The Best Paint for Outside Wood Sashes

All-Weather

• Selecting an all-weather exterior paint -- specifically designed for wood -- is one of the best ways to ensure that your sash doesn't peel, flake or chip. All-weather paint is designed to hold up against rain, wind, sun exposure, heat, cold weather and wintry conditions. Always prepare your sashes before painting to make sure there's a strong bond between the wood and paint. You might need to sand prepainted areas, scrape away chipped pieces of wood or apply primer, according to the manufacturer's directions. Bare wood always needs to be primed before applying paint. Most paint manufacturers recommend applying two or three light coats of paint, with sufficient drying time between each coat, rather than one heavy coat.

Water-Based

• Water-based paint generally works best on exterior wood sashes. According to paint experts at The Home Depot, water-based paint expands and contracts as exterior temperatures rise and fall, making it more breathable than oil-based paints. Water-based paints don't absorb moisture, and they dry much faster than oil-based alternatives. Examine the warranties on exterior water-based paints, because some are guaranteed to last 10, 15, 20 or 25 years. Some paint manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, but you generally have to pay more for paint that has a lifetime guarantee.

Paint Finish

• As long as you opt for a paint that is specifically designed for exterior use on wood, the finish is a matter of preference. You might opt for a semigloss or satin finish if you want your wood sashes to have a slight sheen or variation from the rest of the facade. If you prefer a more rustic, natural appeal, a flat finish is more suitable. Consider the style of your windows and select a wood-sash paint that complements the design and overall motif. For example, semigloss paint has a more formal look and flat and satin sheens are more casual. Avoid high-gloss paint, because it will likely show imperfections in the wood on your sashes.

Color Considerations

• Most paint manufacturers create paint that can be professionally mixed with dyes to create any color you want. You might opt for the same color that's on your house, so the wooden sashes blend in with the rest of the facade, or you might opt for a contrasting color to make the sashes stand out. Always choose an exterior, durable, all-weather paint for wood, even if you find an interior color swatch that you like. Most paint departments at home improvement stores and paint specialty stores can mix a color that closely resembles any swatch you choose.