How to Paint Windows
Windows endure a lot of abuse from the elements and are subjected to a lot of wear and tear from being opened and closed. Keeping your window frames well-painted is one of the best methods to extend the life of your windows.
1. Use a putty knife to scrape off any loose paint.
2. Using an orbital sander and 100-grit sandpaper, smooth the edges of the sound paint.
3. Replace any broken glazing compound around the glass panes with new glazing compound.
4. Use wood filler to cover any gaps in the sill, jambs, or trim, and sand it smooth after it’s dry.
5. Using 100-grit sandpaper, rough en any glossy surfaces.
6. Use water and detergent to remove dirt and grime.
7. To protect the glass from overlapping paint, use painter’s tape around the edges of the window panes. Then use a latex or alkyd primer to spot-prime the naked wood. Apply paint once it has dried.
8. Remove the upper sash (upper window unit) and paint the top rail as well as as much of the left and right stiles as possible.
9. Close the upper sash and finish painting the stiles and bottom rail once the paint is dry. Also, any glass dividers should be painted (muntins).
10. On the bottom sash, paint the rails and stiles. Paint the jambs and stops as well, but leave the sash tracks alone.
11. After painting the casing boards, slide both sashes up and down a few times to avoid their being painted shut.
