Window frames and sashes need special attention when painting

Press, 9 April 1981, Page 20

Window frames and sashes need special attention when painting

Window sashes and frames need special attention when painting. The lifetime of the sash is only as long as rainwater can be kept out of the timber joints. To prevent water getting into the joints, check the glazing, that is the putty that appears to hold the glass in place from the outside. You must inspect the putty closely making sure it has not shrunk away from the glass or is cracked and loose. If it has, the putty should be removed and replaced. Before replacing the putty, paint the area where the removed with red and linseed oil, allow at least 12 hours before reputtying At the bottom corners ol the frame, in most cases, is a small hole. . Force paint into this hole and finally fill with putty. Most sash failures can be attributed to water or moisture getting into the woodwork in this area. To make the reputtying or glazing easier, put masking tape or adhesive plasticaround the sash on the glass

just before the putty line before removing old putty. ' This will serve as a valuable guide when you come to reputty and will help you avoid getting paint on *the‘ glass when repainting. There are three main types of sashes: awning, casement, and double hung. All should fit snugly into place. If they are double hung sashes make sure both cords are in good condition or you could have trouble. Awning sashes are hinged at the top and open out. Double hung sashes move up and down. Casement sashes are hung on the side and open put. When sashes need refitting then the new surface must be painted with at least three coats of paint, the same procedure for new woodwork. Remember to allow for the thickness of the paint when refitting. The most important points to remember when repainting your home are: • Repair all damaged or weather-beaten timber.

• Sandpaper all woodwork well. Rub down all steel work with coarse wire wool. © Spot prime all bare woodwork with red lead and raw linseed oil. 9 Stop up with putty all .joints after priming with red lead and raw linseed oil. . © Never use putty on timber that has not been freshly primed. © After priming and stopping has been done, the woodwork is ready for its first complete undercoat. .Do not apply thick undercoat but thin as directed on the paint tin. After the undercoat has hardened rub down and give the final coat which should be gloss. • Do not paint in very .hot weather or extremely cold weather. Foggy and damp weather does not allow tlie paint to dry as it should. • • Never paint damp woodwork or steel work. • Do not thin paint fee much with turpentine, it will not last. Only thin to workable consistency. '' Good preparation, and

good quality paint are essen,tial for a lasting paint jol$»