Painting next to the glass
The most common problem people encounter is not achieving a good paint edge next to the glass, but don’t be tempted to use masking tape.
It is best to paint the wood next to the glass as straight as you can. If it’s not brilliant, it can easily be tidied up afterward using a bladed window scraper.
The paint should lap onto the glass by a fraction to seal the junction.
Order for painting a window frame
There is a strict order of painting to follow if you want to get good results.
Remove all the window ironmongery first. Tap a small nail into the underside of the bottom rail. Wind a short length of an old wire coathanger around this to form a temporary stay. This can be hooked into one of the screw holes in the frame as needed.
Many people are confused as to which part of the frame belongs to the inside and which to the outside when painting. The answer is the same as for doors, all frame edges up to and including the one against which the window closes belongs to the outside.
Remember too, that the hinge edge of the opening part belongs to the inside paintwork.
Sequence for painting windows
Paint each of the window sections first, leaving the frame until last.
Start with the glazing bars.
Then paint the hinge edge if it is an opening window.
Move to the top and paint the top rail.
Next, paint about a foot at a time alternately down each of the vertical side rails continuing all the way down.
Next, paint the bottom rail.
The frame can then be painted.
If you have a frame with intermediate uprights, paint these first.
The rest of the frame can then be painted as a continuous length.
Finally, paint the sill board starting with the underside of any overhang and finishing with the top surface.
Sequence for painting a sliding sash window
These are a little more awkward to paint, but following this sequence will enable you to get a good result.
Paint all the internal glazing bars of the outer sash.
Move the inner sash to the top and the outer sash to the bottom.
Outer Sash
Paint the bottom rail and a couple of inches up the side rails.
Move the outer sash back up to its almost closed position and move the inner sash back down.
Complete the side rails.
Paint the top rail.
Inner Sash
Raise this sash about 4 inches from the closed position.
Paint the internal glazing bars.
Follow this with the top rail.
Paint about a foot at a time alternatively down the side rails.
Complete the bottom rail
With the inner sash still slightly raised, paint the bottom runner and, about 6 inches up the side runners.
Frame
Next, paint the frame.
If you have a frame with intermediate uprights, paint these first.
The rest of the frame can then be painted as a continuous length.
Finally, paint the sill board starting with its underside and finishing with the top surface.
Leave the window to dry before closing the inner sash and painting the top and side runners. (You may notice professionals completing this part without leaving it to dry first, but this requires practice if the damage is to be avoided)
Do not paint the cords or rollers.