Best Paint For Window Frames: Expert Tips And Tricks

Painting window frames is a challenging task that requires careful preparation and the right tools. The best paint for window frames depends on the material of the window frames. For wooden window frames, acrylic latex paint is often recommended due to its high durability and ease of use. Metal window frames typically require enamel paint, which adheres well and resists rust. uPVC window frames need uPVC-specific paint and primer to ensure proper adhesion. Exterior wood window frames should be painted with an oil-based or water-based paint that is designed for exterior use and can withstand UV exposure.

Best paint for wooden window frames

Painting window frames is not an easy task, especially for amateur decorators. However, with the right tools, preparation, and expert advice, you can achieve a high-quality finish every time. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best paint for wooden window frames and ensure a beautiful and durable result.

Selecting the Right Paint

Choosing the best paint for wooden window frames is crucial. You can select from a range of oil-based or water-based paints specifically designed for interior woodwork. Oil-based paints, such as Interior Oil Eggshell and Traditional Oil Gloss, offer a tough and penetrative finish but require 16 hours between coats. Water-based paints, like Intelligent Eggshell, Intelligent Satin, and Intelligent Gloss, are more durable, resist wear and tear, and protect against moisture. They are also available in various gloss levels to achieve your desired finish.

Preparing the Window Frame

Before painting, ensure you protect the areas you don't want to paint with good-quality masking tape. Cover catches, hinges, and handles, or consider removing them. If your window frame has cross-pieces, tape every glass pane for protection. Cover the surrounding areas, including the carpet and wall below the window, to avoid paint splatters. Thoroughly clean the window frame and glass to prevent dirt, grime, or dust from mixing into your paint.

Priming and Sanding

The preparation process depends on the condition of your window frame. For new, unpainted wood, apply a coat of wood primer or an all-surface primer tinted to match your topcoat. Previously painted wood in good condition may not need a primer unless you're making a drastic colour change. In this case, lightly sand the frame to help the new paint adhere. If the previous paint is flaking or powdery, strip and sand the surface to create a smooth base for the new paint.

Painting Techniques

Once your preparation is complete, stir your paint thoroughly and decant some into a separate container to prevent evaporation and contamination. Start painting from the centre of the frame, moving outwards, following the direction of the wood grain. Focus on long and consistent brushstrokes to avoid drips and pooling. You may need a smaller brush for detailed areas like the window sill. Allow the paint to dry in a well-ventilated environment, then apply a second coat for full depth of colour.

Colour Considerations

While white paint is a common choice for window frames, adding a pop of colour can create a unique focal point in your room. Consider shades a few tones lighter or darker than your walls or choose a colour that complements your interior scheme.

Best paint for uPVC window frames

UPVC, or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is a durable, low-maintenance, and lightweight material used in construction, predominantly for windows, doors, window sills, fascias, soffits, and cladding. uPVC window frames can be painted to refresh their appearance or to modernise dated frames.

When choosing paint for uPVC window frames, it is important to select a suitable paint to ensure the paint adheres well and does not become flaky. Zinsser Allcoat Exterior is a popular choice for uPVC as it comes in a range of finishes (matt, satin, and gloss) and can be mixed into any colour. It also has a long expected lifespan of up to 15 years. Another highly-rated paint for uPVC is Tikkurila Panssari Akva, which offers strong weather resistance, colour stability, and a durable finish that protects against biological erosion. This paint is touch dry in 1-2 hours and can be recoated in 24 hours.

Before painting uPVC window frames, it is important to thoroughly clean and prepare the surface. Open the windows fully and use a wet all-purpose cloth to clean the window frames and sills, ensuring they are free from dirt and pollen. Then, use fine-grade sandpaper to buff the surfaces, which will help the paint adhere better. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this can show through once the paint has dried. Wipe away any dust with a microfibre cloth. Apply masking tape to any areas you want to protect from paint, such as the panes of glass and surrounding brickwork.

Once the surface is prepared, you can apply a uPVC primer. Use a clean paintbrush to gently apply the primer, and consider using two coats for a more professional finish. Wait until the primer is fully dry before applying paint. Carefully apply the paint to the uPVC frame with long, even strokes, and use at least two coats of paint for the best results. You can also spray paint uPVC window frames for a smooth finish, but this requires specialised equipment.

Best paint for metal window frames

Painting metal window frames can be a great way to refresh the look of your home. Aluminium and steel window frames can be painted, but there are some key steps to follow for a professional finish. Firstly, it is important to clean the frames thoroughly. Use soapy water and a clean cloth to scrub the frames, removing any stains, paint chips, and rust. For stubborn stains, use baking soda or vinegar, and for rust, use sandpaper with a grit of between 80 and 120.

Once the frames are clean and dry, the next step is to apply a coat of primer. Priming metal surfaces improves paint adhesion and durability. Choose a primer specifically designed for metal surfaces, such as Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer or Tikkurila Otex Adhesion Primer. Use a brush or sprayer to apply the primer, and don't forget to protect the glass and surrounding areas with masking tape. Allow the primer to dry completely, which can take several hours.

Now, it's time to apply the paint. Open your chosen paint tin and stir the contents to ensure a consistent colour. Use a small paintbrush to apply the paint, wiping off any excess on the side of the tin. Glide the brush up and down the frame to achieve a smooth, even coat. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next, as several thin coats will produce a harder, better-looking finish than one thick coat. Remove any paint on the glass with a scraper blade or razor blade once the paint is completely dry.

The best type of paint to use on metal window frames is either acrylic or epoxy. Acrylic paint provides good adhesion, durability, and resistance to fading, while epoxy paint offers excellent durability, chemical resistance, and adhesion, as well as the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Epoxy paints tend to be more expensive than acrylic options.

How to prepare window frames for painting

Preparing window frames for painting is a crucial step to ensure the paint adheres well and the final result looks professional. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare window frames for painting:

Clean the Window Frames

Start by giving the window frames a thorough cleaning. Use a fungicidal wash to remove any mould or mildew. Then, use a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and warm water to clean the frames, removing dirt, grease, and glossy residue. Rinse with clean, warm water. For wooden window frames, ensure you remove any dirt, grime, or dust to prevent it from mixing into your paint.

Remove Hardware

Remove any locks, handles, catches, hinges, and other hardware from the window frame. If you need to open the window during the painting process, leave one screw in so you can reattach it temporarily.

Fill Gaps

If there are any gaps between the frame and the glass, use a filling material such as putty or an acrylic glazing sealant. Apply it with a putty knife or a sharp spatula and allow it to dry completely.

Remove Old Paint

Use a putty knife or a wire-bristled brush to remove any loose, flaking, or peeling paint from the window frame. Scrape gently under the paint to lift and remove as much as possible. If the window frame has a grid, make sure to remove paint from it as well.

Sand the Surface

Lightly sand the window frame with medium-grade sandpaper (P120-180) to smooth out any remaining bumps and create a slightly rough surface. This step will help the new paint adhere better. Remember to wear a face mask to avoid inhaling dust during the sanding process.

Clean and Prime

After sanding, give the window frame and the surrounding area a thorough cleaning to remove any dust and paint scraps. Use a vacuum and a damp cloth to ensure the surface is free of debris. Once the window frame is clean and dry, apply a primer. For wooden frames, use a water-based wood primer. If the frame is metal, choose a specialised metal primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to paint.

Best paint finishes for window frames

Painting window frames is not an easy task and requires the right tools and preparation. The type of paint you will need for your window frames depends on the material of the frames. Here is a guide to help you choose the best paint finish for your window frames.

Paint for Wooden Window Frames

Wooden window frames should be repainted periodically to ensure their longevity. High-quality exterior paint designed to be durable and weatherproof is best for wooden window frames.

• Acrylic Latex Paint: This water-based paint is a popular choice for wooden window frames. It is user-friendly, dries quickly (within one to two hours), and is resilient to cracking and chipping due to its flexible nature. It is also easy to clean up with just water and soap. Additionally, it is less toxic than oil-based paints.
• Oil-Based Paints: While less commonly used today, oil-based paints offer a rich, glossy finish that can add depth and character to wooden windows. They require a longer drying period (eight to 24 hours), but this allows for a smoother surface as the paint has more time to level before drying.
• Exterior Wood Paint: For exterior wooden window frames, consider a self-priming, weatherproof wood paint that offers long-term protection from the elements.

Paint for uPVC Window Frames

UPVC, or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is a durable, low-maintenance, and lightweight material commonly used for window frames. When painting uPVC window frames, it is crucial to use uPVC-specific paint or primer to ensure proper adhesion and a long-lasting finish.

• Tikkurila Panssari Akva: This paint offers strong weather resistance, brilliant colour stability, and a durable finish that protects against biological erosion. It is available in over 300 colours, including anthracite grey, which gives uPVC windows a modern look.
• Zinsser Allcoat Exterior: This paint can be applied to almost any exterior surface and comes in various finishes, including matt, gloss, and satin. It typically dries faster than other brands, allowing for a quicker completion time.

Paint for Metal Window Frames

Metal window frames typically require a special metal paint or enamel to ensure long-lasting results.

Enamel Paint: Enamel paint is an oil-based paint specifically formulated for metal surfaces. It adheres exceptionally well, reducing the likelihood of flaking and peeling, and provides a hard, glossy finish that can withstand wear and tear.

Paint Finishes

There are three primary paint finishes: satin, gloss, and matte.

• Satin Finish: This is a popular choice for windows, offering a low-to-medium sheen. It is easier to clean than a matte finish and provides a soft, velvety look that works well in both traditional and contemporary settings.
• Gloss Finish: Known for its high-reflective qualities, gloss finish provides a shiny, glass-like appearance. It is extremely durable and stands up well to repeated cleaning, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or windows exposed to dirt and grime.
• Matte Finish: Matte finish offers little to no sheen, providing a flat, textured look. However, it is less durable than satin or gloss and is more susceptible to dirt and grime.

Frequently asked questions