quote
We provide a written price before starting. No scope creep.
3. Preparation
Clean, degrease, and lightly abrade all surfaces. Apply adhesion primer to UPVC or metal substrates.
4. Masking
All glazed panels, roof glass, and adjacent surfaces fully masked before any spray application begins.
5. Paint Application
Two sprayed topcoats for a consistent, even finish across all profiles.
6. Final Check
We inspect all surfaces before removing masking and packing up.
Get My Free Quote
Get a fixed price for your conservatory painting
Conservatory Painting Costs in Cheltenham
Prices below are estimates only. Every property is different. Call 01242 503600 for a precise quote.
Typical Price Ranges
A standard UPVC conservatory respray in Cheltenham typically costs between £450 and £750, including masking, priming, and two topcoats.
Small lean-to conservatory (UPVC frame only): £350–£550. Standard 3m × 4m UPVC conservatory (typical in Leckhampton and Prestbury): £450–£750. Large Victorian-style or extended UPVC structure: £700–£1,100. Aluminium conservatory (additional primer and prep): add £100–£200.
What Affects the Cost
Conservatory size — bay width, number of roof bars, and door count all affect surface area to be sprayed and masked. Material — UPVC is standard; aluminium requires specialist primer; timber adds more preparation time. Combined work — if window frames or fascias are also being done on the same visit, the per-item cost falls.
Combining Services
Conservatory painting is part of our wider exterior painting service. For UPVC window frames and doors, see our window frame painting page.
If window frames or fascias are also being done on the same visit, overall cost rises but cost per item falls. Masking setup and spray equipment preparation is shared across the job.
Conservatory Painting FAQs
Dwarf Walls, Masking, and Surface Preparation
Dwarf Walls and Surrounding Brickwork
Many conservatories are built on a dwarf wall — a short section of brickwork or blockwork beneath the glazing. Where this brickwork has been previously painted or stained, we paint the masonry sections at the same time as the frames.
Painting the dwarf wall completes the transformation. It removes the contrast between a freshly sprayed frame and an untouched base. On the dwarf-walled conservatories common in Charlton Kings and Battledown, we paint the masonry base in a colour that complements the frames.
Masking and Preparation
Masking a conservatory is a substantial undertaking. Every panel and pane of glass requires masking before any spray goes on. This masking work is a significant part of the overall job time — it is where a DIY attempt typically fails.
For UPVC and aluminium, we clean, degrease, and lightly abrade all surfaces before primer is applied. The primer stage is not optional — without it, the finish will not adhere correctly and will peel or chip within a season. For UPVC window frames and doors, the same preparation sequence applies.
Here’s How It Works
1. Site Assessment
We inspect the conservatory material, condition of existing finish, and masking requirements before quoting.
2. Fixed Quote
We provide a written price before starting. No scope creep.
3. Preparation
Clean, degrease, and lightly abrade all surfaces. Apply adhesion primer to UPVC or metal substrates.
4. Masking
All glazed panels, roof glass, and adjacent surfaces fully masked before any spray application begins.
5. Paint Application
Two sprayed topcoats for a consistent, even finish across all profiles.
6. Final Check
We inspect all surfaces before removing masking and packing up.
Get My Free Quote
Get a fixed price for your conservatory painting
Conservatory Painting Costs in Cheltenham
Prices below are estimates only. Every property is different. Call 01242 503600 for a precise quote.
Typical Price Ranges
A standard UPVC conservatory respray in Cheltenham typically costs between £450 and £750, including masking, priming, and two topcoats.
Small lean-to conservatory (UPVC frame only): £350–£550. Standard 3m × 4m UPVC conservatory (typical in Leckhampton and Prestbury): £450–£750. Large Victorian-style or extended UPVC structure: £700–£1,100. Aluminium conservatory (additional primer and prep): add £100–£200.
What Affects the Cost
Conservatory size — bay width, number of roof bars, and door count all affect surface area to be sprayed and masked. Material — UPVC is standard; aluminium requires specialist primer; timber adds more preparation time. Combined work — if window frames or fascias are also being done on the same visit, the per-item cost falls.
Combining Services
Conservatory painting is part of our wider exterior painting service. For UPVC window frames and doors, see our window frame painting page.
If window frames or fascias are also being done on the same visit, overall cost rises but cost per item falls. Masking setup and spray equipment preparation is shared across the job.
Conservatory Painting FAQs
The most common conservatory painting enquiry in Cheltenham is a white UPVC conservatory installed during the 1990s or 2000s boom. Properties throughout Leckhampton, Charlton Kings, and Prestbury have these additions. After fifteen or twenty years, the white profiles have yellowed or stained.
We clean and degrease all UPVC surfaces, lightly abrade the profiles, apply a UPVC adhesion primer, then two sprayed topcoats. The result is a factory-like finish in any colour — most commonly moving from white to Anthracite Grey, Slate Grey, or Cream. Masking is the most time-intensive part. Every glazed panel and pane of glass requires masking before any spray goes on. Cheltenham Decorators carry out conservatory spraying as a standalone job or as part of a wider exterior repaint.
Aluminium Conservatory Frames
Older conservatories — particularly on properties in Prestbury, Charlton Kings, and the older roads in Cheltenham’s southern suburbs — are often aluminium-framed. The aluminium profiles were typically powder coated in white or bronze at installation.
Aluminium requires a different primer to UPVC. Without the right adhesion primer, topcoat adhesion on a smooth metal surface is poor and the finish will chip or peel. We use metal-specific primers and two-pack or specialist topcoat systems on aluminium frames.
Timber Conservatory Frames
Cheltenham’s Regency and Victorian villas in Montpellier and Pittville often have period lean-to structures with timber frames — original Victorian-style hardwood or softwood conservatories. Properties on Bayshill Road and Pittville Circus Road often have original lean-to structures.
Timber preparation involves sanding back existing paint, treating bare or weathered wood, applying an exterior primer, and finishing with exterior wood paint colour matched to the main house. On period properties in the conservation areas, colour continuity with the main house woodwork matters.
Colour Options: Transforming an Old Conservatory
A colour change on a UPVC conservatory makes a significant visual difference. Moving from the faded white standard on 1990s additions to a contemporary grey gives the structure a modern look. It can align with updated windows, fascias, or a front door colour change.
Common colour directions in Cheltenham include Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016), Slate Grey (RAL 7015), Traffic Grey (RAL 7042), and Cream (RAL 9001). We can match to any RAL or BS reference. For a full exterior refresh, see our exterior painting page.
