Is it a good idea to paint window frames?

Yes, painting window frames is an excellent idea. It not only refreshes their look but also provides a crucial protective layer against Singapore's sun and humidity, preventing wear and tear. A fresh coat of paint can revitalise your windows, enhance your home's curb appeal, and extend the life of the frames.

What paint can I use on window frames?

. For wooden window frames, use a durable water-based wood paint after priming with a product like Dulux Water-based Gloss Primer. If your frames are metal, choose a specialised metal paint over a metal primer. These paints provide a tough, weather-resistant finish that protects against the elements in Singapore's climate.

Is it better to spray or brush window paint?

For most DIY projects, brushing is the better method for painting window frames. It provides greater control for the detailed corners and edges, ensuring a neat and precise application. A quality brush allows you to achieve a smooth, professional finish without the overspray concerns associated with spraying in a home environment.

Do I need to sand my window frames before painting?

Yes, sanding is a crucial step. Lightly sanding the frames with medium-grade sandpaper removes any loose paint and creates a slightly rough surface. This helps the new primer and paint adhere properly, resulting in a smoother, more durable, and longer-lasting finish that won't easily peel or chip over time.

How do you prepare old window frames for painting?

To prepare old window frames, first clean them with a fungicidal wash to remove any mould. Scrape off all loose, flaky paint, then sand the surface until smooth. Fill any gaps with putty, clean away all dust with a vacuum and damp cloth, and finally apply a suitable primer before you begin painting.

Freshly painted window frames can transform a room. Follow these tips on prepping wood or metal frames to get the best results.

How to prep window frames

How to Paint Window Frames: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to prep window frames before painting.

Before you get started, we recommend checking your windows for any signs of pesky mold. Windows get a lot of wear and tear and because they have to withstand rain and sunlight, they can be a breeding ground for mold. If you see signs of mold or are unsure, best to give them a clean with a fungicidal wash, such as Dulux Fungicidal Wash before painting.
If you can see any gaps between the frame and the glass, use a putty knife or a sharp spatula to apply a filling material, like a multi-purpose putty or an acrylic glazing sealant. Give the filling material plenty of time to dry.
Remove locks and handles from the frame. If you’d like to be able to open and close the window while painting, you can leave one screw in. You may even find that opening and closing the window a few times helps to loosen the paint.
It’s time to use your putty knife again – this time, to remove any loose, flakey paint. Find the loosest part of the peeling paint and get under it, lifting and scraping as you go.
When you’ve removed as much of the paint as you can, lightly sand the frame with a medium grade (P120-180) sandpaper – this will remove any remaining bumps and will also slightly roughen the surfaces to help your new coatings to stick. (We recommend you wear a face mask during sanding to prevent breathing in any dust.)
With the prep almost finished, it’s a good time to give the area a good clean. Use a vacuum to remove any paint scraps on and around your window frames, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth to get rid of any remaining traces of dust.
Once your windows are clean and dry, you’re ready to prime. Any areas of bare wood should be primed with a water-based wood primer, such as Dulux Water-based Gloss Primer for Wood. If your window frames are metal, choose a specialised metal primer. Once your primer is dry, you’re ready to start painting!

Conclusion

Painting your window frames is one of the easiest ways to refresh your home’s appearance and protect them from Singapore’s tropical weather. With proper cleaning, sanding, priming, and high-quality Dulux paints, your window frames will not only look new but also resist moisture and sunlight damage for years.

Remember good preparation makes all the difference. Take time to remove flaky paint, fill any gaps, and use the right primer for wood or metal frames. Once done, your freshly painted windows will instantly elevate your home’s overall aesthetic while adding long-lasting durability.

FAQ

Is it a good idea to paint window frames?

Yes, painting window frames is an excellent idea. It not only refreshes their look but also provides a crucial protective layer against Singapore's sun and humidity, preventing wear and tear. A fresh coat of paint can revitalise your windows, enhance your home's curb appeal, and extend the life of the frames.
What paint can I use on window frames?

For wooden window frames, use a durable water-based wood paint after priming with a product like Dulux Water-based Gloss Primer. If your frames are metal, choose a specialised metal paint over a metal primer. These paints provide a tough, weather-resistant finish that protects against the elements in Singapore's climate.
Is it better to spray or brush window paint?

For most DIY projects, brushing is the better method for painting window frames. It provides greater control for the detailed corners and edges, ensuring a neat and precise application. A quality brush allows you to achieve a smooth, professional finish without the overspray concerns associated with spraying in a home environment.
Do I need to sand my window frames before painting?

Yes, sanding is a crucial step. Lightly sanding the frames with medium-grade sandpaper removes any loose paint and creates a slightly rough surface. This helps the new primer and paint adhere properly, resulting in a smoother, more durable, and longer-lasting finish that won't easily peel or chip over time.
How do you prepare old window frames for painting?

To prepare old window frames, first clean them with a fungicidal wash to remove any mould. Scrape off all loose, flaky paint, then sand the surface until smooth. Fill any gaps with putty, clean away all dust with a vacuum and damp cloth, and finally apply a suitable primer before you begin painting.