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An Introduction To Painting Windows And Trim With Oil Based Paint

An Introduction To Painting Windows And Trim With Oil Based Paint

Painting windows and trim with oil based paint isn’t simply a matter of slapping on your chosen colour. In order to achieve a professional-looking finish, you will need to carefully prepare the surfaces before you begin and use the appropriate brush technique. Here is a brief description of the steps involved.

If you are redecorating, you will need to strip off old enamel or varnish and expose the bare wood. Use a small brush to coat the surface with a chemical stripper. After around 15 minutes the layers of colour will soften into a gel. Slide the edge of a putty knife underneath it to strip it off.

Both old surfaces and new woodwork may have cracks, splits or nail holes. You will need to apply filler putty to these in order to create a smooth base. Put on rubber gloves and push putty into the cracks using your fingers. Wipe down the surface with a damp rag and allow it to dry completely. Sand to remove any lumps or bumps.

Apply wide masking tape around all the edges of the wood and window glass. Press down firmly where the trim meets the surface that will be painted. Coat the surfaces that you are going to paint with a multi-purpose latex primer. This seals and protects the wood and helps the oil paint to adhere without being absorbed. Let the primer dry completely before painting over it.

When painting windows and trim with oil based paint, brush on in the direction of the grain of the wood. For window frames, this usually means brushing up and down on the side slats and from side to side on the top and bottom pieces. Avoid cross-brushing at corners. When the colour dries, brush strokes can become visible, so painstaking and precise application will produce the best results.

Need oil based paint for your next project? Contact Warrior Paints today!

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