The exterior of a window has a substantial effect on the overall appeal of your house. If you are thinking of painting your window’s exteriors, then you should go for it. Painting the exterior of a window can give your home a fresh and attractive look and also protect the wood from damage. In this article, you will walk through a step-by-step guide on painting a window’s exterior.
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See also: How to clean painted walls?
The color and appearance of windows on a house play a significant role in its overall aesthetic appeal, architectural style and functionality.
Window frame materials: Window frames are typically made of various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and composite materials. Each material has its own characteristics and can be painted or finished differently.
Colour options: The choice of window color depends on your personal preferences, the architectural style of your home, and the overall exterior color scheme. Common window frame colors include:
- White: A classic and timeless choice that complements various architectural styles.
- Black or Dark Gray: Provides a modern and bold contrast, especially on homes with lighter exteriors.
- Earth Tones: Colors like beige, brown, or tan can blend well with natural surroundings.
- Custom Colors: Some window manufacturers offer custom color options to match your specific preferences.
Architectural style: The architectural style of your home can influence the choice of window color and appearance. For example:
- Colonial and traditional homes: White or muted colors are often chosen for a classic look.
- Modern and contemporary homes: Dark or contrasting colors may be preferred for a sleek and minimalist appearance.
- Craftsman or Bungalow: Earthy tones and stained wood frames are common for these styles.
- Victorian or Gothic Revival: Bold and vibrant colors can enhance the ornate details of these homes.
Visual impact: Consider how the window colour will impact the overall visual appeal of your home. Lighter colours can make a house appear larger and more open, while darker colors can create a dramatic and striking effect.
Energy efficiency: Dark-coloured window frames may absorb more heat from sunlight, potentially affecting the energy efficiency of your home. Some energy-efficient windows come with reflective coatings to mitigate this effect.
Other exterior elements: Take into account other elements of your home’s exterior, such as the roofing material, siding, trim and landscaping, when selecting window colours to ensure a cohesive and harmonious appearance.
Test samples: Before making a final decision, it is a good idea to obtain paint or finish samples and test them on a small section of your window frame to see how they look in different lighting conditions and against your home’s exterior.
Materials required
- Spackling compound or putty
- Putty knife
- Epoxy filler
- Sandpaper or sand block
- Masking tape
- Plastic sheets or newspapers
- Oil-based primer
- Paint roller and brushes
- Paint
- Painting tray
Step-by-step guide to help you paint the exterior of a window
Procedure
Clean the window
For a clean and smooth paint finish, you should clean the window frame.
- Make a solution of mild detergent and water and scrub to clean the window frames and trim. Remove any dirt, grime, or loose paint. Gently scrub the window glass to clean it. Rinse it with water and allow it to dry completely.
- Remove any handles, locks, and hinges from the window. This will help you paint more easily and prevent accidental paint drips on them.
Fix imperfections
Check for cracks or holes in the window frame. For smaller holes, fill the holes with a spackling compound or putty, then use a putty knife to smoothen them out. For larger holes, use an epoxy filler before applying the spackling compound. Let the compound dry. Then, sand the surface lightly with sandpaper to create a smooth and even base for the paint.
Remove old paint
If the window frame has any loose or peeling paint, use a putty knife to remove the paint from the window. Gently sand it with sandpaper or a sanding block. This will give the new paint a smooth and even surface to adhere to. Dust should be removed with a moist cloth.
Mask the window
To protect the surrounding areas from accidental paint drips and spills, cover the floor with newspapers or plastic sheets. Use masking tape and tape it around the edges of the window, walls and trim and cover the areas you won’t be painting. To stop paint from leaking through the tape, press down the tape firmly.
Prime the window
It is recommended to apply a coat of primer before painting the window frame. Primer makes the paint more adherent and provides a more smooth finish. Choose a high-quality primer that is appropriate for the material of your window frames. For wooden windows, oil-based primer works the best. Use a brush or roller to apply a thin, uniform layer of primer to the window surface. Pay attention to the bare spots where old paint has peeled off. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
Paint the window
Source: Pinterest (Diane Henkler)
- Before using the paint, thoroughly mix it and pour some into a painting tray. Dip the brush or roller into the paint and wipe off any excess.
- Start by painting the inner parts of the window frame, i.e. the sashes, using a brush. Apply thin coats, moving in one direction. Before putting on the subsequent coat, let the previous coat completely dry.
- Paint the edges and corners of the window frame using a fine brush.
- Now, move on to the frames. Apply the paint evenly with a roller or a big brush.
- If the wood requires more layers, apply them evenly while allowing them to dry completely after each layer.
Final touches
Make sure you remove the tape from the window while the paint is still wet as this will prevent peeling off the paint. Pick out one end of the tape and carefully remove the rest of it. Remember to install the hinges and the handles which you removed earlier.
FAQs
What type of paint should I use to paint the exterior windows?
Choose a high-quality oil-based paint which is specifically designed for outdoor use.
How frequently should I paint the exterior of my windows?
It is recommended to repaint the exterior of your windows every five to seven years.
Which type of tool should be used for painting?
You can use a narrow paint brush and paint roller.
How many coats of paint should be applied?
You can apply two or three coats of paint to ensure a uniform finish.
Can I paint over old paint on my windows?
Yes, you can paint over the old paint, but make sure that the old paint is in good condition and adhered to the surface properly.
How long does it take the paint to dry?
The drying time depends upon the type of paint used and the climate. It generally takes about 24 hours for the paint to dry completely.
What is put on windows before painting?
Primer - A primer makes your paint adhere to the surface properly and gives it a smooth finish.
How do I maintain the painted windows?
You should inspect the windows for any signs of peel or damage. Fresh paint should be applied after cleaning the surface. Wipe the window with a cloth regularly to increase the longevity of the paint.
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