When You Have the Option to either Paint or Stain Windows Which Way Do You Go?
By Mark J. Donovan
Our home is an older home and
over the years we’ve replaced just about every window in it. The original
windows were all builder grade wood windows and nature got the best of them
over the years. When we purchased the house, stained wood trim was in, and
virtually every piece of window, door and baseboard trim in our home was
stained. As we’ve replaced the windows in the various rooms each time we had
to face the staining windows versus painting windows dilemma. Painting
windows in a room that has all of its other wood trim stained can make the
painted window(s) stick out like a sore thumb.
However, in some cases one can
justify the idea that a painted window accents the room. We have used that
rational on a number of occasions to paint windows that we had recently
installed. In every case, however, we’ve ended up eventually installing new
painted baseboard trim in the room with the painted windows, and painting the
previously stained door trim.
The Painting
Windows vs Staining Windows Dilemma
If you’re deliberating on the staining windows versus painting windows question,
there are number of pros and cons for each that you should weigh before
deciding. Painting windows provides a cheerier and brighter room and paint is
easier to keep clean, particularly because you can see smudges and know where to
wash. Painted window trim, for example, may work better in sunny and bright
rooms, however it also can be said that painted windows may be the perfect
solution for rooms that have limited natural light.
Painting windows, however, can take a
little more effort. The windows and window trim should first be primed. Moreover
the areas of the window that should not be painted need to be masked off with
masking tape. Whenever possible prime and paint the interior wood trim pieces
prior to installing them around the window.
Staining windows usually requires less work. Again, it’s wise to pre-stain the
window trim prior to installing it around the windows. Simply use a foam brush
or rag to wipe the stain onto the window trim and window parts.
Immediately after applying the
stain use a clean dry rag to remove any excess stain from the wood. I highly
recommend using a lighter stain. Darker stains can make a room feel like a
coffin.
Another advantage of staining windows, versus painting them, is the fact
that if someday later you want to paint them you can. The paint can be
applied right over the stain. The reverse is not possible.
Photos by Mark Donovan
Whether painting or staining windows it’s important to make sure the
woodwork on the windows and window trim is clean. Otherwise the paint or
stain may not adhere evenly or at all. Also, make sure the room where you’re
painting or staining windows is well ventilated and that drop clothes are
placed on the flooring directly underneath the window. Moreover, make sure
to remove any window hardware prior to painting or staining windows. Windows
that can be removed from the window frame should be removed, and the windows
painted or stained in a separate and well ventilated area.
Staining windows also offers the added benefit of requiring very little
drying time. Painting windows, on the other hand, usually requires the
windows to dry for approximately 24 hours before you can reinstall them into
the window frames.
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