Windows with external shutters.
While sash windows offer a particular feel and look (to the point that they’re a nearly indispensable feature of period residential or commercial properties), traditional wooden sash windows can be somewhat challenging to keep. One particular problem occurs when you come to paint them– do it incorrect, and you’ll wind up painting over the edges of the window and sealing it shut. Learn how to do it appropriately in our easy guide to painting sash windows.
What if my sash window is stuck?
If your sash window is stuck to paint, do not stress– there’s an easy fix. All you require is a blade that’s thin enough to slice through the paint without interfering with the surrounding wood. A Stanley knife is an apparent candidate.
Run the knife slowly along the edge of the frame. If the paint shows too durable, then your next action should be to utilize a steel scraper, and failing that, a hammer and sculpt. You may discover that any resistance provided by the window will disappear rapidly, so do not be lured to risk damaging the window with excessive force.
How to paint a sash window.
Of course, it’s much better to avoid the issue in the first place than need to fix it. By taking a bit more care the next time you paint your window, you’ll have the ability to prevent needing to break out the Stanley knife. Let’s run through how to paint sash windows so they don’t stick.
- Get rid of the ironmongery.
Initially, you’ll want to eliminate the ironmongery on your window. You’ll likewise wish to clean up the existing layers of paint. If you do not they’ll build up each time you paint the window, and ultimately, the window will get stuck to paint.
To do this, just sand down the wood and completely tidy up any dust you leave (because you actually don’t wish to paint over the top of it).
- Paint the mullions.
You’ll need to reverse the sashes in order to gain access to every part of the window. The sash you’ve pressed to the top should be painted first, from the mullions (the components that divide the window– as seen in the photo) outwards.
sash window with mullions.
Paint one side and after that the other, developing coats for a smooth finish. Repeat the treatment on the lower sash.
- Paint the frames.
Next, go back to the upper sash and paint the frame, along with the refund into which the upper sash will slot. Push the sash upwards however not so far that the painted surface areas fulfil (this is where sticks can develop). You’re practically done! - Paint the remainder of the window.
Finally, you can paint the case and cill. You can then use a window-scraper to tidy up any splatters you may have left on the windows.
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