How to paint a wooden window frame

A tired looking window stands out even more next to a freshly painted wall. Our 'Do It In A Day' projects is perfect for tidying up interior sills and frames to make them shiny and new again.

Project shopping list

If you can't make it into one of our stores try click + collect. Many of our products are ready in just four hours, and even more are available the next day. Simply pay for your items online, and pick up free of charge from your nearest B&Q store.

Materials	Tools	Safety
Interior wood paint	2” paint brush	Goggles
Masking tape	Sandpaper	Gloves
Wood primer	Sponge

Person using a piece of sandpaper to sand down a wooden window frame.

Step 1

Sand the window frame with a medium-grade sandpaper and brush away any dust. Make sure you're wearing your goggles whilst you're doing this. Wipe the frame clean with a damp sponge - just use water, no soap.

A wooden window frame with masking tape applied to the glass at the edges to protect it from paint.

Step 2

Run masking tape along the edges to ensure a clean line. If you want to be extra cautious, you could tape newspaper to cover the glass as well. Between coats, remove and reapply the masking tape to avoid the adhesive removing any paint.

Close-up of a paintbrush being used to apply paint to a wooden window frame that has been sanded down.

Step 3

Paint in a consistent direction - the same way as the wood grain - to achieve a nice, even finish. Let it dry for 2-3 hours.

Step 4

Back to it! Gently rub down the frame to make the surface rough, this will help the paint adhere better. Apply paint to the frame, then the opening casements. Leave the window open to let it dry.

Step 5

Once your first coat has dried, apply your second. Remove the masking tape and leave the paint to dry.