How to Paint Interior Window Frames

Give your interior window frames a fresh new look with a coat of paint. Painting your window frames enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal and protects them from wear and tear. This comprehensive guide, written by a professional painter, provides a step-by-step process for painting interior window frames. You will achieve professional-looking results.

Gather Your Materials

You’ll need the following:

• Drop cloths: These protect your flooring and furniture.
• Painter’s tape: This masks the glass and surrounding areas. Use high-quality tape for clean lines.
• Screwdrivers: These remove any existing hardware.
• Sandpaper (various grits): This smooths the frames and prepares them for paint adhesion. Start with a coarser grit (e.g., 120) and finish with a finer grit (e.g., 220).
• Primer: This ensures better paint adhesion and coverage, especially on bare wood or previously painted surfaces. Choose an appropriate primer for your window frame material.
• Paint: Select a high-quality interior paint in your desired colour and finish (gloss, satin, or eggshell). Consider a paint specifically formulated for trim and doors for increased durability.
• Paintbrushes: Choose angled brushes in various sizes for cutting in and reaching tight areas. A high-quality brush minimises brushstrokes.
• Paint roller and tray: This applies paint quickly and evenly on larger, flat surfaces.
• Cleaning cloths: These wipe away dust and debris.
• Putty knife: This fills any small gaps or holes in the frames. Choose a flexible putty knife for easy application.
• Wood filler (if needed): This repairs any damaged areas on wooden frames.
• Safety glasses and dust mask: These protect your eyes and lungs.
• Mineral turpentine or appropriate paint thinner for cleanup.

Painting the Window Frames (Step-by-Step Guide)

Preparation

Before you begin painting, it’s crucial to prepare the window frames properly:

1. Remove all hardware from the window frames, including handles, hinges, and curtain rods.
2. Clean the frames thoroughly with a mild detergent and water solution to remove dirt, dust, and grime.
3. Sand the frames lightly to create a smooth surface and remove any loose or peeling paint.
4. Wipe away any dust from sanding with a clean cloth.
5. Apply painter’s tape around the edges of the glass and any areas you want to protect from paint.

Priming

Priming is an important step, especially for bare wood or previously unpainted frames:

1. Choose a primer suitable for your frame material (e.g., wood primer for wooden frames).
2. Apply the primer evenly using a brush, working toward the wood grain.
3. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Painting

Now you’re ready to apply the paint:

1. Choose the right paint for your frames. Water-based paints are popular for interior frames as they adhere well to various surfaces and produce fewer fumes.
2. Stir the paint thoroughly to ensure an even consistency.
3. Using a suitable brush (synthetic for water-based paints, natural bristle for oil-based), apply a thin, even coat of paint.
4. Start from the top of the frame and work your way down, using long, smooth strokes.
5. Pay special attention to corners and any intricate details.
6. Allow the first coat to dry completely.
7. Apply a second coat if necessary for better coverage, ensuring proper drying time between coats.

Finishing Touches

To complete the job:

1. Once the final coat is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape.
2. Inspect the painted frames for any areas that need touch-ups.
3. Use a small brush to fix any imperfections or uneven spots.
4. Clean your brushes thoroughly with the appropriate cleaning solution.
5. Reattach any hardware you removed at the beginning.

Best Practices for Achieving Smooth Paint Coverage

• Avoid overloading your brush or roller. This prevents drips and ensures a smooth, even coat.
• Maintain a wet edge. This means overlapping each stroke slightly with the previous one while the paint is still wet. This helps prevent lap marks.
• Work in small sections. This allows you to maintain control and achieve a consistent finish.
• Remove any dust or debris between coats. Use a tack or slightly damp cloth for the best results.
• Use a smaller brush for precise application for intricate details or tight spaces.
• If you are painting wooden frames, apply the paint in the direction of the wood grain. This enhances the wood’s natural texture.
• Before painting metal frames, ensure they are clean and rust-free. Use a metal primer for optimal adhesion.
• Clean vinyl frames thoroughly and use a primer specifically designed for vinyl. This ensures proper adhesion.

Drying Times and Coat Applications

Interior window frames are typically like other interior painting projects and require two light coats of paint over one coat of primer. Allow 2-3 hours for the primer to dry completely. Use a primer that matches your topcoat colour. Wait 2 hours between each paint coat. Water-based paints are touch dry in 2-4 hours, re-coatable in 24 hours, and fully cured in up to 24 hours. Oil-based paints are touch dry in 6-8 hours, re-coatable in 24 hours, and fully cured in up to 7 days. Apply thin, even layers for optimal results on your project.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Interior Window Frames?

Water-based paints are generally considered the best choice for interior window frames in Australia. They offer several advantages:

• Better adhesion to various surfaces
• Easier to clean up
• Produce fewer fumes
• Dry quickly

Some top recommended brands and products include:

• Dulux Wash & Wear: Known for its durability and resistance to scuffs and stains
• Taubmans Endure Interior Walls (Low Sheen): Offers a smooth finish ideal for showcasing accents
• Haymes Minimalist: Provides exceptional coverage and a velvety finish

If you have aluminium interior window frames, we recommend you use acrylic or epoxy paint. These will provide better adhesion, durability, and resistance to fading on aluminium.