Prepping and painting door and window frames can significantly enhance the appearance of your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide from Scholar’s Edge Painting to help you achieve professional-looking results:

Prepare the Area

Clear the area around the door and window frames. Remove any furniture or objects that might get in the way. Cover the floors and any nearby surfaces with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint splatters and spills.

Clean the Frames

Use a damp cloth or sponge to thoroughly clean the door and window frames, removing any dust, dirt, or grease. Pay extra attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. Allow the frames to dry completely before proceeding.

Inspect and Repair

Check the frames for any damage such as cracks, holes, or dents. Use spackling compound or wood filler to repair these imperfections. Apply the filler with a putty knife, and once it’s dry, sand the repaired areas smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. This step ensures an even surface for painting.

Sand the Frames

Lightly sand the entire surface of the frames with fine-grit sandpaper. This helps to smooth out any rough spots and provides a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp cloth.

Apply Painter’s Tape

Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas adjacent to the frames, such as walls or glass, to prevent accidental paint splatters. Make sure the tape is applied firmly to avoid paint seeping underneath.

Prime the Frames

If the frames are bare wood, stained, or have a dark color, applying a coat of primer can help improve paint adhesion and coverage. Use a primer that is compatible with both the frames and the paint you’ll be using. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply Caulk

If there are gaps or cracks between the frames and the wall, use a paintable acrylic latex caulk to fill them in. Apply a thin bead of caulk along the seam and smooth it out with a wet finger or caulk tool. Wipe away any excess caulk with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before painting.

Start Painting

Begin painting the frames using smooth, even strokes. An angled brush can help you reach tight corners and edges. Follow the direction of the wood grain if applicable to avoid drips or runs. For the best results, apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.

Allow to Dry and Reapply

Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. This may take a few hours depending on the paint and humidity levels. Multiple coats ensure even coverage and a durable finish.

Remove the Tape and Clean Up

Once the final coat of paint is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape. Be cautious not to peel off any of the fresh paint. Clean your brushes and any paint spills with soap and water if using latex paint, or with paint thinner if using oil-based paint.