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Warm, summery weather makes for a good time to be thinking of essential maintenance, before the days start to shorten and the cold weather returns. At first, painting sash windows may seem simple enough, but you do need to observe some basic rules if you want to get the job done properly. One of our London painting and decorating experts is all too familiar with sash windows, and will be offering some words of wisdom as we go along.
Plotting and Planning 
When painting your sash windows, you must factor in the need to close the windows at night. This means planning the exercise carefully, and having all your ducks in a row before you start. You’ll need paint, brushes, roller sets, sandpaper, cleaning rags and materials. Don’t forget a safe ladder to reach the higher windows.
Perhaps you have decided to rather get a painting and decorating quote? Quite wise, you won’t regret it! When buying paint, remember to have a primer coat in case you have to scrape or sand back to the wood. Then there’s the undercoat and top coat which you can apply only when the surface is dry and ready to receive them.
Preparing Your Sash Windows
- Because the two sliding panels overlap, sash windows are quite difficult to work on. Fortunately, their design does allow for reasonably safe painting from the inside. We are assuming that you have already neatly masked off the glass both inside and out, in order to protect from paint over-runs and splashes.
- Pull up the bottom panel to its fully-open position, and then bring the top section down to about halfway open. You can now work on the lower section of the top panel. Don’t forget to remove all flaky and dry paint, going back to the bare wood if necessary. Then apply the primer or undercoat as appropriate.
- Reverse the position of the two panels, leaving a slight gap at the top and bottom this time. You can now complete the preparation and painting of the top rail and the stiles, before tackling the entire lower sash.
- Next, it’s the frame surrounds. Leave sufficient time for the paint to dry on the surfaces so far completed, before closing the sash windows for the night.
- By tomorrow, the painted surfaces should be dry. Pull both sash panels to their lower positions to expose the inner and outer runners. Leave this to dry for a decent time before raising both panels to reveal the lower inner and outer runners.
Mr-Skill Promotes the Easy Life!
We do realise that painting is not everyone’s favourite pursuit, and that is why we have a selection of approved painters and decorators for you to choose from. Find a painting and decorating expert here right now – you could even benefit from some great summer promtions, but do hurry!
