Painting Double Hung Windows

[Debo]

Hello :U
this is my first post, so please be patient with me
My hubby and I are about 18mths into our first renovation
we have already replaced 3 of the casement windows with double hung sash windows
two of which were new the other we bought from the weekend shopper (needed alot of cleaning up)
with all 3 windows I have had difficulty painting :no:
Most of the sites I read advise not to paint the track that the windows slide in...
But as I am painting all of the windows white and the timber is brown it would look ridiculous not to paint it
I have found that pulling the window apart before painting is easier than trying to paint it as a complete unit.
I would appreciate any helpful tips :?

[an3_bolt]

I installed 2 sets of double hung windows about 9 months ago. I received them in raw cedar condition. The windows used spiral balances, so I figured it was easiest to pull the windows apart and paint them. Put them in the man cave and painted away. When I installed only had to touch up a few areas as opposed to painting the whole lot.

It was definitely much easier to paint when disassembled. Also allows access to all the areas that are too hard when in the frame, and without hanging off a ladder or whatever contortion you end up in.

Good luck.

[Sapainting]

thats true alot of people say dont paint the track but it is to much of a nightmare to keep it clean and it looks terrible, in reality if u have a fresh window (new) u have to take them apart to seal all 4 edges and top and bottom otherwise the tannins wreck what u have done. pull the window apart keep the long black plastic spiral runner that the window slides on. i have heard of people after paint lubricating the window track with wd40 or RP7 but dont know if it makes a difference it should but never lived in a house that has sash windows

hope this helps - glenn - S & A Painting

[droog]

If they are sash windows paint them with oil based enamel paint, it you paint them with acrylic they will bind and jam all the time.
Regards Dave

[dakotax3]

As an apprentice I painted millions of these, all in enamel and on one house with a 5" (five inch) brush. On no occasion would I have got away without painting the whole thing. No need for dissembly, reverse the sashes. Replace the chords first tho.

[Debo]

thanks for the Info guys
I have now installed my 4th double hung sash and this time I did not disassemble prior to painting and only under coated before putting it in.
I then applied the gloss paint and yes did have to climb a ladder to get to the window which was quite awkward
I am now cleaning up two more old windows I have bought
I think I will disassemble before painting these and paint them fully before installing

[BLWNHR]

If they are sash windows paint them with oil based enamel paint, it you paint them with acrylic they will bind and jam all the time.
Regards Dave

The new water-based enamels work just as well and make clean-up easier.

[an3_bolt]

Thats what i used on mine. I used Aqua Trim with some Floetrol. Great result and very happy with it. Couple of tricks though - a good primer is mandatory. Proper coverage might take 2 coats of primer if adding turps. Also - with the fortified acrylic/water enamel - it is tricky keeping a wet edge. If it is tacking, just leave it and come back to it after it has dried out a little to prevent big gooy brush marks. Trying to use it in hot weather is going to end in tears though. It is a job to paint the edges then come back and do the main parts. Work very quickly on large areas and then lay it off all over.

Been having a go in the hot weather to do some skirting boards before installation. Been too hot (30C) and getting brush marks - but thinning with some water and the Floetrol seemed to work well through my spray gun. The best results with the stuff I have always got when working indoors on a cool day.