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Painting
How to paint a wall or room: step-by-step guide
How to paint window frames
How to paint window frames
Overview
Aluminum windows can last a long time but if you're planning to change the look and feel in your room, you might want to update your window frames to match. Spray painting them is quick and easy and gives you a smooth professional looking finish. However, it's important to prepare first and we'll show you how.
Tools and materials
Tools
Steps
Remove the window fixtures
Use the cordless drill to remove any curtains or blinds and their fixings, that may be attached to the window frame. Put all of the pieces to the side. Also remove the sliding window from the frame. Then use a rag to thoroughly clean the window frame.
Lay down the drop sheets or ram board
When it comes to painting, preparation is important. While it might take some time at the beginning, it will save you time when it comes to cleaning up. To protect the carpet or flooring when you're painting the windows, lay the drop sheets or ram board on the ground. This will prevent any paint from staining your floor.
Mask around the window frame
Use a good quality painters' tape to cover the surfaces you don't want to get paint on. When you get to a corner of the frame, press the tape into the edge with your putty knife and tear it off to ensure a perfect seal against the frame. Also place masking tape around the edges of the frame for the sliding window, which you have removed.
Cover the window and reveals with paper towel
To protect your windows and reveals from overspray, lay paper towel on top of them. Use the painters' tape to secure the paper towel, so that they're completely covered. Also cover the window with the paper towel to avoid any errant paint sprays. A handy tip when you're applying masking tape is to rip off pieces that are about 30cm long. This allows you to apply the tape very close to the window frame.
Apply the etch primer
Because the window frame we're painting hasn't been painted before, we're applying an etch primer. This will give the paint a better surface to stick to. Shake the can of primer well. Put on your disposable gloves, safety glasses and ventilator. When spray painting, hold the can 10-20cm away from the window frame. It's also better to apply several coats than trying to apply one heavy coat. Let the primer dry. Apply primer to the frame of the window you removed.
Apply the top coat
Shake the can of paint well. Put on the disposable gloves, safety glasses and ventilator. When applying the spray paint always paint from the top, down. Use long, smooth strokes to reduce the risk of running paint. Apply the first coat and let it dry for about 20 minutes. Depending on the coverage, you might need to apply three coats. Also paint the window frame that you removed.
Remove the tape and paper towel
Before the paint has completely dried, carefully remove the painters' tape and the paper towel from the windows, frames and reveals. If any paint has splashed onto the window or crept under the tape, use a single edge razor blade to scrape it off.
Put the window back in place
Once the paint is dry, place the window back in the frame, rehang the curtains or blinds and enjoy your fresh looking window frames.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.