Window Cell Paint: Choosing The Right Kind For Your Home

Painting a window sill is a simple task that can make a big difference in the appearance of a room. Window sills are often exposed to moisture and condensation, so they may need to be repainted every few years. The type of paint and preparation required will depend on the material of the window sill. For wooden window sills, it is important to sand and prime the surface before painting. Oil-based, acrylic, or latex gloss paints are commonly used for wooden window sills. Vinyl window sills require an exterior gloss paint specifically made for vinyl, while metal window sills should be painted with an exterior gloss paint labelled for use on metal.

Tempera paint: a long-lasting option that's easy to remove

Tempera paint is a water-based paint that is a common choice for window painting. It is often used in schools because it is easy to use, inexpensive, and non-toxic. Tempera paint typically contains water, calcium carbonate, non-toxic pigments, and preservatives, with either starch or cellulose acting as the binder.

One of the benefits of tempera paint for window painting is its longevity. Paintings created by artists in the Renaissance era using tempera paint still exist today, demonstrating its potential for long-lasting colour. However, when used on windows, tempera paint may eventually crack or flake off due to environmental factors such as humidity and sun exposure.

Despite its potential for longevity, tempera paint is relatively easy to remove. It can be cleaned off windows with a wet sponge and warm water, or with a simple mixture of soap and water. To enhance the adherence of tempera paint to windows, a small amount of dish soap or liquid soap can be added to the paint mixture. It is important to note that detergent should not be used, as it can cause etching on the glass, resulting in costly repairs.

When painting windows with tempera paint, it is recommended to use powdered tempera paints and mix a small amount of water. Adding a bit of white paint to all colours except the black outline can also improve the visibility of the paint on the glass. It is crucial to properly clean the glass before applying the paint to ensure better adhesion and a smoother finish.

Overall, tempera paint is a long-lasting and easy-to-remove option for window painting. It is a popular choice due to its affordability, ease of use, and non-toxic nature, making it ideal for holiday decorations or temporary displays.

Acrylic paint: ideal for hard-to-reach areas

Acrylic paint is ideal for hard-to-reach areas like window corners or edges. It offers good adhesion properties and lasts longer than other types of paint on PVC surfaces.

When painting window cells, it is essential to use a suitable pouring medium. You can mix it with acrylic paint and a little water, depending on the product you use. The consistency of the mixture is key to achieving the desired results. It should be similar to that of liquid honey, allowing you to prevent the different colours from mixing too firmly and the cells from running (too liquid) or not forming at all (too thick).

There are various ways to create cells in your paint pour. One popular method is to use additives such as silicone or dimethicone, which are relatively inexpensive and can be found in most general stores. You can add a drop or two of these additives per 2-3 ounces of paint to encourage cell formation.

Another technique to create cells is by manipulating the density of the paints. Each paint has a different density based on the pigments used and the binder that suspends them. By stacking denser paints on top of lighter ones, you can create cells as the paints rise and sink when combined.

Additionally, using different pouring mediums can also help create cells. Floetrol, water, and isopropyl alcohol are some options to consider, but use them sparingly as too much can cause issues when the paint dries.

Overall, when creating cells with acrylic paint in hard-to-reach window areas, it is crucial to use the right pouring medium, achieve the correct paint consistency, and experiment with different cell-creating techniques to achieve the desired results.

Latex paint: better for larger surfaces

When it comes to painting windows, there are several options available, and the type of paint you choose will depend on the specific surface you're painting. While acrylic paint is ideal for hard-to-reach corners and edges, latex paint is the better choice for larger surfaces, such as doors or windowsills.

Latex paint has good adhesion properties and tends to last longer than other types of paint on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surfaces. This makes it perfect for vinyl windowsills, as it can withstand the extreme heat and cold that can cause warping and contraction.

One of the key advantages of latex paint is its durability. It forms a strong bond with the surface, reducing the likelihood of peeling or flaking. This is especially beneficial for windowsills, which are prone to consistent exposure to moisture and temperature changes.

Additionally, latex paint is known for its flexibility. This quality is essential when dealing with vinyl surfaces, as they can expand and contract due to temperature fluctuations. A flexible paint like latex can move with the surface, reducing the risk of cracking or peeling.

When painting windowsills, it's crucial to ensure that the surface is properly prepared. The wood should be treated, cleaned, and dried thoroughly before painting. Applying a suitable primer, such as an oil-based primer or a product specifically designed for vinyl surfaces, can further enhance the adhesion and longevity of the paint.

By choosing latex paint for larger surfaces like windowsills, you can achieve a smooth, even finish that will withstand the test of time and temperature changes.

Enamel paint: the only completely waterproof option

Enamel paint is the go-to option for those seeking a hard-wearing and completely waterproof paint for their window cells. Enamel paint dries to a hard, glossy, shell-like finish. While historically, enamel paint was defined as being solvent (oil) based, water-based enamel paints are now also available.

Enamel paint is ideal for those seeking a high-durability, glassy finish. It can be used on both the interior and exterior of window frames, as well as on walls, doors, garden furniture, appliances, and cabinetry. Oil-based enamel paint produces a brilliant gloss and a superior smooth finish. It is a great option for areas that get knocked about a bit. British Paints Oil Enamel Gloss (or Semi Gloss) is a good choice for window frames and interior trims. Water-based enamels, on the other hand, are more flexible and are therefore better suited for outdoor use as they can expand and contract with the effects of the weather. They are also less prone to yellowing and hold their colour for longer. An example of this type of paint is British Paints H2O Enamel Semi Gloss, which can be used on both interior and exterior doors, windows, and timber trim surfaces.

To apply enamel paint, start by stirring the paint well with a stick. Then, dip your brush into the paint and apply it in even strokes. You can also use a microfibre or short nap roller for larger areas, or a spray gun. Oil-based enamel paint takes between eight and 24 hours to dry completely, while water-based paints are significantly faster, with British Paints H20 Enamel ready for a second coat in just two hours. Enamel paint is easy to care for; simply wipe it down with a damp cloth as many times as you like. Oil-based enamels will naturally yellow over time, but this process can be slowed by allowing as much natural light into the room as possible during application and beyond.

Urethane paint: can be used on vinyl windows

Painting vinyl windows is possible but not recommended, as it may void the manufacturer's warranty and cause damage to the windows. If you decide to paint your vinyl windows, it is important to take certain steps to ensure the best results and avoid potential issues.

Firstly, it is crucial to avoid applying paint directly to the bare vinyl surface. Vinyl is not an ideal surface for paint, and paint applied directly to vinyl window frames will likely flake and peel off over time. Therefore, it is essential to properly prepare the surface before painting.

To prepare vinyl windows for painting, start by thoroughly cleaning the windows, including the bare vinyl surface, to ensure they are free of any dirt, grease, or factory oils. After cleaning, you can lightly sand the vinyl window frames to create a rougher surface for better paint adhesion. It is important not to skip this step, as sanding helps the paint adhere better and reduces the risk of flaking and peeling.

Once the windows are cleaned and sanded, the next step is to apply a primer. Using a primer specifically designed for vinyl, such as a waterborne bonding primer or a vinyl-compatible primer, will help the paint adhere properly and reduce the risk of paint failure. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

When choosing a paint for vinyl windows, opt for a high-quality paint designed for use on vinyl surfaces. Acrylic-urethane blended paint is a suitable option, as it provides good adhesion to vinyl. You can also choose a paint specifically formulated for vinyl surfaces, such as Sherwin Williams' Alkyd Urethane or one of the VinylSafe paint colours from Sherwin-Williams. Benjamin Moore's Colors for Vinyl palette is another recommended option.

It is important to avoid painting vinyl windows in direct sunlight, as the heat can cause the paint to dry too quickly. If using a brush or roller, work in a shaded area to ensure the paint has time to adhere properly. If using a paint sprayer, you can work in direct sunlight, as the sprayer will provide a smooth and even finish.

Keep in mind that painting vinyl windows may still result in flaking and peeling over time, and the colour choice can also impact the windows' durability. Dark-coloured paint absorbs more heat, which can cause the vinyl frames to warp and the glass to crack. Lighter colours are generally recommended for vinyl windows to avoid these issues.

Frequently asked questions