2 Important Steps on How to Paint a Window

 Contents

 – Before you start…

 – Step 1: Prepare the surface

 – Step 2: Case 1: Apply paint to a swinging window

 – Step 2: Case 2: Painting a sliding window

 Repainting a window can protect a new frame, change the decoration or renovate an old opening.

 It is possible to paint wood and aluminum windows, provided that the coating is adapted to the material. Many types of paints are available on the market today.

 It is essential to do careful preparation and follow the steps to ensure optimal results.

 Here’s how to paint a window, whether it’s hinged or sliding.

 Before you begin…

 – Be sure to select an appropriate paint for the window: exterior or interior wood, aluminum, etc.

 – Before repainting old paint, make sure it is in good condition. If they are not, strip them completely so that the new coating will adhere better.

 Ensure that the paint you choose is compatible with the old paint or base (for example, acrylic will not hold on to glycerine). If necessary, use a primer beforehand to neutralize the base.

 – Do not paint the seals. Be sure to protect them with masking tape beforehand.

 – Adapt the brush to the size of the wood to be painted to avoid overflow: the brushes on the moldings, a small roller on the amounts, or a small flat brush for the edges.

 Warning: it is not recommended to paint PVC windows! Even with a special undercoat, the paint may flake off. If you choose dark color instead of white, be aware that PVC is not made to withstand expansion when exposed to the sun…

 1. Prepare the support

 Before painting your windows, it is advisable to prepare your support as with any painting project. This preparation will differ according to the nature of the support.

 Note: this method also applies to the painting of tilt and turn windows.

 – Remove old paint with a scraper, sanding paper, or paint stripper to obtain a clean and smooth surface.

 – Dust with a brush and clean the entire surface with a detergent.

 – Let dry.

 – Apply masking tape all around glazing, walls, metal elements if necessary, and on the joints.

 On new or good condition siding

 – Clean the window with a detergent to remove all dirt.

 – Let dry well.

 On raw wood

 – Sand with fine grain paper.

 – Apply a preventive treatment.

 On aluminum

 Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to facilitate the adhesion of the new paint.

 2. Case 1: Apply the paint on a swinging window

 – Work on a closed window or lay the sash to facilitate horizontal work. In this case, be sure to remove all metal parts if they are not to be painted.

 – Apply a primer if necessary:

 ◦ Start with the moldings and rods with small brushes, then continue on the crosspieces and stiles with a small roller.

 ◦ Don’t overload your brush, or you’ll risk drips!

 ◦ Paint the frame last.

 ◦ Let it dry before moving on to the finish.

 – Use a paint that is appropriate for the surface. Proceed as you did with the primer coat.

 – Open the window and paint the remaining parts.

 – Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and recommended number of coats.

 – Carefully remove the masking tape once the paint no longer sticks to your finger.

 – Wait several days before reassembling the sash onto the frame.

 2. Case 2: Apply paint to sliding window

 To successfully paint your sliding windows, we will start by painting the exterior sash:

 – Delineate the areas to be painted with masking tape. Protect the sealing joints in particular.

 – Open both sashes.

 – First, paint the visible parts of the outer frame without touching the tracks.

 – Move the inner sash to paint the rest of the outer frame. Let it dry.

 Then proceed to paint the inner sash:

 – Paint the inner sash and then the window frame.

 – Let it dry well.

 

 Finally, you must apply the paint to the slides and ornaments:

 – Proceed to paint the inner slides and the accessible portion of the outer slides.

 – Remove the masking tape before the paint is dry to avoid tearing it off.

 Materials for painting a window

Sanding paper	Approximately $5 per 3 sheets
Alkaline detergent	$3 approx.
Masking tape	$1 per roll
Roller	Starting at $5
Flat brush	Starting at $1
Universal undercoat	Starting at $10 per liter
Scraper	$10 approx.
Sponge	$1 approx.
Stripper	About $22/L
Brush	Starting at $3