Covering Windows For Painting: Quick And Easy Solutions

Covering windows before painting is essential to prevent paint from getting on the glass and ensure a professional finish. This process is known as masking and can be done using a combination of painter's tape and plastic sheeting. The type of tape used is important, with wider tape needed for covering the whole window or wrapping around corners. Painter's tape comes in different varieties, including poly or crepe-backed tape, which stretches to conform to curves, and blue tape, which is recommended for use in direct sunlight. The process of masking windows involves first applying tape around the perimeter of the window, then measuring and cutting plastic sheeting to size, and finally, attaching the plastic sheeting to the tape. This method protects the windows from paint overspray and saves time that would otherwise be spent scraping paint off the windows.

Use painter's tape to secure the plastic covering

When covering windows for painting, using painter's tape and plastic sheeting is an effective way to protect the windows from paint overspray. Here is a detailed guide on using painter's tape to secure the plastic covering:

Choose the Right Tape:

Select a painter's tape that is suitable for the surface you are working with. For windows, a wider tape, such as 1-1/2” wide or wider, is recommended to cover the whole window or wrap around corners. Look for a tape with a poly or crepe backing, as it allows the tape to stretch and conform to curves.

Clean the Window Surface:

Ensure that the window surface is clean and dry. Dirt and moisture can prevent the tape from adhering properly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the window if necessary.

Tape the Window Perimeter:

Apply the painter's tape completely around the perimeter of the window, adjacent to the wall. Leave a portion of the tape extending over the window facing. This will create a border for the plastic sheeting to adhere to.

Measure and Cut the Plastic:

Measure the width of the window and add 2 feet to the measurement to ensure adequate coverage. Cut a piece of painter's plastic to this measurement. Painter's plastic typically comes in 9-foot rolls, so you may need to cut it to size.

Attach the Plastic:

Align the center of the plastic sheeting with the center of the window. Place the top edge of the plastic under the exposed tape and tuck it in. Work your way down the length of the window and then repeat the process on the opposite end.

Tuck and Fold the Plastic:

Starting at the top corner of the window, tuck the excess plastic under the tape, folding it inside. Continue along the side of the window until you reach the bottom. Repeat this process on the opposite side. Then, begin at the center of the bottom of the window and fold the excess plastic inside, tucking the edge under the tape. Work your way to the end and repeat on the other side.

Press and Secure the Tape:

Once the plastic is in place, go over the painter's tape with your finger, pressing it firmly to prevent paint seepage. Your finger can conform to the texture of the wall better than a putty knife or mechanical device.

By following these steps, you can effectively use painter's tape to secure plastic coverings over windows during painting projects, ensuring a professional finish and saving yourself time on clean-up later.

Tape around the window's perimeter

When preparing to paint, it's important to take the time to mask the windows to achieve a professional finish. This process involves taping around the window's perimeter and covering it with plastic to protect it from paint overspray. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Clean the Window

Before you start taping, it's crucial to ensure that the window surface is clean and dry. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the window, removing any dirt or residue. This step is important because tape doesn't adhere well to dirty surfaces.

Step 2: Tape the Perimeter

Once the window is clean, it's time to apply the tape. Use wide painter's tape and start by placing it completely around the perimeter of the window, adjacent to the wall. Leave a portion of the tape extending over the facing. This step creates a barrier that will protect the window from paint.

Step 3: Measure and Cut the Plastic

Measure the width of the window using a tape measure and add 2 feet to the measurement to ensure adequate coverage. Cut a piece of painter's plastic to this length. Painter's plastic typically comes in 9-foot rolls, so you may need to cut it to size.

Step 4: Attach the Plastic

Take the piece of plastic you just cut and align its centre with the centre of the window. Start by placing the top edge of the plastic under the exposed tape, and then tuck it under the tape, working your way down the length of the window. Repeat this process on the opposite end of the window, ensuring the plastic is securely attached.

Step 5: Tuck the Excess Plastic

At the top corners of the window, tuck the excess plastic inside the covering. Continue this process along the sides of the window until you reach the bottom. Go to the opposite side and repeat, ensuring all sides are securely tucked under the tape.

Step 6: Fold and Secure the Plastic

Starting at the centre of the bottom of the window, fold the excess plastic inside the covering. Tuck the edge under the exposed tape and work your way to the end. Repeat this process on the opposite end of the window, ensuring the plastic is securely in place.

Step 7: Check for Tight Seals

Before you start painting, check both the tape and plastic to ensure tight seals. This step is crucial to prevent paint from seeping through and causing unwanted overspray.

By following these steps, you can effectively cover the windows for painting, ensuring a neat and professional finish. Remember to take your time and work carefully to achieve the best results.

Measure the window's width and height

Measuring the windows is an important step in preparing to cover them for painting. Here are some detailed instructions on how to measure the width and height of your windows:

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. You will need a tape measure to accurately measure the windows. It is also recommended to have a notebook and pencil to write down the measurements as you take them.

Now, let's start with measuring the width. Place the end of the tape measure at one side of the window frame and extend it horizontally to the other side. Make sure the tape is straight and level. Record this measurement.

Next, we'll measure the height. Place the end of the tape measure at the top of the window frame and extend it vertically downwards to the bottom. Again, ensure the tape is straight. Record this measurement as well.

For accuracy, it is a good idea to take measurements for each window, even if they appear to be the same size. Windows can vary slightly, and taking individual measurements will ensure a precise fit for your window coverings.

If you are using painter's plastic to cover the windows, add some extra width to your measurements. For instance, after measuring the width of the window, add about 2 feet to that number. This will ensure that the plastic adequately covers the window. As for the height, you don't need to add any extra as the plastic is usually packaged in 9-foot rolls, which will be more than enough for standard window heights.

Taking precise measurements is crucial to ensure a proper fit for your window coverings. Whether you're using plastic, paper, or cloth to protect your windows from paint, having accurate measurements will make the process much easier and help you achieve a neat and professional finish.

Attach the plastic, starting from the centre

When covering windows for painting, it's important to take the time to mask the windows properly to achieve a professional finish. Here's a step-by-step guide to attaching the plastic sheeting, starting from the centre:

Attaching the Plastic Sheeting:

• Measure the Window: Before attaching the plastic, measure the width of the window using a tape measure. Add 2 feet to this measurement to ensure the plastic covers the window adequately. There's no need to measure the height as the plastic comes in standard 9-foot rolls.
• Cut the Plastic: Using scissors or a sharp blade, cut a piece of painter's plastic to the measured width.
• Find the Centre: Align the centre of the plastic sheet with the centre of the window. You can do this by eye or by folding the plastic in half to create a centre crease.
• Attach the Top Edge: Starting from the centre, place the top edge of the plastic under the exposed tape. Graco, a manufacturer of paint spray equipment, recommends this approach.
• Tuck and Smooth: Tuck the plastic under the tape and smooth it out, working your way down the length of the window until you reach one end. Ensure the plastic is securely attached and free of wrinkles or creases.
• Repeat on the Opposite Side: Return to the centre and mirror the process on the opposite end of the window. Work your way down to the bottom corner, tucking the plastic neatly under the tape.
• Fold Excess Plastic: At the bottom of the window, begin folding any excess plastic neatly inside the covering. Continue tucking the edge under the exposed tape, working your way to one end.
• Repeat on the Other Side: Go back to the centre and repeat the process on the opposite side, ensuring the plastic is securely attached and wrinkle-free.

By following these steps, you will effectively cover the window, protecting it from paint overspray and ensuring a neat finish to your painting project.

Use a tape applicator for long stretches of trim

A tape applicator is a great tool to use when taping long stretches of trim. It is designed to dispense small rolls of painter's tape, laying down lines of straight tape by using the opposing surface as a guide. This can speed up the job and make it easier to apply tape to edges and corners.

When using a tape applicator, it is important to have all your taping supplies within reach so you can work efficiently. The applicator uses special 20-yard rolls of tape, so it is important to have enough on hand before you begin.

To use the applicator, start by taping all the flat surfaces that border the trim, leaving the trim exposed. For baseboards, tape the wall above the baseboards, keeping the tape flush with the top edge. For crown moulding, tape both the wall below and the ceiling adjacent to the moulding.

When you are finished taping, go over the tape again with your finger to press it firmly in place and prevent paint seepage. Then, you can begin painting the trim.

Using a tape applicator can make the process of taping off long stretches of trim faster and more efficient, resulting in a professional-looking finish.

Frequently asked questions