Introduction

A good paint job on a window frame has two distinct purposes; firstly to protect it from the elements or from knocks and scrapes, and secondly to contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the property or room.

Top Tips

• Cover the floor beneath the window with a drop cloth to catch any paint spills.
• Paint windows on a still day, as early in the morning as possible so paint can dry in time to close the windows withouth sticking, and does not gather dust in any wind.
• Use good quality masking tape to protect the edges of the glass from paint. Only remove this once the paint has dried, and run a sharp craft knife around the edge first to prevent paint from tearing.
• Remove window furniture and fittings to keep them free of paint and to get a better finish.
• Be sure to join up wet edges as quickly as possible.
• If the window is to be different colours on each side, match the colour of the latch edge to that of the area it opens into, and paint the hinge edge the same colour as that of the room it opens away from.
• When painting a window frame in different colours to match the respective rooms or areas it opens from and to, remember that all frame edges up to and including the one that the window closes against belong to the area into which the window opens.

Painting new wood

Bare timber is an attractive option compared to the time taken and mess made in stripping old paint. However, new wood must be prepared and treated to make sure that your paint job looks good and lasts.

• Painting a new wood window frame

Painting existing paintwork

If existing paintwork is in good order then a simple re-coat will usually suffice, however if the paint is old, flaky and discoloured then it will need to be removed, the window sanded back and then fresh paint applied to produce a decent finish.

• Re-painting a wooden window frame

Painting procedure by window style

The order or sequence that a window frame is painted varies considerably depending on the style of the window in question. As a general rule, paint is always applied in the direction of the grain, which should be the longest length of the section you are working on. Use the links below for a style specific guide to painting your window frame;

• How to paint a hinged window frame
• How to paint a sliding window frame

Further information and useful links

• Guide to paint
• Paint stripping
• More Painting & decorating topics
• Windows & doors topics

• Find a Decorator near you
• Find a Paint Materials store near you
• Find a Window Frame supplier near you
• Find a Sash Window supplier near you
• Find a Glazier near you
• Find a Window Furniture supplier near you