painting external woodwork

[plasticpigeon]

Hello people. I have to paint a window, even though it is not the best time of year to do it. The paint takes ages to dry. Does anyone have any advice on how to get the best finish in this weather. Wold using a drop of driers in the paint be appropriate? Thanks

 

[Penners]

Frankly, PP, I wouldn't paint a window at the moment. It's not going to fall apart if you wait a few months, is it?

 

[robgil]

I agree, if it freezes overnight the paint may bloom and ruin the finish.
What do you intend to paint it with?
Is it bare wood?

 

[DJH]

If the frame has been primed I'd leave it until better weather. Did I just say better weather?? :shock:

 

[Penners]

I'd leave it even if it hasn't been primed. The wood isn't going to come to much harm in just one winter. But if you want to give it some protection until the spring, hang a polythene curtain across it (but leave plenty of air circulation space between the polythene and the wood).

 

[plasticpigeon]

Fair enough. I primed it yesterday. I guess I can paint the sashes indoors, prop the bottom ones up, put it back together and paint the frame in the spring. It was bare wood which I wanted to cover as the sill kept getting drenched. It's a right pain having to stop lime work and external painting for probably 4 or 5 months of the year.

 

[robgil]

I dont stop lime work , I just dont let it freeze.

 

[middi]

It is false economy to paint anything in wood after it may have absorbed moisture if the wood has been exposed to the elements. It will lead to premature failure of the applied coating due to excessive trapped moisture and rotting of wood. Wood must be dry for best results.
As Penners suggested it should not rot away in the next few months, wait for a period of dry weather and then paint it ( or whatever else needs doing to it)

Middi