How to Paint Historic Wood Windows Without Sealing Them Shut

Oct 1

Painting old wood windows can feel like threading a needle—try to preserve the beauty, protect the wood, and for the love of preservation, don’t paint them shut. It's a delicate dance between art and function. Done right, you’ll have crisp, operable sashes that slide like butter and shine like a polished heirloom. Done wrong? You’ll need a crowbar to open your kitchen window.

Let’s walk through how to paint your windows the right way—where history, humidity, and craftsmanship all coexist.

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
Historic windows usually have lead paint, so step one is to test and take precautions. Use a HEPA vacuum, wear a respirator, and always follow EPA RRP guidelines.

Once safe, start by:

Removing loose or peeling paint
Sanding lightly to create a bonding surface
Masking off hardware and surrounding trim
Opening the sashes and locking them halfway open (if operable)

If your windows are painted shut already, consider freeing them first using a window zipper or utility knife.

Step 2: Choose the Right Paint
Use a high-quality exterior-grade paint with elasticity—Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin-Williams Duration are great choices. Historic windows expand and contract, so brittle or cheap paint will crack fast.

For best results:

Oil-based primer, especially on bare wood
Latex topcoats that remain flexible
Match your paint sheen to historical accuracy (typically satin or semi-gloss)

Step 3: Painting Technique
Here’s the secret sauce: paint the edges but leave the contact points bare.

Lower sash: Paint the top rail, both stiles, and the lower exterior rail
Upper sash: Paint the bottom rail, both stiles, and upper exterior rail
Leave the interior contact areas (the sliding channels) unpainted or lightly waxed

For muntins:

Use an angled sash brush
Slightly overlap paint onto the glass by 1/16" to seal in putty (this is missed by even most painters)
Use a razor after drying to clean edges, but do not break the seal for the glazing putty

Pro Tip: Raise and lower the sashes gently a few times after painting to prevent bonding.

Step 4: Dry Time & Recoat
Humidity is your enemy. Choose a dry, mild day. Let each coat cure fully before reassembly or painting the opposite side. Always wait at least 24 hours between coats.

What to Avoid

Painting weatherstripping
Painting sash cords or pulleys
Overloading corners with thick paint globs
Painting with sashes closed (big mistake!)

Bonus: Best Paint Colors for Historic Homes
When in doubt, match existing historic colors or pull inspiration from:

Sherwin-Williams Historic Color Collection
Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection
National Trust for Historic Preservation palettes

Final Word
Painting historic windows isn’t just about color—it’s about keeping history functional. If you take your time, prep right, and respect the movement of the sash, your windows will thank you. So will future generations.

If you want the best solution for historic window restoration, you can always get a craftsman who specializes in historic preservation to do the job right.