Many people like to paint wooden windows to protect them from the impact of the weather and refresh the look of the windows. The quality results can be achieved with the right kind of preparatory work on the windows and the choice of paint mixtures. This guide explains every aspect when it comes to painting wood windows correctly.
Evaluate the Contemporary State of the Windows
Assessing the situation with the windows before you engage in any window painting is mandatory. Look for signs of cracks, blistering paint, decay, water stains, or signs of other problems. Tackle significant issues before the painting process starts. For instance, if some areas appear to be loose, cracked and peeling, you should scrape off while if there are holes, you should use wood filler to fill the holes and fix the trim or sills, if necessary.
Prepare the Window Surface
A lot of effort must be employed in preparing the surface for paint if it will stick well to the new coat.
Follow these key steps:
- Wash the windows with sum soap and water to eliminate dust, stream or oils deposits on the surface. Rinse thoroughly.
- Scrape off the existing paint to some extent to give new paint an angle to grip onto. We recommended using 120-150 grit sandpaper and sanding all areas that are to be painted.
- Sand any exposed or filled areas on the trim with an oil-based primer should be permitted to dry thoroughly.
- Most windows have an inner and outer frame so ensure you take your time to caulk around the inner and outer part with a paintable latex caulk. Level it with the back of a spoon or spatula, then spread it with your finger before it sets. It is also best when the concrete can cure for a whole day before painting can be done.
Choose the Right Paints
When selecting paint for wood windows, there are a few considerations:
Exterior Paint
For exterior treatments, selected and specified 100% acrylic latex paints that give superior adherence to the surfaces and protection from scrubs and weather elements. Don’t use exterior alkyd or oil-based paints because they tend to yellow as they age. Finishes that are semi-gloss or satinlike surface are most recommended.
Interior Paint
For inside application one could choose between acrylic latex paints or alkyd paints. Where preparation is concerned, latex is more convenient but alkyd is more resilient. These are relatively easy to maintain and should be used in window sills and trims because of their semi-gloss or satin finish.
Primers
Before painting with either latex or oil-based primer, it is necessary to sand new or stripped wood. They said that the tinted one is beneficial for coverage.
Properly Paint the Windows
Having prepared the surface through cleaning and sanding, supplemented all necessary materials and equipment for several weeks, you are ready to apply new paint.
Follow these painting tips:
- Most trim and window paint applications should be done with high-quality nylon or polyester paint brushes. You should purchase many tubs of the size used for cutting-in and the larger areas of the wall/ceiling.
- Choose paint roller covers specially designed for smooth surfaces including high density foam or microfiber (with 3/8” nap).
- Always paint the frames and trim using brushes before rolling the centre window panels.
- Paint should be applied with two coats allowing enough time for the paint to dry between the coats per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Gently sanding between each layer ensures that they will connect properly.
- Painter’s tape is necessary on edges of the glass, walls and windows frames to provide crisp lines. Tape it off once the painting is done, before its complete dryness.
- Paint hinges, handles and hardware last after all other items are done to avoid damage. Spar paint especially on the metallic parts of the fixtures.
Allow New Paint to Fully Cure
Permit final finishes to dry for 2-3 days and avoid shutting the windows or pulling the curtains. But conditions such as low temperatures, high humidity, perfuming, thinning down paint, and inadequate ventilation might cause the paint to not dry as quickly. Knock on the walls with your knuckle before concluding whether paint has hardened before testing paint.
Conclusion
It is, therefore, important that the proper preparation work is done, right painting tools and techniques used and enough time of drying allowed for lovely wood windows to be painted and endure weather, wear and tear for longer duration of time. The windows shall be great looking, which should make you have patience with the process.