How to paint peeling window trim and seal gaps?

JasonCC

I'm planning to repaint this interior window sill and frame. As you can see in the attached picture, the old paint is peeling and flaking.

1. What is the recommended process for preparing this surface? Specifically, how should I address peeling paint, and what primer and finish paint should I use to ensure a durable result?

2. There's a small gap where the vertical window frame meets the horizontal sill (on the far right in the photo). What is the best product (like caulk or sealant) and technique to use to properly seal that gap before painting? Should I seal it before the painting?

3. What is the safest, recommended way to remove the vertical blind slats (vanes) and the headrail/track from their mounting brackets without damaging them, so I can reinstall them?

Your expertise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for the help.

EricL

Hello @JasonCC 

I recommend carefully removing each blade of the blind so that the plastic hooking clips at the top do not break or snap off. Once all the blades of the blind have been removed and stacked in a safe space you can now remove the rail of the blind. When all the blind fittings have been removed you can then begin sanding the surface of the window frame.

I suggest sanding the surface of the window frame to remove the flaking paint. I recommend using a detail sander such as the Ozito 200W Detail Sander. My best advice is to make sure that the sanding pad is centered and properly attached to the tool before using. Your goal is to rough up the surface of the frame so that priming paint has something to anchor onto. Once the surface has been thoroughly sanded and there are no more loose flakes of paint, I suggest cleaning the surface with a clean damp rag to remove all the sanding dust. 

At this point I propose sealing the gap between the window and the frame using Selleys 475g No More Gaps Interior Multipurpose Gap Filler. I also suggest looking at this guide - How To Silicone Seal A Bath (the techniques used are applicable to your project). I also suggest masking the aluminium frame so that it does not get overpainted.

Once the frame is ready you can now paint it with a primer such as the Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 1L for the top coat I recommend Dulux 1L Aquanamel Semi Gloss White Enamel Paint. When the paint has cured you can now re-install the blind back to its position.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Paint Timber Window Frames 

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric