Painting Timber Window Sashes

Before you commence painting a window sash in  sash windows, it is important to prepare properly – the amount of work you will have to do in this regard will depend on the state of the existing paintwork.  Remember that repairing sash windows can be a slow task, but it is a necessary task unless you are debating between uPVC or timber sash windows.  Replacement sash windows may not need to be painted , but they will be expensive to purchase and install.

If the existing paintwork is reasonably sound, you can probably repaint a window sash without stripping the old paint from the frame.  In this case unscrew or take off any metal clasps or sash window locks that are removable, (besides hinges), brush and rub down the frames in order to remove any dirt and repair / fill any small dents, old screw holes, etc, that are apparent.  One other point we would like to make.  It is best to remove any blinds, curtains, voiles and other close hanging fabrics before you commence.  You do not want your beautiful fabric gold curtains to be damaged by paint striper or putty.  Any damaged paint work, blisters, knotted areas, etc, should be sanded down, filled with a suitable filler and rubbed down again in order to get a smooth finish. The entire frame should then be sanded with a medium sandpaper and finished with fine sandpaper.

In cases where the paint has deteriorated to the point where is has to be removed completely, again take off all possible additions from the window sashes, before stripping the old paint from the frame.  For this operation there are various methods that can be employed, (i.e.  a chemical paint stripper or heat gun / blow torch).  Once all of the paint has been removed, use firstly medium sandpaper and then fine sandpaper in order to achieve a smooth surface for painting.

When you commence painting the wooden sash windows, first apply a primer coat and when this has dried you should rub the frame with a fine sand paper, just to smooth the surface, not to expose the timberwork.

The Enduring Appeal Of Sash Windows.

The Enduring Appeal Of A Window Sash.

You may wish to protect the window sash glass from getting paint by placing masking tape on the glass before commencing.  You need to be careful when painting sash windows, a there is a high frame to glass ratio compared to non sash windows. Therefore you do not want to intrude on the glass area with the paint, except with the final coat which should come onto the glass for about 1 millimeter. If paint gets onto the glass wait until it is dry before scraping it off.

Your task will be made easier if you purchase a sash trim brush, a brush which is slightly angled to make it easier to get into 90-degree corners and tight spaces.

If you are starting on the inside of the residence, raise the bottom window sash and lower the top sash and paint the available lower half of the top sash.  Use a small paintbrush with not too much paint on the brush at any one time.  When you have completed this area, raise the top sash and lower the bottom sash and complete the painting of the top sash.

Once you have completed the top sash you will be able to paint the bottom sash, which is completely visible to you.

Once you have finished painting the sashes, leave them open to dry.  Paint the rest of the frame after the sashes are dry to touch.

Then move both sashes down as far as they will go. Paint the exposed jambs. Reverse the process raising both window sashes and paint the lower jambs.  Put on only as much paint as is necessary. Wait for the paint to dry and oil the channels with a suitable lubricant,   be it paraffin or a silicone spray.

The continual maintenance of your timber sash windows  by painting the window sashes, will allow them to give you many additional years of pleasure.

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Timber or uPVC Sash Windows?

Given the manufacturing quality available, today’s uPVC sash windows can be indistinguishable from the old timber sash windows you may be considering getting rid of.  After years of maintaining your timber sash windows, putting up with draughty air coming from the general area of your window frames, being able to hear the cat having a scratch outside in the garden, (with your windows closed), and having a heating bill that rivaled that of a large hotel , you have decided enough is enough.

Modern PVC sash windows have many advantages over the old timber windows and while it is praiseworthy to make every effort to retain and repair your old sash windows, sometimes you may have no choice.

Heat Retention and Noise Suppression: Double glazed uPVC sash windows have the obvious advantages of keeping in your precious (and expensive) heat and also to keep out some level of street noise. The accumulative gap space around a timber window that has shrunk or rotted can be quite considerable, up to 25 centimeters in exaggerated cases.  Naturally this will have a profound effect on the ability of your house to retain heat and to keep outside noises out, (and inside noises in!).

Ease of Cleaning: In addition many of these windows have a tilt feature. This feature allows you to clean a sash window from the inside, so no more hanging off a ladder outside.

uPVC Sash Windows.

New And Replacement uPVC Sash Windows.

Low maintenance: There is no doubt that uPVC sash windows do not require the same level of maintenance as timber windows.  Regular cleaning, oiling of hinge parts with some WD-40 and your done.  Compare that with the painting and re-painting, cleaning, re-puttying, un-sticking, re-cording, etc, of timber windows and there is no contest.

In today’s society, people want to purchase quality home products that are long lasting and need low maintenance.  Therefore sash uPVC windows, metal roofing materials and other long life building products will always be attractive options to consumers.

Security: Sash uPVC windows in general are more secure than timber windows, at least older timber windows – it has to be said that there are many timber window manufacturers that have worked hard to improve the security of timber windows.  However, with built in locking systems uPVC sash windows are a much more secure prospect than your old faithful sash window locks, that you actually had held closed by that piece of jammed cardboard for the last few years!

Easy Installation: Installation of new uPVC sash windows in place of your old timber sash windows, is not difficult. The old windows are easily removed and the new windows installed with very little hassle.  It would be recommended that you would engage the services of a professional window glazier and installer.

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Sash Window Repair And Sash Window Restoration.

Due to the popularity and architectural longevity of sash windows, it is necessary, in addition to regular maintenance and painting to consider your upgrading options with regard to sash window restoration and sash window repair from time to time.  You may also wish to consider the differences between uPVC and timber sash windows.

With updated manufacturing and product technology, it is not necessary to take out your genuine sash windows in order to achieve better insulation, noise suppression, or get better sash window locks, etc.  In order to help you maintain your timber sash windows, many sash window repair companies can now offer sash window restoration on existing windows:

Draught Sealing: The gaps that may be present around an old, decaying or badly fitting window sash can be considerable.  It is estimated that the space around badly fitting windows can measure up to 25 centimetres !  Window repair can reduce leakage and this will greatly reduce your heating bills and increase your comfort.  In addition, by stopping draughts entering your home you are also stopping or reducing noise and dust from entering also.

Sash Window Repair and Sash Window Restoration

Sash Window Restoration And Sash Window Repair.

Whole or Part Replacement of Frames: As most windows sashes are made from softwood, over time all or part of a frame can become damaged, swollen or rotted.  It is possible with sash window restoration of timber windows to simply replace the damaged portions of a frame and to blend them into the original structure.  Sash window repairs are easily carried out by a qualified carpenter and this can be a much less expensive option than installing uPVC sash windows.

Double Glazing / Triple Glazing: This can be achieved on your existing  windows, depending on the condition of the frames and also the depth of the frame.  Window repair and double glazing of existing windows can be carried out on site by some companies and is can work out about 65% of the  cost of installing new double or triple glazed windows.

Security Glass and Safety Glass: Security glass is a toughened glass and along with safety glass can be installed into your existing frames, and may be a requirement, depending on the location of the frames within the residence.  Safety Glass is in many ways the opposite to security glass, as it will shatter into many non-sharp particles when struck.

Acoustic Glass: This is a thick glass and depending on the thickness of your frames and how robust they are it can be fitted, helping to eliminate traffic sounds, etc.  This glass can be 8 millimetres – 13millimetres thick.

Anti-Fade Glass: Window restoration can include the installation of anti-fade glass which eliminates the ultra violet rays that do damage to your carpets, upholstery, furniture, etc.  Companies such as Spectrum and Pilkingtons are among many that produce such glass that can be sized to fit your existing windows.

Self Cleaning Glass: This glass is finished with a very smooth surface and causes rain and dirt to have difficulty adhering to its surface.  One such example would be ‘Pilkington ActivT’ self cleaning glass.

As you can see from the above there are many forms of sash window repair and sash window restoration that may reduce your need to purchase expensive new window units.

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