DIY at home : When and how to repaint a wooden window?

DIY at home: all our tips and ideas

When and how to repaint a wooden window?

 

A wooden window deteriorates over time and with temperature changes.

Your wooden window has become dull between the high temperatures and harsh winters. It's time to give it a new lease on life. How do you go about it? What type of paint should you choose? We have the answers.

Summary

• When is the best time to repaint a wooden window?
• How to paint an old wooden window?

Wood  is an aesthetically pleasing and natural material  that requires occasional maintenance to ensure its longevity. Before restoring the luster to your  windows , here are some important questions to ask yourself.

When is the best time to repaint a wooden window?

Over time, with seasonal changes and depending on the region, the wood may become damaged and the  paint may peel  or fade.

 

Therefore, in order for the window to maintain a certain harmony, it will need to be repainted every three to five years approximately, depending on its general condition and whether regular maintenance has not been carried out.

How to paint an old wooden window?

Repair before painting

Before restoring a wooden window, it needs to be prepared. For ease and comfort, it's recommended to dismantle it and lay it horizontally on a work surface or table. You can place a drop cloth or newspaper on top to protect the floor.

1. The first step is to protect the  windows with masking tape and unscrew the handle and fittings.
2. The paint or varnish that will be replaced must be removed. You can use a mild detergent or fine sandpaper, or use an  electric sander  if the paint or  varnish  is particularly stubborn.
3. Remove excess  dust  with a cloth, dry brush or  vacuum cleaner  and inspect the condition of the wood to  fill holes  and cracks with  suitable putty  or wood filler spread with a spatula.
4. Sand and let dry.

Then, apply a treatment against  termites  and other  insects  that could damage the wood. You can also dust the door leaf at the same time.

Steps to paint a wooden window 

Stir the can to ensure the paint or stain has a homogeneous texture.

Once the wood is prepared and dry, one or two coats of primer, depending on the needs and the color of the wood, can be applied. Allow to dry between each coat (between two and ten hours depending on the type and brand of paint).

Then, paint the window with at least two coats for greater uniformity. Several paint categories are available, depending on whether it's for exterior or interior use:

• Into the water;
• With oil;
• Diluted;
• Glycerol;
• High dry extract.

Consult a professional when purchasing paint to find the best option for your needs. If you want to maintain a natural look, a coat of varnish (polyurethane) can replace one of the paint layers.

Advice

Paint following the direction of the wood grain, using a  roller  or a brush.

It is recommended to check with your local council to find out about any applicable standards, whether a specific color is required and whether it must match that of your neighbours.

What to do after painting

To prevent the paint from deteriorating, you can   occasionally wipe it with a microfiber cloth to remove any impurities lodged in the wood.

A coat of paint can be added annually to protect against weathering and the onset of rot, thus preventing water infiltration. This ensures better waterproofing.