Painting window frames, both interior and exterior, can give your home a new look and increase its value. It also adds a few years of life to your building’s windows. However, if not done correctly, it can lead to some common problems. Whether you are planning to paint the window frames yourself or assign the task to professional experts, knowing the common mistakes can help you save time and effort.
1. Painting in the Wrong Weather Conditions
Many people do not realise this, but the weather has a major impact on the quality of a paint job, especially for exterior window frames. If you paint the frames during high humidity, extreme temperatures, or rain, it can negatively affect the paint’s ability to adhere and dry properly.
Check the weather forecast before beginning the painting project. The ideal weather for painting exterior window frames is mild, with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. Even if you are painting the interior window frames, make sure the area is well-ventilated and not too humid.
2. Rushing through the Prep Work
It is important to do the prep work carefully before painting any surface. If you do not properly prepare the surface or skip it entirely, it may cause a sloppy appearance with uneven paint application and flaking. Before you paint the window frames, thoroughly clean them using a mild detergent and warm water to remove any dirt, dust, and grime. Make sure the surface is completely dry before moving to the next step.
If you see old paint or peeling areas on the window frames, use a paint scraper to remove the loose bits or sand them down. Once you achieve a smooth surface, apply painter’s tape around the edges of the glass and hardware. This will protect them from splashes of paint.
3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Paint
Most homeowners do not realise that there are specific types of paints for different surfaces. As a result, they start to paint their window frames with whatever paint they find in the market. Some homeowners even use interior paint on exterior window frames without realising that it would lead to quicker deterioration of paint.
Since exterior frames are exposed to various weather elements, you need to choose high-quality, weather-resistant paint. For interior window frames, you should choose a paint that is easy to clean. You can consult a reliable painting professional to understand which type of paint would be right for your specific painting needs.
4. Skipping the Primer
An inexperienced painter may start painting the window frames without applying the primer. If you are painting over an existing coat of paint, metal, or bare wood, primer can serve as the foundation for your paint. It will help the paint adhere better to the surface and reduce the chances of the paint peeling or flaking.
Primers can help seal the surface and create an even base for the paint to adhere to. When working on exterior window frames, make sure the primer can withstand moisture and other weather conditions. Also, ensure the primer is dry before you apply paint.
5. Not Giving Enough Time to Dry the Paint
Painting window frames or any surface, in general, requires patience. You may want to apply the next coat of paint or close the window before the paint completely dries. However, doing so can cause uneven textures, smudging, or sticking windows. Wait till the paint is completely dry, and do not try to close the windows before that.
It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions. When you are in doubt, you should wait a little longer to make sure the paint is completely dry. 24 hours is good enough time for the paint to dry.
6. Not Maintaining the Painted Frames
Your job does not end with the paintwork. To ensure the paint on your window frames stays in good condition, you need to do regular maintenance. As time passes by, weather, dust, and wear and tear can damage the painted frames. Inspect your window frames annually and redo any areas where the paint may be fading or peeling.
Proper maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris on the window frames. You should also consider applying weather-resistant sealant to provide an additional layer of protection against weather elements.
Wrapping Up
Painting window frames can be a therapeutic practice for some, as it allows them to breathe new life into those old and worn-out sections of a building. Just remember to avoid these aforementioned mistakes to ensure a lasting, professional finish
