Authentic wooden window and door frames are classic, elegant, and timeless. It's a material that many have attempted to replicate, but there is nothing as genuine as the natural wood feel. Some have even said that there is a wood grain for every mood as every wood type comes with a unique depth of color.
As glorious and hardy as this material choice is, wooden windows need maintenance. Staining your wood windows is a good practice to protect them from damage and intensify the wood's color and markings.
Before you grab the sprayer or paintbrushes, have a look at some of these popular Q&As to prepare you for your window maintenance project.
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Only natural wood windows need staining. Vinyl, Fibrex, aluminum, and other window types are not porous like wood, and the stain will not penetrate the surface.
New wood windows need to be stained as soon as possible, some warranties require it. Should you choose to cut some costs by buying unfinished windows and staining them yourself, it's essential to be prepared for the DIY efforts as soon as possible or hire a contractor to take care of it. Ideally, you should stain your windows within thirty days of installation before dust or moisture settle in.
Your windows will also need to be re-stained every few years or when you notice that the stain begins to wear down. Window exteriors that are exposed to weather and harsh sun may need attention sooner than the interior.
So many options and not sure which one to pick? Here are some tips for choosing the right window stain:
Dark or black stains on the wood are usually caused by water, mold, or mildew. If caught early enough, you can clean mildew stains. Only varnish wood once you've dealt with damp exposure; otherwise, the black marks will be seen under the stain treatment.
Window stain products are either oil-based, acrylic, or gel↗. Oil and gel tend to be preferable for frames, but you need to paint your window frames carefully to avoid uneven staining. Water-based stains won't sink into the wood as much and may be easier to apply, as well as quick to dry. Visit your local Sherman Williams for more recommendations.
Some highly rated top brands:
The best ways to prevent accidentally staining the glass on your windows is to use painter's tape around the glass by the frame.
The prep work that goes into staining windows can depend on the state of your windows. If your windows are new, you can begin the preparation process by going straight into sanding the surface so it's smooth. If you are touching up your windows that have been varnished before, you will want to remove the existing finish.
The next step is applying the pre-stain. Pre-staining your wood will help prevent a streaky, uneven finish.
Once you've prepped your windows properly, it's time to apply the actual stain. Depending on which stain you decide to get, the instructions will vary, so make sure to reference them. You can apply multiple coats until the wood is stained to your liking. Once you're finished with that, wipe away any excess stain that is on the window with a dry brush.
Now, you're ready to do the final step of applying the varnish finish.
Troubleshooting↗ isn't something you want to be researching the minute you put your tools down. Here are two issues to look out for and how to avoid them.
Paint and color trends change with the weather, but giving your wooden windows a stain can refresh your home interior. Reviving wood tones and grain textures with a good quality stain can make you fall in love with the wooden window frames. Holding back on trending colors and instead staining wood frames will also bode well for your home value.
While staining wood windows is something you can do (with some research and know-how), many manufacturers give you the option of buying windows already stained. Factory-finished stain options can be chosen from some standard samples, or the color can be customized. For touch-ups, contact your window manufacturer for advice on stain colors and products.
Here at Brennan Corp, we have a range of trusted window brands that offer beautiful wooden window styles in various interior wood options, as well as stain and paint options. We're here to answer further questions you may have on window installation, maintenance, or replacements.
We don't currently serve your area but do want to help you plan your project. Try our Build & Price tool to get an idea of window & door costs within DFW. Your area may be higher or lower but at least you'll have some idea of the price.
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