How to Paint a Window Frame

Tape over or remove any hardware that should not be painted such as catches, hinges, etc.

Clean the glass before you paint to keep dust and grime from getting into the paint.

Tape off the window, leaving a small gap between the frame and the glass. You want a tiny bit of paint to seal that join between the two.

Paint double-hung windows starting with the lower sash on the outside and the upper sash on the inside. Paint a casement window while it's open.

Begin with the horizontal cross-pieces (called muntins), then do the top and bottom horizontal pieces.

Now paint the vertical cross-pieces, if there are any.

Paint the top, bottom and sides, in that order, working from the center outward.

Finish with the window molding.

Peel the tape off the glass when the paint is nearly dry to the touch, but don't wait until it's completely dry. It may peel the paint up with it if it's too dry.

Remove any accidental drips on the glass with a paint scraper.