How to Paint Around Windows

Look for loose, flaky paint and remove it with a paint scraper and/or sander - all the way down to the wood if necessary. Sand down the areas you plan to paint.

If you're going to paint the outside of the window also, check the glazing between the glass and the frame. (Glazing is the putty that seals the window and holds the glass in place.) If it's cracked or crumbling, replace it.

Check the outside for other areas where water could enter between the window frame and the house - or even within the window itself - and caulk as necessary.

Remove or tape over all the hardware you can, such as locks, handles, latches or hinges.

Put blue 'safety' masking tape on the glass next to the surface you're going to paint. It makes cleanup easier.

Use primer if you've exposed any raw surfaces. Choose primer appropriate for your surface (wood or metal).

Follow up with a coat of semigloss or glossy paint. It's durable and easy to clean.

Use an angled paintbrush and work from the top down. Paint the window frame first, then the trim on the wall around it. Make sure you don't paint windows shut (see Tips).

Scrape off any paint that has gotten on the glass with a razor blade made for this purpose after the paint has dried at least enough to be tacky. Gently run the razorblade, edge first, between the painted surface and the glass, then lay it flat (like a spatula) to scrape the rest of the paint off the glass.