Painting a window can be a tricky thing for most do-it-yourselfers. There’s a lot of detailed trim work, masking and prep work involved. If you are prepared and have the patience to work on a window, you can do it yourself without the mess and hassle. Using a few tricks of the trade helps goes along way too.
If you are going to paint windows and doors and base board all in one day, it’s a good idea to do the widows first followed by the doors then the base board. The reason for this is to allow the windows and doors to dry first so that you can close them at night. The reason the baseboard is last is because the dirt and dust on the base boards collect on the brush and can be spread onto another substance easily like a door or window.
If you’re painting near glass you don’t want to get it all over the window. This requires a deal of prep work before you begin to paint. Buy blue painting masking tape and tape the edges well. Make sure the tape is pressed tightly to the glass, otherwise paint will get into behind the tape and it will be a mess you won’t forget anytime soon. Another great method for window masking is to use lip balm. Rub lip balm around the edges of the area you are going to paint. When the paint gets on the balm, it can be easily removed later with a scraper or razor blade.
To paint double hung windows, always open both sashes first. Paint as much of the upper sash as possible, then lower the sash and do the rest. Reverse the sash positions and paint. Paint all the vertical areas first, the horizontal ones last. Work form the inside of the window to the outside. Allow the paint to overlap to the glass about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch. Remember to use exterior paint on the bottom of the lower sash and the top edge of the upper sash. Check the sash corners and muttons for any stray drips. These can be removed with a dry brush easier than using a wet paint brush. When the sashes have dried, move them up and down several times to prevent any sticking that may occur.
Next paint the casing followed by the apron and finally the stool of the window. You don’t really need to paint the window jambs, but if you must paint these last. Paint them with one coat of paint. If there is more and a buildup occurs your windows just won’t open properly. Use sand paper if needed to remove any build up of paint that causes the window to open improperly.
Remove the tape from the window will the paint is still tacky. This will prevent the tape and paint to dry together. Scrape off the excess paint with a utility blade or paint scraper. If you used lip balm, wait until the paint is completely dry and use a scrapper and a wet rag with soap and water to remove the oils from the balm.
With some skill and some good advice, your windows should come out like a pro painted them. Just be patient and take the time to prep the windows.
