Just giving a couple of the window frames a summer freshen up, you know just sanding away the loose and flaky stuff ready for a little paint. But it's always the same bits that need doing, and those are the right angle edges on various pieces where the paint is thin. So how do you actually apply the paint (brush) to ensure these edges get sufficient coverage?
Those edges look like they need some filler as the woods starting to decay.. Ronseal rapid set wood filler.. Sand and shape Prime sanded woodwork with Zinser BIN primer Paint with a proper outdoor wood paint probably twice.
I hear you... I had a little pick and they're not that bad but I was going to use some Rustins wood hardener and Toupret external wood filler if required. Another vote for Zinser I see. It's the actual paint application that bemuses me. If you use length ways brush strokes the paint flows on the top and side but not on the edge. And if you use brush strokes across then it either runs down the front or forms a lip on the top....
occupational hazard - those areas get weathered the hardest sand back to good and fill and rub back as needed 3 coats; 1 primer 2 top (flatten between two top coats). speak to your local merchant and ask for a high build exterior paint suitable for wood get decent brushes that leave the paint on the surface - again, your merchant will know what suits your paint/application best
I always think the primer is the key (pardon the pun) then the top coat is the decorative icing on the cake. Re- applying the paint, 2 coats minimum and in varying directions to ensure it finds its way in, if you can be bothered a quick sand with finishing paper between coats to really make it look good.
Try to avoid sharp (ish) angles. Sand any angles to round them slightly to ensure good contact and coverage.
I have, and tend to use, the more prosaic option of Dulux Weathershield which has served me well in the past. And yes, I've learnt me lesson with cheap brushes.
Not a painter/decorator My experience is as follows Sanded and prepared upstairs bedroom windows, used Wickes paint, 18 months later it literally fell off, pieces of top coat and undercoat came away Did a bit of research was recommended Johnstones primer and macpherson undercoat and top coats 3yrs later still all good The macpherson paint went on well unlike the Wickes water based porridge
Johnstones is alkyd Macpherson I used is oil based but they make various types Night and day compared to water based carp
I’ve always found the best way to avoid shittest jobs is not to think they are shittest jobs in the first place. It does help I’m retired and at the risk of being a pretentious knob the old Zen saying comes to mind “before enlightenment chop wood, carry water after enlightenment chop wood, carry water” Besides I’m not sure pros would be fighting over a two window sill touch up job.
I’ve used Johnstone’ interior emulsion and was really pleased with it. Good coverage and uniform colour even when touching up parts and rollering over the cut-ins. For this job, touching up old water based painted frames, I stuck to the same other wise I’d probably have to have painted the complete window. Yep, a bodge but the frames are near to end of life and we may well be moving house… ahem. Next door has got a large two story garage/out building and they were having the doors & windows professionally decorated. I got talking to them and they used water based paints but before each brush application they wetted the surface with a sponge and just did a rough coat not worrying about coverage. Dry in 2 hours, a quick sand and then repeat a couple more times. So when I use water based I have a little bowl of water and just touch the brush in it every now and again and this helps with a smoother application and stops the brush from clogging up. Plus for water based you need synthetic bristle brushes. I think oil based is best on bare wood external frames (before fitting) when you can do a thorough prep job but it still has it’s disadvantages, it takes an age to dry, it stinks, it’s not the best for the environment and you need a gallon of white spirits for brush cleaning.
I now use only oil based paint for exterior woodwork. I find modern waterbased paints fade and can't withstand the extremes south facing elevations endure. I can recommend 'Little Green - Tom Oil' paints. Expensive but excellent coverage and lasts many years. https://www.littlegreene.com/paint/finishes/exterior-paint-finishes/toms-oil-eggshell
