Window Frame Painters in Hampstead

Window frame painting on Georgian terraced houses in Hampstead by Hampstead Decorators, exterior joinery specialists

Hampstead Decorators are window frame painters working on original timber sash windows, casement frames, and uPVC windows across Hampstead, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill, West Hampstead, and Kentish Town.

Timber sash windows stripped, primed, and finished in oil-based system
Casement windows on Victorian and Edwardian properties
uPVC windows repainted with specialist adhesion primer
Fascias, soffits, and sills alongside window frames
Scaffold or extended ladder access for upper floors

Grade II listed Georgian townhouses have original single-glazed timber sash windows from the 1720s-1880s. These softwood frames require periodic repainting with oil-based systems to prevent rot. Upper-floor access requires scaffold.

Call 020 4634 9779 for a free quote.

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Why Choose Hampstead Decorators

Frame Specialists

Sash, casement, and uPVC frames prepared and finished to last.

Clear Pricing

Fixed price from the first quote. No unexpected additions.

Fully Insured

Full public liability cover on every job.

Highly Recommended

Most of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals.

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Window Frame Painting Services

Victorian terraced houses with timber sash windows, window frame painting in Hampstead

Victorian brick terraced property exterior with painted window frames by Hampstead Decorators

Timber Sash Frames

Timber sash windows are defining architectural features in Georgian and Victorian properties. Paint condition and rot presence determine the approach.

Oil-based primer, undercoat, and topcoat is correct for timber sash frames. We use oil-based systems on all external timber.

For complete exterior projects, see our exterior painting page. Window frame painting is frequently combined with door painting on full exterior joinery projects.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are common on Edwardian properties. They have the same prep and paint system as sash windows. The complexity is managing opening lights and hinged sections that must stay free.

We check every casement opens and closes freely before finishing. We work with casements open and check them before leaving.

uPVC Repainting

uPVC frames can be repainted with specialist adhesion primer and topcoats. Standard paint without primer doesn’t adhere and peels within months. We use the correct adhesion system on all uPVC projects.

uPVC repainting is popular where clients want to update white frames to grey or anthracite without replacement cost.

Fascias, Soffits, and Sills

Fascias, soffits, and window sills are treated alongside frames on exterior joinery projects. Roofing felt and guttering are masked before fascias are painted. Sills are prepared with the same oil-based system.

Rotten sill sections are flagged at inspection. Minor rot can be treated with hardener and filler before priming. Deeply rotten sills need replacement, which we can arrange.

Frame Preparation and Priming

Preparation quality determines finish longevity. Failing or heavily built-up paint needs stripping to bare timber, especially at lower sash bottoms where rot is most common.

We pay particular attention to end grain at sash frame bottoms and open joints or glazing bead intersections. End grain absorbs more product and needs double priming.

Here’s How It Works

1. Frame Inspection

We inspect each frame for rot, existing paint condition, and the presence of lead paint on older properties. Rot and lead paint are reported before work starts.

2. Preparation

Sound existing paint is keyed with fine-grit sandpaper. Failing paint is stripped. Any rot is treated with hardener or flagged for replacement. All bare timber is primed with oil-based primer, with end grain receiving a double prime coat.

3. Undercoat

A full undercoat is applied to all frames, addressing any remaining surface irregularities.

4. First Oil Topcoat

The first topcoat is applied and allowed to cure. Casements are left open. Sashes are moved to check free sliding before the paint cures.

5. Light Sand and Second Topcoat

The first coat is lightly sanded before the second topcoat. Every sash is checked for free movement and every casement is confirmed opening.

Window Frame Painting Costs in London

Price Drivers

Window frame painting typically costs between £100 and £350 per window, depending on window type, size, and condition. Call 020 4634 9779 for a precise quote.

Window type: Timber sash windows with oil systems require more prep and coats than casements. uPVC repainting is a separate system. Height and access: Upper-floor windows require scaffold, which adds cost. Condition: Stripped to bare timber with rot treatment is significantly more work than keying sound existing paint.

Typical Ranges

Standard casement windows (set of 8-10, Victorian terrace, West Hampstead): £80 to £150 each.

Timber sash windows (4-6 windows, Victorian mansion flat, Belsize Park): £130 to £220 each, including prep.

Original sash windows on listed Georgian townhouse (Frognal or Church Row, scaffold access): £200 to £350 each.

Sash Window Guarantee

Sash windows must slide freely after painting. We check every sash opens and closes without sticking. This is a non-negotiable final check on every project.

Cream Victorian detached house with painted window frames in Hampstead

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Fixed-price quotes for window frame painting

020 4634 9779

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Window Frame Painting FAQs

Should I use oil-based or water-based paint for timber window frames?

Oil-based systems are standard for external timber frames. They are more durable than water-based on exposed frames in London’s wet winters and flex with timber as it expands and contracts. Water-based systems dry faster but are less durable on exposed frames.

How often should timber sash windows be repainted?

Well-prepared oil-based finishes typically last 7-10 years. North-facing frames and those exposed to driving rain deteriorate faster. Annual inspection of frame condition, especially bottom rails, is good practice.

Can uPVC window frames be painted?

Yes. uPVC frames can be repainted with specialist adhesion primer and appropriate topcoats. Standard paint applied to uPVC without primer does not adhere. We use the correct adhesion system as standard on all uPVC projects. Results are durable and cost-effective compared to frame replacement.

Will sash windows stick after painting?

If painted correctly, sash windows won’t stick. We move each sash during painting to prevent curing in a fixed position. Every sash is checked for free movement before we leave. If a sash sticks, we return to free it at no cost.

Do you treat rot before painting?

Minor surface rot is treated with a specialist rot hardener to consolidate the timber, followed by two-part epoxy filler to restore the profile. Deeply rotten sections need replacement before painting. We flag rot at the inspection stage and advise on the correct approach before any work starts.

What scaffold access is needed for upper floors?

Windows above two storeys typically require scaffold for safe access and quality finish. We arrange scaffold and include the cost in the quote. Extended poles can reach some third-floor windows without full scaffold. We assess at the site visit.

Is there a difference between sash and casement treatment?

The preparation and paint system are the same for both sash and casement timber frames. The difference is in the method. Sash windows have sliding weights and pulleys that must be kept free. Casement windows have hinged opening sections that must be left open during painting and checked for free movement after.

What if there is lead paint on old frames?

Lead paint is common on pre-1970s timber windows. We follow safe working procedures, including wet sanding and dust containment rather than dry sanding. Clients are informed at inspection where lead paint is likely.

Can window frames be included in a full exterior repaint?

Yes. We frequently include all external frames as part of a complete exterior project covering masonry, fascias, soffits, and front door. Combining all exterior joinery is more cost-effective and ensures consistency.

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