In this blog, we’ll show you how to paint sash windows step by step, including some of the materials you’ll need and the process involved.
Sash windows can add a touch of elegance and charm to any home, but they require a bit of maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Over time, the paint on sash windows can become faded or chipped, leaving them looking dull and unappealing.
If you’re looking to give your sash windows a fresh new look, painting them is a great option.
Materials
Before you start painting your sash windows, you’ll need to gather some materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sandpaper
- Filler – use 2 pack filler to fill damaged areas of the windows
- Primer
- Paintbrushes
- Paint – External use Dulux Weathershield system. You will need undercoat and gloss
- Paint internal – use Benjamin Moore’s Advanced Satin or Scuff X
- Painters tape
- Dust Sheet – always have below the window to keep the area clean and paint free.
- Cleaning solution
Quick Start Guide
If you just need the process of order for painting the sash, here’s a quick rundown instead of reading the whole blog. But you should read the whole article in order to understand the entire process for a successful project.
Paint the Sash Internally
- Pull the top sash down, and push the bottom sash up as far as it will go and paint the middle bar where the lock is. Paint up the sides to as far as the window will move
- Push the top sash back, leaving a gap at the top rebate. You don’t want to have 2 parts of window drying together. Paint the rest of the top sash.
- Paint the inside rebate. This is where the top sash will sit when the top sash is closed
- Paint the area where the sash cords are. Use your other hand to pull the sash cord out and away from the slider and paint behind the sash chords on both sides.
- Pull the bottom sash up slightly and then paint the bottom sash.
- Paint the architrave and rest of the framing around the window.
Paint the Sash Externally
- Pull the bottom sash up and push the top sash down as far as it will go and paint the middle bar where the lock is. Paint down to the sides as far as the window will move.
- Pull the bottom sash back down, leaving a gap to paint the top of the cill. (You don’t want to have 2 parts of window drying together.) Paint the rest of the bottom sash, including the underside of the bottom rail.
- Pull the top sash down slightly exposing the top rail. Paint the rest of the top sash.
- Paint the cill. But don’t paint the inside runners all the way up, otherwise the windows will stick. Traditionally in England we only paint up a couple of inches in the inside runner so it looks good against the cill.
- Paint the rest of the outside frame
Follow the steps below for a successful project.
Step 1: Remove the hardware from the sash windows
The first step in painting sash windows is to remove the hardware from the window.
This will make it easier to work on them and ensure that you don’t get any paint on the hardware.
The hardware consists of any thumb locks, pull handles or sash locks. It will make the job of painting sash windows much easier.
Step 2: Clean the Sash Windows
Once you’ve removed the sash windows, it’s important to clean them thoroughly before painting.
Use a cleaning solution or degreaser to remove any dirt, grime, or old paint from the surface of the sash windows.
Allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Sand and prepare the Sash Windows
Fill any holes or bad areas with the 2 pack filler to build up these areas prior to sanding
Sanding the sash windows is an important step in preparing them for painting.
This will help the paint to adhere to the surface better and ensure a smooth finish. Use sandpaper to gently sand the surface of the sash windows.
Make sure to sand all areas, including any intricate details or crevices.
Just be careful not to scratch the glass in the process.
I always use my little finger pressed against the glass as a guide to keep the sandpaper away.
Step 4: Apply the Primer
Before you start painting, it’s important to apply a coat of primer to any bare areas of the sash windows.
This will help the top coats of paint to adhere better and to seal the area to ensure a longer-lasting finish.
Use a paintbrush to apply the primer evenly to the surface of the bare areas of the sash windows.
The primers I use for external work is a thinned out coat of Dulux weathershield undercoat. This has to be thinned using white spirit.
The primers for internal work can be most acrylic based primers or primers designed for bare wood, like Tikkurila’s Akva.
Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Apply the 1st coat of Paint
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to apply the paint.
Choose a high-quality paint that is suitable for sash windows.
For internal work of painting sash windows, I would use a good quality internal paint like Benjamin Moore’s Advance Satin
For external work use Dulux Oil Based Weathershield system. This would be the Weathershield undercoat on external work for the 1st coat
Use a paintbrush to apply the paint evenly to the surface of the sash windows. Make sure to use long, even strokes, and avoid applying too much paint in one area.
Step 6: Apply a Second Coat of Paint
After the first coat of paint has dried completely, it’s important to apply a second coat.
For internal work of painting sash windows, apply the 2nd coat.
For external work use the Dulux Oil Based Weathershield system. This would be the Weathershield gloss for 2nd coat for external work
This will ensure that the paint is even and provides a smooth finish. Use a paintbrush to apply the second coat of paint in the same way as the first.
Step 7: Reattach the hardware on the sash windows
Once the paint has dried completely, it’s time to put the hardware back onto the sash windows. Use a screwdriver to reattach any screws or fasteners that were removed earlier.
Tips on how to Paint Sash Windows
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when painting sash windows:
- Use high quality materials: To ensure a long lasting finish, it’s important to use high quality paint and brushes.
- Use painters tape: Use painters tape to protect the glass and window frame from paint drips and splatters.
- Work in small sections: To ensure an even finish, work in small sections and apply the paint evenly.
- Don’t rush: Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one.
Conclusion.
Take your time, think about what you are doing, especially the sequence of how to paint sash windows.
Also make sure you follow the making good (filling and sanding) process correctly. The making good process is just as important as the painting process.
If this seems too much and you live in London, feel free to contact us as we can arrange scaffolding etc… for external works