How to paint a double hung window.

This is a short how to paint a double hung window with window sash installed in place. Double hung sash can also be painted before they are installed into their respective jamb.

Paint Sashes sequentially- top, sides, the bottom. By Doing this, failing paint that was missed during prep and discovered along the way can be removed without chips or dust falling on fresh paint below.

Here is a sequential checklist when painting inside or out.

Inside

1. Pull the upper sash 3/4 of the way down and lift the lower sash 3/4 of the way up so the bottom of the upper sash extends below the lower sash.
2. Paint the meeting rail of the upper sash and an inch or two of stiles and muntins joining the meeting rail.
3. Re-position the upper sash to within about 1/8″ of the head parting stop, about 3/4″ from its top-most position. Push down the lower sash to just above the interior stool.
4. Paint the remainder of the upper sash by first painting the top rails and tops of horizontal muntins, then sides of the verticle muntins, stiles, and finally bottoms of the horizontal muntins.
5. Paint the lower sash from top to bottom taking care not to let paint run down the outer face of the meeting rail. Don’t close the sash past the stool.
6. Now paint jambs, stops, casings, and the stool. Simply pull sash ropes out from the jamb, paint behind, and gently release them without getting paint on ropes or marring the wet finish.
7. When the window is completely dry, raise and lower each sash a few times to prevent sticking. Touch up paint as needed.

*DO NOT PAINT OVER WEATHER STRIPPING

Outside

1. Pull the Upper sash about 3/4 of the way down and lift the lower sash about 3/4 of the way up.
2. Paint the meeting rail of the lower sash and an inch or two of the stiles and muntins joining the meeting rail and push the sash down just above the stool.
3. Push the upper sash up to within about 1/8″ of the outside stop (or casing). Paint sequentially as recommended for the interior.
4. Now paint the remaining areas on the lower sash sequentially.
5. Finally, paint the exterior stops, channels, casings, and sill.
6. When the window is completely dry, raise and lower each sash a few times to prevent sticking. Touch up paint as needed.

Jordan, Steve. “Chapter 8.” The Window Sash Bible: A Guide to Maintaining and Restoring Old Wood Windows. Rochester, NY: Author, 2015. 183. Print.