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A window with a single mullion, in a small interior setting

Overview

It may not be in your vernacular just yet, but a window mullion is the aluminium that holds your window to its frame! They're super easy to update, just follow these steps and they'll look good as new in no time.

Steps

1Gather your tools and materials

Below are all of the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.

2Clean your mullions

Before you do anything, get in there and give those window edges a good clean – sugar soap wipes work well for this. Make sure you get into all the ridges and indents – there will be a build-up of dirt and grime in those hard-to-reach spaces. Old toothbrushes also work well on these tight spots. Make sure you don't have any peeling or flaking paint, and if your mullions are unpainted, make sure you apply a primer before you start (we didn't need to, as ours were already a lovely beige colour!)

3Sand your mullions

Sand your mullions down to a flat finish using 180-grit sand paper, and wipe clean with a rag. You want everything to be dust-free and dry before you start painting.

A painted window mullion being wiped clean

4Tape and prepare your area

We can't stress this enough – preparation is key! Measure out pieces of either butcher's paper or newspaper so that your windowpane is completely covered and stick them on with painter's tape – make sure you stick the paper right to the edges of the mullion. You'll also want to put down a drop sheet and open any windows (turning on a fan is good too) in readiness for using your Epoxy spray.

paper and painter's tape being used to protect a window from spray paint

5Spray away!

This is the fun bit! Spray your mullions with your desired colour – we opted for Dulux Metal Shield Epoxy Enamel in Gloss Black for a nice, modern finish. Before starting, be sure to shake the can for at least two minutes (you'll hear the balls inside rattling) so it's well mixed. Open some windows, pop on your dust mask and you're ready to go! Short, sweeping movements are the best way to apply your spray paint – make sure to hold the can about 10-25cm from the surface. You'll need two or three coats – applying several coats of a light mist works better than one heavy coat.

A window frame being spray painted

6Remove your tape and paper

Peel off the tape and paper once the paint is dry. If you do have any overspray, use mineral turpentine to remove it as soon as possible.

Painters tape used to protect a window frame

7Stop and stare

Beige, be gone! Your window is now transformed….

Close up of a window frame

8Keep watching

Watch the full episode and more D.I.Y. projects from Make It Yours Episode 2: Master Bedroom Makeover by Geneva.

 

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.