Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Scrape and sand the window. Wash any dirty sections with TSP solution. Use a scraper to remove any loose paint and then sand the wood to blend the scraped area and roughen the painted area. Use a tack cloth to remove the dust when you are finished.
2

Caulk the gaps and holes with paintable caulk. Smooth the caulked areas with your finger.
3

If the sashes on your window are easily removed, take them off and paint them on sawhorses. This will contain paint runs better. If the windows are older, try prying off the side trim to remove the sash. If it is too delicate or difficult, paint them in place.
4

Mask each window pane and the walls surrounding the window with painter's tape.
5

Using a sash brush, apply tinted primer to the horizontal parts of the sash and then the vertical. Save the windowsill until last. Painting in this order will help eliminate drips and runs. Do not paint the sides or tracks of the window. If you are painting the sashes in place, move them as the paint dries to keep them from sticking.
6

Using the same sash brush, paint in the same order that you did the primer. Apply a second or third coat if the primer is still showing through.
7

Remove the painter's tape as soon as the top layer of paint is dry to avoid pulling up layers of paint once it is dried. Use a window scraper to remove excess paint from the glass.