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How To Paint Your Sash Windows

How To Paint Your Sash Windows

Painting your sash windows is a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your home. Not only that, but it is an effective form of sash window maintenance that can protect the wood from rain and dampness.

Before you jump straight in and start brushing, we have a few tips and tricks to help you get the best results. Here™s our guide to painting your sash windows.

How to Prepare Your Sash Windows For Painting

1. Prep Your Space

Proper preparation will mean an easier cleanup process later on. Cover your floors with a dust sheet to protect against paint splatters and use tape to separate the window from the walls, to avoid paint contamination.

2. Remove Hardware

Take out any hardware such as locks and catches before you start painting. That way you can avoid accidentally splattering them. Whilst the hardware is out, you might want to give it an extra sparkle with a quick polish.

3. Sand The Timber

Sanding the timber is a crucial step. This ensures any excess paint is removed, creating the best possible surface for your new coat. It also ensures the paint will adhere properly, preventing flaking in the future.

4. Clean The Sawdust Off

Another crucial step, make sure to give the timber a good clean after sanding. You want to remove the excess dust, to create a smoother surface for the paint. This will also avoid contamination of sawdust into the paint pot, which could create lumps and bumps.

Get Ready To Paint Your Sash Windows

5. Start Painting

Once your preparation is complete, open the sash windows to access all parts of the lower frame. Paint the lower section first, allowing it to dry before lowering the sash window and completing the upper section. 

You might need to apply more than one coat. It™s also a good idea to give the surface a very light sand after each coat, to ensure a good base for the next coat. Make sure each layer is thoroughly dry before sanding/applying the next coat.

The Finishing Touches

6. Clean Up Any Paint

If you got any paint on the glass just give this a gentle scrape with a razor blade to scratch it off. Then, remove the tape from the glass, add your hardware back on and admire your handiwork.

Still Need Professional Sash Window Maintenance?

If you need help with professional sash window maintenance, get in touch with Mortice and Green. Our sash window maintenance team offers a huge range of sash window maintenance tasks, from fixing pulleys and cords to installing new glass.

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How To Winter-proof Your Sash Windows

How To Winter-proof Your Sash Windows

Sash windows add timeless elegance to any home, but as winter approaches, you might be wondering how to keep your home warm. 

Winter-proofing your sash windows is not only a practical task, but it also goes a long way in preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies to ensure your sash windows remain functional, energy-efficient and cosy during the colder months.

Regularly Inspect Your Sash Windows

Before the winter chill properly sets in, conduct a thorough inspection of your sash windows. Look for any gaps, cracks or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these issues early on will prevent drafts and heat loss. Replace or repair damaged features, such as sash cords, pulleys and weather-stripping, to ensure your windows are in tip-top condition.

Install Draught Excluders

Draught excluders are a simple yet effective way to prevent cold air from seeping into your home. Install self-adhesive draught strips around the edges of the sashes to create a tight seal when the windows are closed. This small investment will make a huge impact, preventing chilly breezes from entering your home.

Apply A Window Film

Window film offers an additional layer of insulation without compromising the view. Choose a high-quality thermal window film that helps retain heat and reduce heat loss through the glass. This is a cost-effective winter-proofing task that can make a huge difference to your comfort and energy bills.

Consider Heavy Curtains

Curtains offer both aesthetic and practical benefits. Heavy curtains or drapes can add a touch of metaphorical warmth to your interior whilst also providing an extra barrier against the cold. You might want to look for curtains that have higher insulation ratings.

Install Double Glazing

Older sash windows often still feature single-glazed panes, which are terrible heat insulators. Looking into double glazing before winter is a great idea. Double glazing will keep your home warm and your energy bills down and it will even reduce some noise pollution from outside of your home

Need Help Winter-roofing Your Sash Windows?

If you need help getting your sash windows ready for winter, get in touch with our team.

Mortice & Green is composed of highly skilled professional sash window repair experts, all with vast amounts of experience working with traditional wooden sash windows.

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