Sash and Case Window Painting in Edinburgh
Sash and case windows are one of the things that make Edinburgh look like Edinburgh. You'll find them on Georgian streets in the New Town, Victorian tenements in Marchmont and Leith, and villas in Morningside and Trinity. Many are well over a hundred years old, and with the right care they can last another hundred.
Painting sash and case windows properly is one of the things we do most and enjoy most. One customer had us repaint all their interiors and exteriors over three years, including 21 sash and case windows. We prepare, repair and repaint windows so they look right, work properly and are protected from Edinburgh's weather.
Why sash windows need regular painting
Paint is the timber's main protection. Once it starts to crack and flake, rain gets into the wood, the putty loosens, and rot can set in, usually at the bottom rail and the sill first. Left too long, a simple repaint turns into an expensive repair. Painting exposed windows every few years, before the paint fails, is the cheapest way to keep them going. See also our blog post on properly maintaining traditional sash and case windows.
Common problems we see in Edinburgh:
Flaking and cracked paint, especially on south- and west-facing windows
Loose, cracked or missing putty around the glass and along the astragals (the slim glazing bars that divide the panes)
Soft or rotten timber on sills and bottom rails
Gaps between the window frame and the stonework
Sashes painted shut or sticking because of years of paint build-up
Rattles and draughts
Our sash and case painting process
Every window is different, but a typical job follows these steps.
1. Inspect
We look at every window, inside and out, and tell you honestly what condition it's in. That might be a straightforward repaint, some timber repairs, or, very occasionally, a window that needs a specialist joiner.
2. Prepare
We remove loose and flaking paint, sand back to a sound surface, and clean everything down. Most of the time on a good sash job goes into preparation, and it shows in how long the paint lasts.
3. Repair
We make good loose putty, damaged timber and worn sills where needed, so the paint goes onto a sound base. If a window needs more than a decorating repair, we'll tell you.
4. Prime
Bare timber is primed so the following coats bond properly and the wood is sealed against moisture.
5. Paint
We finish in Johnstone's Trade exterior paint, with crisp, neat lines on the glass and along each astragal. A slight paint seal onto the glass helps keep water out of the putty line.
6. Seal and check
Where needed we seal the gap between the box case and the stonework with foam and sand mastic, check that the sashes still open and close, and leave everything clean and tidy.
Painting versus full restoration
Not every window needs full restoration. If the timber is mostly sound, a thorough repaint with targeted repairs gives you most of the benefit for far less cost and disruption. It also keeps your original windows and glass. We explain this in more detail in our blog post on the benefits of sash and case window painting over a full restoration. If a window does need more than we can offer, we'll tell you and point you in the right direction.
Inside as well as out
The inside faces of sash windows, the shutters, facings and window boards get worn too. We can paint the inside at the same time, or as part of a wider interior decorating job.
Tenements, listed buildings and conservation areas
In a tenement, your windows are usually yours, but the colour of outside window frames may be controlled by your title deeds, and it's worth checking with neighbours or your factor. Many Edinburgh properties are listed or in conservation areas, where changing window colours or materials may need permission from the City of Edinburgh Council. Repainting in the existing colour is normally fine. We're happy to talk through what applies to your building. You can check whether your building is listed or in a conservation area on the City of Edinburgh Council's listed buildings and conservation areas page. Historic Environment Scotland's guide to maintaining sash and case windows explains why regular painting and repair help original windows last. See also tenement and common stair painting.
Access for upper floors
Ground and first-floor windows are often done from ladders. Higher windows may be painted from inside where the sashes allow, or from towers or scaffolding. We'll explain the access we plan to use when we quote.
The products we use
We use exterior paints made for timber, which stay flexible as the wood moves with the seasons. We prime with Zinsser primers and finish in Johnstone's Trade paints, unless you ask for another paint. You can read more on our paints and products page.
Why choose Edinburgh Painting Specialists for your sash windows
Sash and case windows are a core part of our work, not an add-on
A family-run business
Honest advice: repaint, repair or refer
Neat, tidy work. We protect your home inside and out
Fully insured, with public liability cover up to £5 million
A satisfaction guarantee, plus the manufacturer's warranty on materials
5-star reviews on Google
What our customers say
"Over the last 3 years they have repainted all our interiors and exteriors including 21 sash and case windows… the attention to detail, quality of work and communication has been consistently excellent." (Google review)
"He painted and repaired my windows… He has also repainted my mother's windows and front door and has done a cracking job there too." (Google review)
Frequently asked questions
How often should sash and case windows be painted in Edinburgh?
Exposed exterior faces usually need repainting every few years, and south- and west-facing windows take the most weather. The best time is before the paint starts cracking and flaking, because that's when water gets into the timber. Inside faces last much longer. When we visit, we'll tell you honestly how your windows are doing and when they'll need attention.
How much does it cost to paint sash and case windows?
We give free quotes after seeing the windows, because no two are the same. The price depends on the number and size of windows, their condition, how much putty and timber repair is needed, whether you want inside and outside done, and the access required for upper floors. Your written quote will list each window so you know exactly what's included.
Is painting better than a full sash window restoration?
If the timber is mostly sound, a thorough repaint with targeted repairs often gives you most of the benefit for far less cost and disruption. You also keep your original windows and glass. If a window has extensive rot or needs new parts, it may need a specialist joiner, and we'll tell you honestly rather than paint over a problem.
What if my sash windows are painted shut or stick?
Years of paint build-up are a common reason sashes stick or won't open. When we visit, we'll look at what's causing the problem and tell you what can be done. Broken cords or worn parts may need a specialist joiner, and we'll let you know what we find before going further.
Do you need access to my flat to paint the outside of the windows?
Usually, yes, especially in tenements, because many upper-floor windows can be painted from inside when the sashes slide. That can avoid the need for scaffolding. We protect floors and furnishings around each window and agree times with you in advance. Higher or awkward windows may need towers or scaffolding.
Do I need permission to change the colour of my sash windows?
Repainting in the existing colour is normally fine. In listed buildings and some conservation areas, changing the colour or finish of windows may need consent from the City of Edinburgh Council. Tenement title deeds can also control exterior colours. We're happy to talk it through, but check with the council or your factor before changing colour.
What time of year can you paint sash windows?
Exterior window painting is best done in dry, milder weather, typically from spring to early autumn, because paint needs suitable temperatures and dry timber to cure properly. We plan around the forecast and won't put paint on wet wood. Interior faces can be painted all year round. Book early for summer, as dates go quickly.
Book a free sash window survey
Tell us how many windows you have and roughly what condition they're in. Photos help. We'll arrange a visit and give you a written quote, window by window. Call or text us on 07514 665726 or email info@edinburghpaintingspecialists.com.