Hi,

This is a bit off topic for Woodworking, but I think this group has the
skills to give me the advice I need.

Last year, we built and moved into our retirement home. The windows and
doors are Pella wood frame on the inside and clad aluminum on the exterior.
At the time we ordered the windows and doors, we weren't certain if we
wanted to keep the wood on the inside natural or would paint it. To preserve
our options, we did not order the wood pre-primed ( I wish we had).

Since we have moved in, we have decided to paint the interior of windows and
doors - white- matching all of our interior trim paint. The interior trim
paint is a good-quality Latex acrylic semi-gloss.

Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+). The
walls and floors are finished , so I can't make a mess. And, I need the
finished painting to be high quality, i.e., smooth, free of brush or
rollermarks, etc.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.
My concern is overspray - I can't mess up the paint on surrounding walls,
floors, or ceilings.

I'd like to spray with something that provides a narrow fan pattern - maybe
about 4 inches wide- without a lot of overspray bouncing off and covering
walls and floors.

I'm willing to buy what I need in terms of spraying equipment, but I don't
know what I need. Can I use an airless sprayer? Can I get a narrow spray
head? Would it cause too much paint "dust" bouncing around?

How about an HVLP unit? Can it do my job with Latex paint?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Gary Comfort
Ponce Inlet, FL

In article , "garycomfort" wrote:

Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+).

That's a big task.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit.

That might be an even bigger one.

I'm willing to buy what I need in terms of spraying equipment, but I don't
know what I need. Can I use an airless sprayer? Can I get a narrow spray
head? Would it cause too much paint "dust" bouncing around?

If you don't already have the spray equipment, and don't know what you need,
presumably you don't have the experience using it either. The interior of your
house is not a good place to be learning.

For what you would spend on quality spray equipment, plus the value of your
time spent not only learning to use it, but in actually doing the job, you
could hire a professional painter to do it for you. He'll probably use a
brush. Not to worry. Top-quality paint, applied with a top-quality brush in
the hands of a man who knows how to use it, will produce a top-quality finish.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?

garycomfort wrote:

I'd like to spray with something that provides a narrow fan pattern - maybe
about 4 inches wide- without a lot of overspray bouncing off and covering
walls and floors.

This sounds like an airbrush to me. I don't know if they will work with
latex. Airbrushes will require a compressor, though not a very big one
for this project I don't think.

I'm willing to buy what I need in terms of spraying equipment, but I don't
know what I need. Can I use an airless sprayer? Can I get a narrow spray
head? Would it cause too much paint "dust" bouncing around?

Find a place that sells automotive painting equipment and talk
to them about this idea. I think it could work, but they may
be unfamiliar with latex paints. It might help to find some
auto body painter and buy him some beers in exchange for some
advice.

How about an HVLP unit? Can it do my job with Latex paint?

I recently painted a garage with an airless sprayer, but I found
the windows were easier with a brush. Of course, I wasn't trying
for high end finish, just protection from weather.

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.

On Fri, 06 May 2005 16:30:17 GMT, "garycomfort"
wrote:

Help with Painting Widows and Doors

Black masking tape.

And ask if their departed husband left any inconvenient tools in the
garage they'd like to part with.


It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.

My Dad once sprayed a room in their first house. Something like 50
years later, my Mother still goes on about overspray.

Don't.

I don't know _one_ person who has done this and not regretted it
afterwards. Even the people who were careful.

If you're somewhere where labour is cheap, like Silicon Valley or Boise,
you could just hire in cheap labour to do this. Advertise it as "Java
coders" and offer a buck over minimum wage - you'll get plenty of
takers.

You really should avoid painting widows, unless you ask for permission
first... At the very least, make sure you clean their late husband's tools
out of the garage/shop before you slap on that first coat of paint.

However, depending on the age and condition (of the widow), the appropriate
use of a stripper may be required... Hmmm....

Clint

"garycomfort" wrote in message
.. .
Hi,

This is a bit off topic for Woodworking, but I think this group has the
skills to give me the advice I need.

Last year, we built and moved into our retirement home. The windows and
doors are Pella wood frame on the inside and clad aluminum on the
exterior.
At the time we ordered the windows and doors, we weren't certain if we
wanted to keep the wood on the inside natural or would paint it. To
preserve
our options, we did not order the wood pre-primed ( I wish we had).

Since we have moved in, we have decided to paint the interior of windows
and
doors - white- matching all of our interior trim paint. The interior trim
paint is a good-quality Latex acrylic semi-gloss.

Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually
painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+). The
walls and floors are finished , so I can't make a mess. And, I need the
finished painting to be high quality, i.e., smooth, free of brush or
rollermarks, etc.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.
My concern is overspray - I can't mess up the paint on surrounding walls,
floors, or ceilings.

I'd like to spray with something that provides a narrow fan pattern -
maybe
about 4 inches wide- without a lot of overspray bouncing off and covering
walls and floors.

I'm willing to buy what I need in terms of spraying equipment, but I don't
know what I need. Can I use an airless sprayer? Can I get a narrow spray
head? Would it cause too much paint "dust" bouncing around?

How about an HVLP unit? Can it do my job with Latex paint?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Gary Comfort
Ponce Inlet, FL

Sounds to me like a disaster in the making. Pros who spray everything
else still paint windows (don't know about widows) with a brush. There
must be a reason. I think you have two options-- 1) learn to cut in a
clean line with a brush (a skill you will never regret picking up) or 2)
Pay someone who has learned to cut in a clean line with a brush.

If you DIY, with 40 windows you'll have plenty of time to practice.
Start with the least visible ones and work towards the ones you'll see
every day. Masking tape is a pain in the butt-- you don't get a clean
line, with paint seeping at the edges and tearing unevenly when it comes
off, and half the time it pulls paint you wanted to leave off the wall.

Get a really good brush (expect to pay $25-30 for a 2" sash brush) and
lay off the caffeine!

Roger



garycomfort wrote:
Hi,



Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+). The
walls and floors are finished , so I can't make a mess. And, I need the
finished painting to be high quality, i.e., smooth, free of brush or
rollermarks, etc.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.
My concern is overspray - I can't mess up the paint on surrounding walls,
floors, or ceilings.

"garycomfort" wrote in message
.. .
Hi,


Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually
painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+). The
walls and floors are finished , so I can't make a mess. And, I need the
finished painting to be high quality, i.e., smooth, free of brush or
rollermarks, etc.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.
My concern is overspray - I can't mess up the paint on surrounding walls,
floors, or ceilings.

Been there and done that many times.

1. BUY top quality paint. I suggest an Alkyd oil based enamel.
2. USE a top quality brush. Suggest something like a Purdy brand brush.
3. Don't mask the glass. Paint and then the next day scrape off with a
sharp single edge razor blade. Test on a small section first. I NEVER mask
off the glass

On Fri, 06 May 2005 16:30:17 GMT, "garycomfort"
wrote:

Hi,

This is a bit off topic for Woodworking, but I think this group has the
skills to give me the advice I need.

Last year, we built and moved into our retirement home. The windows and
doors are Pella wood frame on the inside and clad aluminum on the exterior.
At the time we ordered the windows and doors, we weren't certain if we
wanted to keep the wood on the inside natural or would paint it. To preserve
our options, we did not order the wood pre-primed ( I wish we had).

Since we have moved in, we have decided to paint the interior of windows and
doors - white- matching all of our interior trim paint. The interior trim
paint is a good-quality Latex acrylic semi-gloss.

Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+). The
walls and floors are finished , so I can't make a mess. And, I need the
finished painting to be high quality, i.e., smooth, free of brush or
rollermarks, etc.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.
My concern is overspray - I can't mess up the paint on surrounding walls,
floors, or ceilings.

I'd like to spray with something that provides a narrow fan pattern - maybe
about 4 inches wide- without a lot of overspray bouncing off and covering
walls and floors.

I'm willing to buy what I need in terms of spraying equipment, but I don't
know what I need. Can I use an airless sprayer? Can I get a narrow spray
head? Would it cause too much paint "dust" bouncing around?

How about an HVLP unit? Can it do my job with Latex paint?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Gary Comfort
Ponce Inlet, FL

if these are fairly new windows chances are they are tilt out type. if
so take em out carry them outside or to the garage/shop and do it
there. only do a few at a time if need be.let them cure good before
puting them back in and put some baby powder on the tracks to help
keep them from sticking.

skeez

Gary,

I wouldn't use latex semigloss on windows. It's OK for other trim, but
tends to remain soft and tear very easily even when you think its dry.
Plus, if you have painted wood sliding over other painted wood, the latex
paint will adhere to itself.

I agree with others, buy good brushes and a painting video and learn how to
cut a line with a brush. It's not that tough, I can do it. And since
you're retired (so am I) what else do you have to do with your time? gr


Walt C



"garycomfort" wrote in message
.. .
Hi,

This is a bit off topic for Woodworking, but I think this group has the
skills to give me the advice I need.

Last year, we built and moved into our retirement home. The windows and
doors are Pella wood frame on the inside and clad aluminum on the
exterior.
At the time we ordered the windows and doors, we weren't certain if we
wanted to keep the wood on the inside natural or would paint it. To
preserve
our options, we did not order the wood pre-primed ( I wish we had).

Since we have moved in, we have decided to paint the interior of windows
and
doors - white- matching all of our interior trim paint. The interior trim
paint is a good-quality Latex acrylic semi-gloss.

Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually
painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+). The
walls and floors are finished , so I can't make a mess. And, I need the
finished painting to be high quality, i.e., smooth, free of brush or
rollermarks, etc.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.
My concern is overspray - I can't mess up the paint on surrounding walls,
floors, or ceilings.

I'd like to spray with something that provides a narrow fan pattern -
maybe
about 4 inches wide- without a lot of overspray bouncing off and covering
walls and floors.

I'm willing to buy what I need in terms of spraying equipment, but I don't
know what I need. Can I use an airless sprayer? Can I get a narrow spray
head? Would it cause too much paint "dust" bouncing around?

How about an HVLP unit? Can it do my job with Latex paint?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Gary Comfort
Ponce Inlet, FL

(Doug Miller) wrote in
:

snip

If you don't already have the spray equipment, and don't know what you
need, presumably you don't have the experience using it either. The
interior of your house is not a good place to be learning.

For what you would spend on quality spray equipment, plus the value of
your time spent not only learning to use it, but in actually doing the
job, you could hire a professional painter to do it for you. He'll
probably use a brush. Not to worry. Top-quality paint, applied with a
top-quality brush in the hands of a man who knows how to use it, will
produce a top-quality finish.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)


Amen. And I've painted a lot of interiors. At least consult with a pro
paint store for some local references.

Patriarch

Now, I am faced with what seems to be a very large task of actually painting
all of the window frames and jambs. There are a lot of them (40+). The
walls and floors are finished , so I can't make a mess. And, I need the
finished painting to be high quality, i.e., smooth, free of brush or
rollermarks, etc.

In my house, we've pulled up a lot of the carpet to expose the wood
floors underneith, and discovered that while the floors are in
*almost* perfect condition, they are covered in tiny flecks of paint
where someone decided to use a sprayer on the walls. I have the
distinct impression that the person who had the carpet laid did so
because of the paint that got on the flooring.

In short, spraying the trim inside your house without a lot of
practice and nearly perfect masking is just begging for trouble. When
you start atomizing paint and spewing it out of a gun, it gets
everywhere- unless you really know what you are doing.

As an alternative, you could remove the windows and then spray them
outside, or you could do it with a brush. If you've got a good brush
and good paint, it's unlikely you're going to see a noticable
difference between the sprayed finish and the brushed one. Prime the
windows, then sand the primer flat, prime again and sand again, and
then apply your paint in even strokes that start at a seam or an edge,
and continue until the next seam or the far edge. Things only start
looking a little dumpy when you try to overlap brushstrokes midway.
Then you get the bristles of the brush pushing into the paint you've
already applied and causing imperfections.

It seems to me that my best approach would be to mask off each window and
door - masking a foot or so of the wall around each unit. Then, with the
right spray equipment, I might be able to spray each unit fairly rapidly.
My concern is overspray - I can't mess up the paint on surrounding walls,
floors, or ceilings.

Overspray is a problem, but that is the least of them, IMO. when you
start spraying, you're likely to end up with a small cloud of fine
paint particles that drift to the floor, the walls, and anything else
that air can get to. If you do spray, get some of those plastic tarps
and tape them to everything. Make sure the tape is secure and has no
little bubbles in it. If you leave a small gap (a bump in the tape,
for instance) you're likely to find that you've got a fan-shaped
cloudy looking area of paint on whatever you were trying to mask.
(another one of those things in the DAMKIHT file) Sprayer messes are
a heck of a lot harder to clean off than drips, BTW.

If it were my project, I'd either use a brush, or see how much a good
painter would charge to professionally do it. The cost of the sprayer
is likely to be almost as much as just hiring someone who can do it
for you.

Aut inveniam viam aut faciam