Painting Windows    

In terms of painting exterior timber, windows generally fall into two main categories; Sash windows, and casement windows. The former slides up and down, the latter folds out.  Each, due to design is different, but from a painting point of view, not so. But both have one thing in common; they can be fiddly and time consuming, so start early in the day if you want to close the window before retiring for the night.  

Both painting and preparation time will be longer with windows. There are so many areas of small cross sections, so many nooks and crannies; and all to contend with whilst trying to avoid getting paint on the glass. A window guard and masking tape are handy items to have around when painting window, that and a damp cloth soaked in either water or thinners, depending on the paint being applied. The neater you leave the coat you're applying, the easier the next coat will be, the better the finished product.  

With casement windows the suggested sequence of painting could be:  

• Start with the smallest opening light; paint first the edges and then frame rebates using a 25mm paint brush.
• Then, carefully paint the beading up to and around the glass. Paint also the vertical window bars at this time.
• Paint the horizontal window bars, and outer casement. Ensure good coverage to all areas. Be vigilant for runs.
• Paint finally the window frame itself. You'll need to keep the casements slightly open for this.
• The final bit is the window sill.

Sash windows, because of their design look are difficult to paint, but again, follow a determined sequence of steps, and you will ensure complete coverage, with the minimal risk of runs. With this type of window, if the paint on the runner is sound and undamaged and you are not thinking of a colour change, then do not over paint this area. This can lead to the window jamming, making it difficult to open and close.  

• Firstly, raise the inner sash to almost the top of the frame, and lower the outer sash roughly halfway down the frame. Paint the top half of the inner sash; the beading, the glazing bar (vertical member) followed by the vertical and horizontal rails. If you are painting the runners, then paint also the top external section.

• Next, lower the inner sash to just slightly open, and raise the top sash to the top, but not fully. Now paint the beading and putty, and finish painting the inner and outer sashes.

• Finish completely the outer sash, the glazing bar, the horizontal and vertical rails. If you're painting the runners, then finish off the outer runner.

• The final stage is the window frame and window sill.