I LOVE the look of black windows in new homes. But there are also so many projects on our to-do list with our remodel at the #1891AvenuesCottage that I knew we didn’t have the budget for new windows.

Paint Older Window Frames to Get an Updated Look

One of our favorite past-times is walking around our neighborhood downtown and looking at the different turn-of-the-century homes. I’m always amazed at the details the homes have. There are always multiple homes being remodeled too and I it’s so inspiring to see all of the different projects people are doing on their homes. It gives me so many ideas!

Black Window Frames Look Modern

As we were walking one day I spotted a house with black windows! I went over to the home to get a closer look, thinking that the owners had put in new windows. I was delighted to see that they were older windows that had been given a fresh update with black paint!

Painted Window Frames Update Your Home

I took a closer look at our windows.The windows of our home are double-paned so they have all been replaced at some time pretty recently. I just assumed that they had vinyl frames since every home I’ve lived in always had vinyl window frames.

As I took a closer look, I was surprised to see that the window frames had been painted. I took a knife and gently scraped away a tiny section of paint and discovered that there was wood under the paint. I discovered that all of the windows in our home are wood frames except for two windows in the kitchen that have metal frames.

What Material are Your Window Frames Made Out of?

I discovered that there are different ways to paint your frames, depending on what the window frame is made out of. The main window frame types are — wood, metal or vinyl. And each type of window frame type requires different ways to paint them to get the optimal results.

Can You Paint Vinyl Window Frames?

While researching how to paint my window frames I discovered that painting vinyl window frames is quite a controversial subject. Contractors say that it can be done, while window manufacturers say that it shouldn’t be done. As I read many different posts on the subject, I read quite a few comments from home owners who have painted their vinyl window frames and had no problems.

The problem with painting vinyl window frames is that paint doesn’t adhere as well to vinyl window frames. When painting vinyl windows, use a primer that is made specifically for vinyl. Also – there is controversy that if you paint vinyl window frames a color darker than they already are, solar heat will heat up the windows and warp the frames.

Jess at Bright Green Door painted her vinyl window frames and she has a great tutorial on how to do it. While I was reading about vinyl window frames, I read a comment on one of the posts from a home owner who painted her vinyl window frames 10 years ago and has had no problems, So if you DO have vinyl window frames, be sure to research this fully before you decide to do it. I tried to find the article so I could link it but can’t find it again.

Can You Paint Metal or Wood Window Frames?

Yes! You can paint metal or wood window frames. If you have wood or metal window frames, the instructions on how to paint your window frames are pretty similar. The only difference could be the type of primer you use. I have both metal and wood frames and I painted both types of windows using the same primer and paint.

Supplies to Paint a Window Frame

1. Paint (specific to the type of window frame you have) I used Valspar Cabinet Enamel which works on wood and metal.
2. Primer (specific to the type of window frame you have) I used Valspar Bonding Primer/Sealer which works on wood and metal.
3. Fine-gauge sandpaper
4. Rags
5. Angled paintbrush
6. Small detail paintbrush
7. Painter’s Tape or
8. Large putty tool with a straight edge

Prepping Your Window Frames is Very Important

Selecting the right primer is the most important aspect in prepping your window frames. Be sure you have a primer that is specific to the type of window frame you are painting. I used Valspar’s Bonding primer which is a heavy-duty stain blocker and bonds really well to paint. I am also using the primer on my kitchen island, which I am going to start painting this week.

Lightly Sand the Window Frame

Use a fine-gauge sandpaper and lightly sand the surface of the window frame. Then go over the sanded surface with a damp cloth to wipe all of the dust off the window frame.

Wipe Up Dust with a Rag

Use a damp rag to wipe the window frame down and get all of the dust off. You don’t want to ruin the painted finish with dust.

Tape Off Window Frames

Use painter’s tape to tape off the window frame. I used a hack that my friend Brooke at Plank and Pillow suggested to save time. I used a large putty tool and put the straight edge against each of the exposed areas and used a small paint brush to finish the straight edges of the frame.

The trick to this hack is to dip the paint brush in the paint or primer and then gently brush it at the edges, while pushing the edge of the tool firmly against the window or wall. If you have gobs of paint of primer on your brush and you try to make a straight edge using this technique the paint can get under the edge of the tool and you won’t get that straight edge. When you are done with each section, lift the tool straight up so that you don’t drag it on the surface where paint can get smeared. I would experiment using the tool if this is the approach you want to take. If you don’t feel confident using this method, it might be worth taking the time to tape everything off.

Apply 2 Coats of Primer

I opened the window slightly so I could get the bottom of the window and also to preventing sticking. Apply a coat of primer using long strokes. Let the primer dry at least 2 hours and then paint another coat over the first one.

Let Window Frames sit overnight

Paint the second coat of primer, then let the primer sit overnight to really get dry before you paint.

Apply Paint to Window Frames

I chose Valspar’s cabinet paint as the paint for this project. The reason why I did this is that this paint has the look of oil-based paint without the hassle. The paint has a smoothing feature that makes brushstrokes disappear The sheen is semi-gloss .

• This paint is water-soluble so it’s easy to clean up.
• A 4 hours drying time – which allowed me to move my windows up and down while it dried. This way the paint didn’t get stuck between the window and the frame resulting in windows that were painted shut.

How Many Coats of Paint Should I Apply?

I painted my window frames with two coats of primer and two coats of paint. It’s safer to apply two light coats of paint than one heavy coat of paint that will drip and ruin your paint job. Be sure to apply the paint in long, even strokes.

Take Off the Painter’s Tape and Enjoy Your new (old) windows!

That’s pretty much it. It does take time and it is a little tedious painting each panel but the results are amazing! I love the way this DIY updated our home for under $100.

Is Painting Your Window Frames Black Too Trendy?

Yes, painting your window frames black is a big trend right now. But if you look at ancient castles that had windows they were black so black window frames have been around for a long time. Remember, you can always repaint your window frames in the future. I’ve also seen painted window frames that are COLORS and they are gorgeous!!

Did You Paint the Inside and Outsides of the Window Frames?

I only painted the inside of the frames. One reason is that it’s winter and cold outside. Another is that I don’t know how black windows would look with our greige house. I do want to paint the outside of our house white eventually and at that point I will paint the outside of the frames to match.

Do You Have Any Questions About Painting Your Window Frames?

Let me know if you have any questions! I would be happy to answer them. And if you paint your window frames, I would love to see YOUR windows! Tag me on Instagram at @tatertotsandjello so I can see YOUR projects!! I’m going to start painting my kitchen cabinet this week, I will share the behind-the-scenes DIY on my Instagram stories!

Thanks for stoping by! And I hope you will journey with me as we remodel this historic home!

xoxo

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