Although wooden window sills have lost their popularity after the appearance of plastic ones, they are still in demand.
Despite all the difficulties that await the owner of wooden products, artificial material will never replace natural wood. But in order for the wood to serve for a long time and please the eye, it should be repainted from time to time.
You can do this yourself, but take into account the advice of specialists.
Tip one: remove the old paint
It's tempting to simply apply a new coat of paint over the old one. There are several ways to do this:
- if the old paint layer is in perfect condition and you just want to change the color;
- if oil was used before. It does not create a layer on the surface, but simply impregnates the wood. Therefore, the damaged area can be sanded and painted spotwise, without renewing the entire surface.
If there is old paint on the window sill (usually oil-based), it is best to remove it.
This can be done with a special chemical (wash) or by heating. If you do not have a hair dryer, simply heat the paint with an iron and remove it with a spatula.
Tip two: alignment
Once you have removed the old paint, you need to level the surface. The most convenient way is to use a sander, using a disc with minimal abrasive and working at minimum speed. You can sand it manually with regular sandpaper. If there are chips, holes from knots, cracks and other damage in the window sill, they must be repaired with wood putty and then the surface sanded.
Tip three: Fix the problems
It often happens that in some places the window sill rots, mold appears on it. Find the cause of the problem. As a rule, water gets on the window sill, which leads to the formation of mold and rot.
After the problem is fixed, you need to treat the damaged area. Wash it with vinegar, dry it thoroughly, soak it with an anti-fungal compound. Fill in any uneven areas that have formed.
Tip 4: Use modern paints
It is best to use water-based paints. They are easy to apply, do not have a strong unpleasant smell, and dry faster than, for example, oil-based paints.
Tip 5: Use primer
1-2 layers of primer will help to level the surface. The paint will lay more evenly, and its consumption will decrease. Without primer, you need to apply 3, and sometimes 4 layers of paint to get an even deep color. But if you applied the primer in 1-2 layers, then 2 layers of paint will be enough.
Important: Always allow the previous coat to dry thoroughly before applying a new one.
You should also choose the right tool. It is difficult for an inexperienced person to apply the paint evenly with a brush. Bald spots and stripes still appear, and if the brush is of poor quality, it will also lose its bristles. It is more convenient and faster to use a roller. Rollers of different sizes are now available for sale. A small model is suitable for a window sill.
