Paint for sash windows

[OliviaBenson]

Hi all,

We are getting new sash windows for our house (replacing modern horrible units) and I'm trying to get quotes for the paintwork. They come in an oil based primer.

I want to use farrow and ball colours, as I love them. Two of the local decorators have been horrified at the idea and will only recommend dulux weathershield. They think farrow and ball is a poor product which wont last the duration.

So, what's the general feeling here about this? I know decorators can be reluctant to use farrow and ball, but given how much we are spending on the windows, I can't get that niggle out of my mind that they might be right.

I just love the farrow and ball colours.

I'm off out now but will be back on later

the main problem with wooden sash windows will be water; from rain on the inside and condensation on the glass. You need a very durable paint system. F&B is a very fashionbable paint system.

I recommend aluminium wood primer on the bare wood (it is supremely durable) followed by oil-based undercoat and gloss. Nothing else is as durable. The final coat of gloss should be overlapped slightly onto the glass to help seal the joint (not necessary if they are glazed with rubber seals). Get a pure bristle sash brush and learn to use it. Using it for the primer and undercoat, and cleaning it properly, will mean you have learned the skill and the brush is worn in by the time you do the final finish coat. A worn brush paints better than a new one.

I have heard that johnstones/ leyland paint, who make really nice quality paint, have the F&B colours coded-up for their colour matching service, so you can go to them with just the F&B colour name, and they'll make it up in the finish of your choice.

I can't vouch for the colour matching, but I think it would be worth a try with a small tin. I've used a few leyland paint finishes, and found them to be excellent (coverage, application and finish all great), and at a really good price. Honestly, even if the colour turns out to be wrong, and you overcoat it with something else, you'll have a good solid base, and at no excessive cost.

My friend was warned against farrow and ball for exterior windows. She ignored the decorator and used f&b regardless. A year later it had started to peel off. She re-painted in dulux as the decorator recommended initially.

I really really lovef&b, and I use them happily inside the house. I will be using them for the front door as that is my statement for the house (and easy enough to re-paint). I would use a more durable paint for the windows though. You will get lots of opinions for and against.

Thanks all, and thanks for the tip re. Colourmatching. Weathershield has such a limited choice of colours. I'm not sold on it being F+B, it's just I love their colours so much!!

Will think on.

Dulux can also be mixed to order in a billion colours and shades.