There are a number of important time and cost saving tips for how to paint wooden windows. We have compiled some of the most useful ones below:
Timing the painting of your wooden windows
One of the most important things to remember when thinking about how to paint wooden windows, is the amount of time it takes. Plan to have enough time to complete the job.
For instance, you will want to close your windows at night and will not want any drying paint on there during this time. Start the painting process early in the day to avoid this.
There are often several different layers and surfaces of wood to paint and it is easy to overestimate the amount of time it takes. Applying masking tape to prevent paint getting on the glass also takes time.
Preparing to paint your wooden windows
Preparation, like most DIY jobs is a key component in how to paint wooden windows. Ensure your masking tape is set back by approximately 2mm to ensure there are no gaps unpainted on the frame. If you do not want to use masking tape then you can use an aluminium masking shield but this can allow paint to sidle underneath so clean it often.
Painting different types of window frames
If you want to learn how to paint wooden windows you need to know the different processes of painting different types of frame.
Casement frames are window frames that are attached at the side of the window and require painting in a certain sequence, making certain opening mechanisms of the frame are painted first. Choose a fairly small paint brush ensuring only a thin layer of paint at a time then begin the painting process as follows:
- Cross bars and rebates
- Cross rails
- Hanging stile and hinge edge
- Meeting stile
- Frame
Sash windows have frames that pull up from the bottom and/or the top. We have used a sash window with two moveable parts to illustrate the painting process below but there are different types of sash window available with varying opening mechanisms.
Painting the frames Step by Step
- Paint the meeting rails first by pulling up the bottom sash and pulling down the top sash
- Paint the vertical bars
- Paint the low runners
- Move onto the cross-rails before reversing the window to repeat the process
- Finish off by painting the static window frame
