Painting Sash Windows
The painting of sash windows is our company’s area of expertise.
Decorating a sash window is not an art that any decorator “off the street” can easily master. If not done properly, certain common problems can arise. This will then necessitate further work to the window, or re-doing the whole project.
Generalist decorators often make common errors when painting sash windows
The painting of sash windows require a detailed knowledge of the inner functions and mechanisms of a sash window and a precise, steady hand.
Even the most accomplished generalist decorator can make certain common errors when painting sash windows. The following is a list of the most common problems we encounter on a daily basis:
1. Restricted movement on sashes
Layer upon layer of paint can restrict the movement of sash windows. There are several ways of overcoming this problem. The most common of these solutions is to either strip the paint from the sash frames where the sashes travel or to remove excess timber from the sides of the sashes to increase the space between the frames and the sashes. Should you use a decorator that is not skillful or knowledgeable in sash windows, they might just add more layers to the frames and therefore restrict the movement of the sashes even further.
2. Sashes that are painted shut
Possibly the most frustrating errors that unskilled or ill informed decorators cause are sashes that are painted shut. Sash windows are lovely windows when they work properly. When they don’t they can be extremely frustrating.
3. Brush pile of draught proofing is painted, making the seal ineffective.
Draught sealing is a very effective way to ensure your windows are heat efficient. Draught sealing also has the added benefit that it ensures your windows flow freely as the timber moves against soft brush rather than timber. Both these benefits of draught proofing come undone when an unskilled or ill-informed decorator paints over the draught proofing brush. Should you have this issue with your windows make sure you have a professional surveyor assess the problem and provide you with an effective solution.
4. Paint and scratches on the glass
Sash windows should have a slim line of paint on the glass to ensure that the seal between the paint and the putty is effective. However excessive paint on the glass is not aesthetically pleasing. In order to get a good foundation for new layers of paint it is essential that old paint layers or putty is rubbed down with sanding paper to achieve a good key. This process should be done with a steady hand to avoid unsightly scratches on the sash window glass panels. Electrical sanding machinery should be avoided close to glass panels as these are difficult to control and could cause excessive scratches on the glass.
Our decorators specialise in sash window decorating
Our decorators receive detailed training on painting sash windows and it forms part of their routine on a daily basis. They are skilled artisans in the decoration of these traditional windows and they take great pride in producing a refinished window without affecting its functionality.
We offer bespoke painting services
We offer several options when painting traditional windows or doors.
Our entry level Fortis Maintenance decorating service ensures that your windows are fully repaired and decorated to a high standard on site with the Dulux Weathershield paint system. This service is suitable for windows that only require a good lick of paint rather than a full restoration.
Our premier decoration service is included with the off-site Fortis Restoration service which is a very robust process. It leaves previously neglected windows in a state of complete renewal. The Fortis Restoration process can be tailored to suit your personal requirements and further information on this system can be viewed here.
We use high quality materials
Our specialist decorators would be of little value if we use low quality products. In order to ensure a good quality finish and longer lasting results we only use the best products on the market providing you with peace of mind that your windows’ new appearance would last for many years to come.
When repairs are undertaken we use only hardwood replacement sections where required. These repairs are supported with the Repair-care 10 year system and provide a long lasting solution. The paint can be tailored to your specific needs, but our standard paint system is the renowned Dulux Weathershield System that provides crucial longevity to the works undertaken.
How to survey your own windows
It is essential to have your windows painted prior to them deteriorating to a point of disrepair. Most windows initially only require a thorough decoration service to avoid rot or further neglect. If you can spot problems early it would enable you to resolve the problem early and avoid costly repairs. The following is a list of issues that can easily be identified and, if spotted early, can be avoided with a professional painting service:
1. Broken down paint
Paint breakdown occurs when moisture penetrates the paint layers or when the paint itself stops adhering to the timber surfaces. Moisture cannot penetrate the protective paint layers without an entry point. A common entry point for moisture is flaky paint. The images below can better demonstrate this phenomena. Should you see these openings in any part of your windows make sure you have a professional surveyor assess the problem and provide you with an effective solution.
2. Torn construction joints
Paint breakdown also occurs when the main construction joints of a sash window tears. The tear opens up a point where water ingress can occur. These joints are very commonly the first point for rot to start as they offer a perfect place for moisture to saturate. The images below better demonstrates this occurrence. Should you see these openings in any part of your windows make sure you have a professional surveyor assess the problem and provide you with an effective solution.
3. Broken down putty
Paint breakdown also occurs when the putty between the glass and timber rebates on a sash window breaks down. The broken down putty exposes the timber below the putty and is once again a very common first point for rot to start. The images below better demonstrates this occurrence. Should you see these openings in any part of your windows make sure you have a professional surveyor assess the problem and provide you with an effective solution.
Fortis & Hooke Specialist Painting Solutions
Fortis & Hooke have a passion for restoring beautiful, original wooden windows and doors. All stripping and painting are done by hand, ensuring the timber, glass and other features aren’t damaged in the process.