How To (Re)Paint Wooden Windows – What Kind of Paint Works Best?

Wood is an extremely good and durable material, often used for doors or window frames. Usually, however, after several years of use, wooden windows need to be repainted. I put together this article in order to help you know how to properly protect the natural material and how to paint your wooden windows step by step!

Refurbishing Your Wooden Windows – Why?

Plastic windows are quite a popular choice for many people. They are relatively cheap and easily accessible. However, they have several key defects – they can deform, are less durable and more susceptible to damage that cannot be easily fixed.

On the other hand, wooden windows are a more expensive solution, but noteworthy – the technical parameters of premium class windows definitely prevail in their favour.

Windows made of natural material are usually considered high-quality products. They can come in any color, shape, and sculpture. They are tight, soundproof, and have a low heat transfer coefficient. They can be secured with burglar locks. They are a beautiful decorative element that matches other wooden elements of the house.

The biggest advantage, however, is the fact that it is possible to repaint old wooden windows and repair possible cavities.

Although the refurbish of wooden windows is a problem for some people, in fact, it is a huge advantage. Thanks to the durability of wood, windows serve for many years and can be easily repaired in case of cavities. They are natural and look great in any home.

The simplest procedure that will help you to refresh their appearance is painting wooden windows with special enamel. This will keep your windows frame in perfect condition for a long time. To refurbish the frame you need paint or varnish for wooden windows, available in building shops.

Varnish or paint for wooden windows? What should I paint wooden windows with?

To paint a frame made of natural material you will need to look for paint made for wooden windows, varnish, or lacquer. All preparations of this type form a flexible coating that works with wood and changes with the change of humidity.

Newer types of wooden window paint on the market right now do not contain harmful solvents and is safe for humans and animals. The protective enamel coating forms a layer resistant to water, changeable weather conditions and mechanical damage.

You can also use wood window varnish to cover window frames, which will create a durable coating that provides maximum protection of the wood against UV radiation, water and unfavourable weather conditions. It will be useful when you just want to refresh the natural color of your window frame.

Painting Your Wooden Windows – Step by Step Guide

A good paint for wooden windows or varnish for natural materials in combination with observing the rules of painting will make the surface of your windows perfectly protected against weathering and biodegradation hazards.

What are the steps for painting a wooden window?

First of all, you need to thoroughly remove the old paint film if it peels off. Clean the wood with e.g. a sunburn, angle grinder, scraper or paint remover. Do it carefully, as no fragments of the old coating should remain on the frame surface.

When repainting old wooden windows, it is also important to sand the surface. After removing the old layers, sand the wood. Remove the damaged coating and smooth the window frame. Use abrasive paper of appropriate gradation.

Start with a thicker grain size and gradually move on to a very fine one to give a smooth finish. You can use an oscillating sander and a sunburner, but remember that high temperatures can damage the glass.

After sanding the surface, remove dust and replenish the cavities with a wood finishing spatula selected according to the color of the wood. Apply a layer of mass in the damaged areas with a spatula and wait until fully dry. After drying, smooth the cavity – wipe it with fine sandpaper.

Next, prepare the surface for painting your wooden windows. Tape the glasses so that they do not get dirty with paint. If necessary, replace the seals and hinges.

You can finally get down to painting frames. To restore a heavily damaged surface, a covering paint for wooden windows will be necessary. However, if you want to maintain the natural effect, you can opt for a varnisher, e.g. Vidaron Protective and Decorative varnish. The selection will help you to assess the technical and visual condition of the window.

When applying, remember that the wood to be varnished should be cleaned and completely dry, smooth, free of dust, greasy and resin stains. Apply the preparation in 2-3 thin layers. Remember to gently sand the surface after each layer applied. Once the varnish or paint for wooden windows has dried, you can install the windows in the right place.