Step-by-step plan: painting exterior window frames
By painting your exterior window frame with Osmo Landhuisverf, you protect the wood against the weather, moisture and wood rot and extend its lifespan. With good preparation, two thin coats and regular maintenance, the frame will stay beautiful for years.
What you need for this tutorial;
Your exterior window frames have a lot to endure. Day and night they are exposed to rain, sun, frost and cold. To make sure a frame holds up as long as possible, it is wise to protect it with a coat of paint. Well-painted frames are protected against the elements, which extends their lifespan. In this article we give you a step-by-step guide to painting your exterior window frames.
Why painting your window frames matters
Painting exterior window frames is an important part of maintaining your home. By giving the frames a fresh coat of paint from time to time, you protect them against weather influences such as rain, sun and frost. If the wood is left unprotected, these elements can lead to wood rot or other damage. A good coat of paint also helps keep moisture out of the wood. On top of that, painting your window frames has aesthetic benefits, because it gives your home a fresh and well-kept appearance.
Video: Painting exterior window frames
Buitenkozijn schilderen: hoe schilder ik een kozijn?
Before you start: supplies and preparation
First gather everything you need to paint your window frames, so you can work without interruptions. Choose a paint that suits your type of wood and the look you want.
Preparing an exterior window frame
Before you can start, the frame may need some preparation. Is the wood new? Then you can usually get started right away. Has the frame turned gray? Then it is wise to remove the graying first. You can do this with Osmo Power-Gel Houtontgrijzer. Does the frame still have an old coat of paint, stain or varnish? Then you will need to sand it first. Sand the frame in three rounds: start with grit 40 sandpaper, then sand with grit 80 and finish with grit 120. It is best to sand the parts close to the glass by hand to avoid damage. Make the frame completely dust-free after sanding. You can do this with a brush or a slightly damp cloth.
Before you start painting, the wood must be completely dry. Has it rained? Then it is best to wait 24 hours first. Avoid working in direct sunlight: strong sun can make the paint dry too quickly, which leads to an uneven look. Tape off any parts that should not get paint on them, such as the glass or a sill.
Painting exterior window frames: step-by-step instructions
Ready to tackle your window frame? We are happy to help you on your way with a step-by-step plan.
Stir
Stir the can of Landhuisverf well with the stirring stick for about a minute. This distributes the ingredients and pigments evenly through the product.
Paint the edges
Start by painting the edges next to the glass. Use the brush for this. Apply a thin coat and work in the direction of the wood grain as much as possible. Work from the inside out.
Details
Go over the frame again with an almost dry brush, using light pressure. This spreads the product evenly and removes any brush marks.
Drying
Let the frame dry for at least 12 hours (at 23 °C / 73 °F and 50% relative humidity). At lower temperatures or higher humidity, drying takes longer. Always make sure there is good ventilation, and do not apply the paint in bad weather or rain.
Second coat
Apply a second coat, following steps 2 to 4.
Choose the right paint
The main reason to paint your wooden window frame is probably the look. However, a beautiful finish should also give the wood the protection it needs, and your choice of paint plays an important role here. A standard paint based on latex or solvents does give a protective layer of color, but over time this layer can crack or come loose. For a surface like a window frame, which is touched often and has to deal with moisture, air, light and changes in humidity every day, you will probably want a more durable solution.
That is why it is better to choose an oil-based paint, such as Osmo Landhuisverf. Not only does this paint give excellent color coverage, because it penetrates deep into the wood it also protects against moisture, dirt and damage. This creates a colorfast layer on the wood that does not crack or peel, and that leaves the natural wood structure and grain visible. After treatment with Landhuisverf, your exterior window frame is optimally protected against the Dutch outdoor climate.
Maintenance after painting your window frames
Now that you have completely refreshed the window frame, you naturally want to keep it looking good for as long as possible. To keep the frame in optimal condition, it is important to maintain it regularly. For example, make sure you clean the frame thoroughly at least twice a year. You can use a solution of all-purpose cleaner, but if you really want to clean the frame well, it is better to use Osmo Terrasreiniger. This is a powerful yet environmentally friendly cleaner that removes all dirt without damaging the surface.
Does the frame need a fresh layer of protection after some time? Then you can easily apply a new coat after cleaning. Because Landhuisverf bonds with the wood, it will not crack or peel. So from now on, sanding is never necessary again! A thin new coat is enough to protect the frame optimally again.
This tutorial belongs to
What you need for this tutorial;
We're happy to help
Looking for DIY advice or have a technical question?
