Introduction

Nine times out of ten, the time taken to re-paint a window frame is down to the condition of the existing paintwork. If it's 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 frame sanded back and then fresh paint applied to produce a decent finish.

Use our guide below to help ensure you produce the best finish possible to your existing window frame;

Step by step guide

• There’s no need to take woodwork back to the bare timber if the existing paintwork is in a sound condition.
• If there’s a little flaky paint, remove it with a scraper and then sand the surrounding areas to even out the surface.
• If possible, remove window furniture and fittings.

If the existing paintwork is in a poor condition with several cracks and large flaking areas, the best result will be achieved by stripping the paint off back to the bare wood. This can be achieved in a number of ways using either tools and 'elbow grease', or chemicals.

• Guide to paint stripping

• Houses built before 1960 may have paint that contains lead.

Home testing kits are available from DIY stores to confirm the presence of lead, but if in any doubt, use a chemical stripper to remove this paint. Do not use sandpaper or heat guns which can spread lead particles or fumes.

• Having removed paint as necessary, fill any cracks, voids or nail holes with cellulose filler, woodfiller or putty. The filler should be left slightly proud of the hole and then sanded back with fine paper to achieve a really smooth finish.
• If your frame is to be painted in a clear varnish or waxed, it will be important to match the colour of filler or putty to that of the timber. If no exact match is available in a pre-mixed form, purchase small quantities of both light and dark colours and mix your own.
• Sand the whole frame with medium grade sandpaper to ‘key’ the surface and provide a texture to which the next coat of paint can adhere. This is particularly important if any existing paint is gloss.
• Wipe the frame down with white spirit and a cloth, including the edges, and clean dust from any screwholes to ensure debris is not collected onto the paintbrush.
• If the existing paintwork is in good condition, there is no need to prime or undercoat. However, if the existing colour is darker than the new top coat, an undercoat will help to cover this up.
• If the frame has been stripped back to bare timber, primer and undercoat should definitely be applied.
• When any primer has dried, rub the frame down with fine sandpaper and then a clean cloth to remove any dust.
• If applying a layer of undercoat, it should preferably be by the same manufacturer and in the same colour as the top coat will be. Again, once dry, sand this layer down with fine sandpaper and wipe away dust. You may need to repeat this step to get a solid undercoat to cover existing dark paint.
• The top coat of gloss or vinyl satin can now be applied, taking care to check over completed areas to remove drips and paint build-ups.

Further information and useful links

• Guide to paint
• More painting & decorating topics
• Windows & doors topics

• Find a Decorator near you
• Find a Paint Materials store near you