What's typical for painting window frames - Semi Gloss or Satin

[Tidybuoy]

This is probably a matter of preference but I'm wondering what is the most common sheen of paint used on the outside-the-house windows; Smi-Gloss or Satin?

I'm installing new replacement window inserts in the next few weeks and I need to badly paint my existing window frames. My house is 70 years old so I really can't tell what was previously used because it's all but peeled off.

I will probably get some samples but I thought I'd ask for some opinions.

[drkshdw]

I prefer satin on exterior trim. It provides enough gloss to allow dirt and rain to run off yet dull enough to not cause reflections of the sun like semi-gloss does. Flat is too dull and holds the dirt too well especially if your trim is white.

[john70t]

What he said. Another vote for satin. It's durable enough.
Semi gloss is too much like cheap apartment imo.
Plus new paint tends to stick better when it becomes time.

[Bill Douglas]

I always use gloss on the outside. Gloss is a smoother surface so dust slicks to it less. Plus gloss looks like satin after a year or two anyways.

[GWN7]

I'm with Bill. Gloss lasts longer and looks better over the life of the paint.

[john70t]

Don't know when I got the bias...
But I was always under the impression gloss paints didn't stick, and shrank more, and thus created a gap for water to rot the frame.

There are some ceramic paints that hold up great under foot traffic and UV sunlight.

I try to use oil primer on anything exterior wood.

[wayner]

I like the newer style satin on modern cars

You can get it in a spray can at auto parts or paint supply places

It’s called “trim black” and it is professional grade, so likely not available at the Walmart paint section

EDIT: oops, never mind. Your not painting car window frames on your 911.

[drkshdw]

Originally Posted by john70t

Don't know when I got the bias...
But I was always under the impression gloss paints didn't stick, and shrank more, and thus created a gap for water to rot the frame.

Never cover wood with anything that doesn't breathe. Gloss acts like cladding on wood and anyone with clad wood windows knows, they rot. Fast. Because once water gets in it can't get out because it doesn't breathe.

Same reason why new houses mold and old ones don't. We build them to not let water get in but the problem is it does. And it doesn't breathe so it can't dry out which causes mold and rot.

[GWN7]

Originally Posted by john70t

Don't know when I got the bias...
But I was always under the impression gloss paints didn't stick, and shrank more, and thus created a gap for water to rot the frame.

There are some ceramic paints that hold up great under foot traffic and UV sunlight.

I try to use oil primer on anything exterior wood.

Back when it first came out Latex primers and paint were not very good for exterior wood but they have come a long way since those days. Like almost any job prep is the key to a good finish. Old wood needs several coats sanded between each one and allowed to dry completely.

[John Rogers]

What sort of existing windows do you have that need the painting? If they are the aluminum framed type and you use the vinyl slide in replacement ones then no painting is required as they completely cover the old frame. If they are already vinyl then special primer is needed before any paint is applied. I am not sure about the Fresno area but our county and cities in the southern CA area can have those replacement vinyl installed without any permits. If the size of the opening is enlarged by any amount then a permit is required.

[VINMAN]

Most of my customers want semi gloss on their windows.

.

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by John Rogers

What sort of existing windows do you have that need the painting? If they are the aluminum framed type and you use the vinyl slide in replacement ones then no painting is required as they completely cover the old frame. If they are already vinyl then special primer is needed before any paint is applied. I am not sure about the Fresno area but our county and cities in the southern CA area can have those replacement vinyl installed without any permits. If the size of the opening is enlarged by any amount then a permit is required.

My house is 70 years old with board & bat redrood siding and then wood framed double hung windows. I bought replacement inserts that are double hung and basically, the old windows come out and the new fit right into the old framing. In my case, I will remove the windows and then paint the frames before installing the new windows.

I don't really have any good photos (here at work) but below is a photo of when I was doing the roof and shows one of my windows that I will be replacing.