Painting a window, especially a double-hung window, can be problematic. Where do you start? How do you get to all the surfaces? Have a look at the animation, and you'll see how the pros do it. (This is one case where a picture saves a thousand words and an animation saves a dozen pictures.)
Use a high-quality sash brush for best results. Its diagonally cut bristles let you paint a smooth line along even narrow surfaces an enormous help when you cut in against glass and wall.
Step by Step 1. Prepare the area. Place a drop cloth under the window. If you're sure of hand and eye, the next steps won't be hard to do freehand. Otherwise, use painter's masking tape to mask all the glass before you proceed. Or use a trim guard as you paint.
2. Open the window as shown, lowering the upper sash about as far as it will go and raising the lower one. Paint the bottom of the upper sash and the entire lower sash. Let them dry.
3. Close the window so that it's almost shut. Paint the rest of the upper sash, then the window surround and the sill.
Tip From the Pros
Paint buildup in the window jamb can make the sashes stick. Avoid painting it at all unless the jamb clashes horribly with the new sash paint. But if paint it you must, apply the paint in several thin coats, moving the sash after each coat is dry. You need paint only the portion of the jamb that shows, so work first with the sashes closed, then with them all the way open. If the window is old, you may opt to disassemble the sashes as shown in our window repair animation. With the sashes out, painting the jamb is easy, and you can add new sash cords while you're at it.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
1 1/2-inch natural-bristle sash brush or 1 1/2-inch synthetic-bristle sash brush
Latex-acrylic or alkyd trim paint
Drop cloth
Painter's masking tape
Trim guard
