Exterior painting windows etc. - what to specify?

[Kiltie]

I need to get the outside of the house done before the weather gets bad.

My plan is to ask for a few quotes but be very clear what it is I need so there's a level playing field.

It's a very old house. Here are what the windows look like.



I'm wondering what I should specify in terms of the following.

• Preparation (all the way back to the wood?)
• Paint type
• Number of coats
• What kind of guarantee to expect

Any tips or pointers greatly appreciated.

[V8RX7]

Unless you are working alongside them then I'd go on recommendation.

External painting is all about the prep and the prep is what takes the longest.

Different painters prefer different paint I'd let them use what they prefer albeit I'd want to check what they use.

How far back to take it, depends upon their condition.

[Zyp]

September is nearly upon us - unless we get an Indian Summer in October, I fear you may have missed the boat getting a good decorator to paint those this year.


That aside, the work needed all depends on the condition of the woodwork at the moment, and that's impossible to tell from a picture.
With regards to the materials used - if any decorator mentions Sikkens exterior products without being prompted, then you may well have stumbled across one that knows what he's doing.

For longevity, I'd be specifying (leaving the prep aside - that's a given) one undercoat and two topcoats.

Eta - it looks like a very interesting house you have there

Edited by Zyp on Sunday 23 August 22:47