Painting wooden window frames: How it’s done
You should paint wooden window frames regularly. Comparis explains how best to restore their appearance – and provides tips on paints and costs.
05.02.2026
iStock/Zbynek Pospisil
1. Step-by-step instructions: Painting wooden window frames
Wooden window frames add charm to your home, but need regular maintenance. As a rule, you should paint your wooden windows approximately every 5 years.
Painting wooden window frames requires some preparation and careful work. With our guide, you’ll achieve results that last.
Preparation: How do you prepare old window frames for painting?
Before you start painting your wooden window frames, you should prepare them properly. First, remove all dirt and dust.
Now tape all transitions to the wooden frame with adhesive tape. Masking tape is good for this. It can then be removed easily once the painting is finished. Cover the pane of glass with a protective film.
Good to know: you can also unhinge the window casements. Window casements are the movable parts of the window. This makes it easier to mask the metal fittings, for example.
Removing old paint
If you’re paint very weathered wooden window frames, you should remove the old paint completely. The best way to do this is with a paint stripper. Leave it on briefly and then remove the old paint with a scraper.
A hot air gun can make things easier. It warms the paint, softens it, and thus makes it easier to remove old layers of paint.
Sanding down wooden window frames
Sand all surfaces, that you want to paint. For large areas, you can use a sanding machine.
Just want to freshen up the colour a little? Then it’s enough to sand the frame with a coarse sandpaper. Always sand in the direction of the grain.
Now coat the wooden frame with primer sealer. in. In this way, you create an optimal surface for painting and, at the same time, care for the wood.
You should sand the window frame before painting. This helps the paint hold better. In addition, sanding removes minor damage that would otherwise still be visible after painting.
Priming
If you are painting with varnish, you need to prime the wooden window first prime it. If you glaze your windows, you can skip this step. Instead, simply apply the first coat of glaze on.
Always paint with the grain. Please also observe the following order of application:
Window frames
Window sash rebate
Horizontal bars of the window sashes
Frame rebates
Vertical bars of the sashes
The best way to paint the corners is with a brush paint. For straight and large surfaces, foam rollers are suitable. foam rollers.
Allow the primer or glaze to dry completely dry completely. This typically takes between 12 and 24 hours. Check the packaging to see what applies to your paint.
Painting
Roughen. Then, in both cases, use sandpaper on the primer or glaze layer using sandpaper. This helps the subsequent layers of paint hold better.
When you paint your wooden window frames with lacquer, you now apply a first coat of lacquer. When glazing, follow with a second coat of glaze. Again, pay attention to the order in which you apply the coats.
Let this layer dry again with both methods. Then sand the layer one last time. Now apply a final coat and the wooden window will shine with new lustre.
Important: When sanding and painting, wear a respirator mask and, if necessary, gloves. Ventilate regularly. This protects you from dust, toxic fumes and chemicals.
2. Painting wooden windows: which paint is suitable?
For painting wooden windows you can use lacquer or glaze.
Lacquer
Are you looking for a solid, opaque finish? Then lacquer is the right choice. Coloured lacquers have high opacity. The wood grain is no longer visible after painting.
Lacquer forms a closed, opaque layer on the wood. This means that the wooden window is optimally protected from moisture and weathering. Lacquer is therefore particularly suitable for the outside of windows. Make sure you choose a lacquer that is specifically suitable for outdoor use.
Glaze
Glaze is less opaque than lacquer: if you paint your wooden window with glaze, the wood grain remains visible. However, since the components penetrate the wood, it is still protected from moisture and weathering.
Especially for exterior painting, use a thick-layer glaze. This ensures that the wooden window frame is optimally protected from the elements.
3. Painting wooden window frames: costs
The costs of painting a wooden window frame vary depending on:
Condition
Size, including the number of casements
Whether you only want to paint one side or both sides
Whether you also want to paint the window sill
The paint used
The cost of materials for painting a window starts at approximately CHF30 to CHF60 and can increase significantly depending on the quality, price and quantity of the materials used.
How much does it cost to have the window frame painted?
The cost of having a professional paint a window frame start at around 120 francs per window. However, depending on the size and condition of the window, painting it can also cost several hundred francs. The cost includes both the materials and the labour.
It can definitely be worth hiring a professional painter. They ensure an even and durable coat of paint and use the appropriate materials.
Since prices can vary widely, you should obtain several quotes to find the painting company that best suits your needs.
4. Painting wooden window frames: benefits
Painting wooden window frames has many advantages:
Longer lifespan: regularly painted wooden window frames remain resistant to the elements and pests.
Protection from the elements: on exterior façades in particular, varnishes and glazes protect the wood from moisture, mould and UV radiation.
Aesthetic enhancement: freshly painted windows look well cared for and give the house a new shine – both inside and out.
5. FAQs on painting wooden windows and window frames
As a rule, you should paint your windows approximately every five years. An alternative guideline is the appearance of the window: if the current paint is cracked or looks dull, it’s time for a new coat.
The best time to paint windows is in the spring. This allows the paint to dry properly, but not too quickly. If the paint dries too quickly, it can soon start flaking off again.
Yes, you can paint the inside of your window frames. It’s best to do this at the same time as painting the outside. This way, you’ll get a uniform result.
You can paint the outside of your window frames. It’s best to do this approximately every 5 years. The frame also needs a new coat of paint if the paint is flaking or if it has a dull appearance.
You can have the window frames painted by a professional painting company. This is more expensive than if you paint them yourself. However, a painting company will usually give you an even and durable coat of paint.
Whether you are allowed to paint the window frame depends on your living situation depends on your living situation:
If you live in your own home, you can paint the windows at any time.
If you live in condominium ownership, you need the consent of the homeowners’ association to paint the window frames.
If you live in a rented property, you have to ask your landlord for written permission (Art. 260a CO).
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This article was first published on 24.10.2024
