Interior Tilt-Wash Window Painting Help

Tilting the Window

• When you paint the interior of the tilt windows, the windows do not require tilting. You must tilt the windows when painting the exterior, unless you want to stand outside while painting. Slide the release latches into the proper position and place your hands in the bottom corners of the window. Push up on the window until the sash moves away from the window frame. Lean the window down and pull back until the window comes free of the frame. Set the window on a flat surface.

Protect Your Workspace

• Lay your windows on an old tarp or a series of old newspapers. Masking tape covers glass windowpanes and peels away easily without leaving behind any residue. Tear the masking tape off the roll and press it down on the glass. Cover the entire glass pane with the tape or use the tape on the edges where the glass touches the window. If any paint does reach the glass, scrape the paint off with a razor blade.

Painting the Windows

• Use a paint specifically designed for your window material. A latex paint is suitable for wood windows, while acrylic paint works better on plastic or acrylic windows. A small, thin paintbrush gives you better control over the paint. Apply a thin coat of paint to the stiles, or pieces moving across the window. Paint the mullions, or pieces moving up and down, next. Let the paint dry, and apply a second coat if you want a deeper or darker color. Once the paint fully dries, place the windows back in the frame.

Tip

• Depending on the weather and type of paint used, the paint may have a thicker consistency. Add a teaspoon of paint thinner to the paint and mix with a paint stirrer. Dip the paintbrush in the paint and stir, checking the consistency. Keep adding more paint thinner to the liquid and checking the consistency. The paint thinner reduces the thickness of the paint without stopping the paint from sticking to the windows.