Professional Window Services

Professional Window Restoration & Services

Moorhouse Coating provides expert window services for commercial and residential properties. Our specialized teams deliver comprehensive solutions including restoration, cleaning, frame repair, and glass replacement, extending the life of your windows while improving appearance and energy efficiency.

Our Window Services Include:

• Window Restoration - Revitalizing historic and weathered windows - Commercial Window Cleaning - Professional solutions for multi-story buildings - Glass Replacement - Expert installation for all window types - Frame Repair & Refinishing - Restoring functionality and appearance - Water Stain Removal - Specialized treatments for mineral deposits - Energy Efficiency Upgrades - Improving thermal performance - Historic Window Preservation - Maintaining architectural integrity

From high-rise commercial buildings to historic residential properties, our window specialists deliver exceptional results that enhance appearance while improving functionality and energy efficiency.

Painting moulding was one of the first projects I was assigned as a kid.

In fact the first professional painter I met in whites was named chik. Short for Chicken, as he refused to work on tall ladders at his age. I don't blame him, the last trip up the 60 foot ladder was probably my last a couple years ago. You stop being so sure footed when you take a season off. But Chik could paint. Give him some space and a 4 foot ladder and he could cook with a brush. He would apply the paint with one stroke and run it into place with the next. He was the most efficient painter I had the pleasure to watch.

Chik made it look so easy, I'm thinking that influenced me to become a painter. The job looked easy, kinda fun and it wasn't a difficult construction job. Boy was I wrong about that! After a lifetime of painting, the brush work is what makes the difference between a painter and a professional. The professional will be 4 to 5 times faster with a brush. By the time you would have the window masked, it will be painted by the professional painter.

Back then, we were painting glazed windows with a single pane of glass. Today windows are totally updated with modern gaskets and great R ratings. So painting windows can have a ton of variability.

Professional Painting Tricks for Perfectly Painted Windows

Painting windows can be one of the trickier tasks in home improvement. The combination of glass, frames, and small details requires precision and patience to achieve a clean, professional finish. Whether you’re refreshing wooden sashes or updating metal frames, these expert tricks will help you paint windows like a pro, saving time and avoiding common pitfalls.

1. Prep Like a Professional

The secret to a flawless window paint job lies in preparation. Start by cleaning the window frames thoroughly with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to remove dirt, grease, and grime. For wooden windows, sand down rough spots or peeling paint with medium-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit), then smooth it out with fine-grit (220 grit). Wipe away dust with a tack cloth or damp rag.

Next, protect the glass. While painter’s tape is a popular choice, pros often use this trick: apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the edges of the glass with a small brush or your finger. This creates a barrier that prevents paint from sticking, and any stray drips can be wiped away easily later. If you prefer tape, opt for high-quality, low-tack painter’s tape and press it down firmly to avoid bleed-through.

2. Choose the Right Paint and Tools

For wooden windows, a high-quality exterior acrylic latex paint offers durability and flexibility against weather changes. For metal frames, an oil-based enamel or a specialized metal paint provides a smooth, rust-resistant finish. Always check for a primer compatible with your surface—many pros swear by a stain-blocking primer for wood to prevent knots or tannins from bleeding through.

Invest in a 1.5- to 2-inch angled sash brush. The angled tip allows for precise control around edges and corners. For larger flat areas, a small foam roller can speed up the process while minimizing brush marks. Pros often keep a small artist’s brush on hand for tight spots like muntins (the strips dividing panes).

3. Master the Painting Order

Painting windows isn’t just about slapping on color—it’s about strategy. Pros follow this order to avoid smudges and ensure even coverage:

• Start with the frame details: Paint the muntins or glazing bars first, working from the inside out.
• Move to the rails and stiles: Paint the horizontal (rails) and vertical (stiles) parts of the sash next.
• Finish with the outer frame: Paint the surrounding frame or trim last.

Work in small sections and keep a “wet edge” to avoid lap marks—blend each stroke into the previous one before the paint dries. If your windows open, paint them early in the day so they can dry slightly ajar without sticking shut.

4. Avoid Paint on Hardware

Window hardware like latches or hinges can be a hassle to paint around. A pro trick is to remove them entirely if possible—just keep screws and parts in labeled bags for easy reassembly. If removal isn’t an option, cover hardware with a thin layer of masking liquid (available at hardware stores) or carefully wrap it with painter’s tape. Use a small brush to cut in around these areas, and clean up any accidental drips immediately with a damp cloth.

5. Scrape Glass Like a Pro

Even with careful prep, paint often ends up on the glass. Instead of painstakingly taping every edge, pros let the paint dry completely, then use a razor blade scraper (available for a few dollars at any hardware store) to remove it. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and gently slide it along the glass to lift off the paint without scratching. For stubborn spots, a dab of rubbing alcohol on a cloth can help. If you used petroleum jelly, simply wipe it away with a dry cloth—no scraping needed.

6. Time Your Coats

Patience pays off with window painting. Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick layer to prevent drips and ensure a smooth finish. Let the first coat dry fully—typically 4-6 hours for latex paint, longer for oil-based—before adding a second coat. Check the weather, too: avoid painting in direct sunlight (it dries paint too fast) or high humidity (it slows drying and can cause bubbling). Aim for a mild, dry day with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F.

7. Seal the Deal

For exterior windows, consider a clear topcoat or sealant over your paint job, especially on wooden frames prone to moisture damage. A polyurethane or spar urethane designed for outdoor use adds an extra layer of protection against UV rays and rain. Apply it thinly with a brush, following the same order as your paint job, and let it cure fully before closing the window.

Bonus Tip: Fix Mistakes Fast

Drips or smudges happen even to the best painters. Keep a damp rag and a small container of your paint thinner (water for latex, mineral spirits for oil-based) nearby. Wipe away wet mistakes immediately, and for dried paint on frames, a quick dab of thinner on a cotton swab can clean it up without ruining your work.

Final Thoughts

Painting windows doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right prep, tools, and techniques, you can achieve a crisp, professional look that enhances your home’s curb appeal and stands up to the elements. Take your time, follow these pro tricks, and soon you’ll be admiring your handiwork through spotless, perfectly painted windows.