Painting your home's screen frames is a great way to update them.A fresh coat of paint on your screen frames will make them look their best.Painting screen frames can be done with a few tools and a day or two of work.Your screen frames will look brand new after that.
Step 1: If your screen frames are not accessible, set up a ladder.
It is not necessary to use a ladder to paint screen frames on the ground floor.If the frames are too high, place a ladder against the wall of your home and have someone stand at the bottom to keep it steady.You may need a small stepladder to get to the top of the screen frames.You can prop your supplies on a ladder with an attachable tray.If you are painting screen frames indoors, place a drop cloth beneath them so you don't get paint or primer on the floor.
Step 2: If you want to paint both sides, you should remove the screen frames.
If you want to work on the screen frames on a flat surface, this is a good place to start.Lift the bottom portion out of the screen frame if you press up on the upper section.If the screen frames don't pop out, it might be a good idea to leave them installed.Place a sheet or clean piece of plastic over your flat work surface and place the screen frames on top of them.
Step 3: The screen frames should be washed with soapy water and a sponge.
To make suds, fill a bucket with warm water and a dish soap.To get rid of dirt, dip a clean sponge or rag into the water and wipe down the screen frames.It's a good idea to rinse the sponge or rag in the water every few times.If you want, you can just use a damp rag and skip the soap.If needed, give the screen frames a second wipe-down.To rinse off the suds, use a garden hose.
Step 4: The frame needs to be removed with a sanding sponge.
Purchase a medium sanding sponge.Rub the sponge against the frame using back and forth strokes.This will remove old paint and bumps.Dust can be wiped off using a clean cloth.It's not necessary to remove all of the paint if your frame is made of metal, but sanding off as much old paint as possible is a good idea.When using the sanding sponge, use a light pressure and avoid pressing down with a lot of pressure.
Step 5: Use a clean towel or cloth to dry the frame.
If you wash the screen frame using circular movements, use a clean, dry towel to wipe the excess water off the frame.This will help remove the dust from the sanding.If the primer doesn't stick properly, wipe the frame thoroughly.If you're using a towel or cloth to dry the frame, make sure it's dry before you use it.
Step 6: To avoid getting paint on the screen, cover it with masking paper.
If you want to cover one of the screen's sides, you need to rip off a piece of masking paper.Attach the masking paper along the inner edge of the frame with painter's tape.Place pieces of masking paper along the inner edge of the screen and secure them with tape.Clean lines between the frame and screen are needed for a straight paint job.Purchase painter's tape and brown masking paper at your local hardware store.If you want to cover as much of the screen as possible, choose a paper that is at least 9 inches long.
Step 7: The edges of the screen frame should be covered with painter's tape.
Make sure the painter's tape is on the entire inner edge of the screen frame.Line the rest of the frame with painter's tape, covering any areas that you don't want painted.Press the edges of the tape down to make sure they don't come up.
Step 8: Go on metal screen frames with a rust-resistant primer.
You can find a spray or liquid paint primer at your local home improvement store.Look for primers that are labeled as working well on metal surfaces or have the word "rust- resistant" on them to find a good option.Liquid paints take more time to apply than spray paints, but they are great for metals because of their sleek surface.A paint brush is used to apply a liquid primer to metal.
Step 9: Pick out a primer for the frames.
There are many different ways to apply wood primer, such as using a spray form or applying it with a paint brush.Primers labeled as working on wooden surfaces can be found at a local home improvement store.You can get into the nooks and crevices of wood with a liquid paint primer.
Step 10: If you are spraying primer, hold a can away from the screen.
Shake the spray paint primer before applying it.Hold the can at least 5 in (13 cm) away from the screen so that you can start spraying primer on the frame.While moving the can around the screen slowly, keep pressing down on the nozzle.You should not hold the can of primer in one spot as you spray it.
Step 11: If you are painting with a brush, apply a thin layer of primer.
Shake the can before opening it or use a wooden stick to stir the primer if you purchased a regular primer.To paint the primer onto the screen frame, you need to dip a 1 in paint brush into the paint and then use back and forth parallel strokes.If you want to create a thin layer, use the brush to evenly distribute the paint along the frame.Before you apply the paint to the screen, make sure the can is clean.The paint will look even and flat if you use parallel strokes.Paint the screen frame with the grain of the wood.Depending on the thickness of your screen frames, use a paintbrush that's bigger or smaller.
Step 12: Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours before applying another one.
If you want, apply another coat of primer after 24 hours.If they recommend applying a second coat or if one coat will work, read the instructions on your primer.Wait for the primer to dry completely before flipping the screen over.
Step 13: Paint can be used to go on metal screen frames.
If you used a spray primer or a liquid primer, pick out spray paint.If you want to use a paint color on your screen frames, you need to check the labeling to make sure it works on metal.You can use the paint label to find out if it can be used on metal or wood.
Step 14: Wood paint can be applied to frames.
If you used a spray primer on your wood, it's best to use spray paint color, while liquid paint goes best on top of a liquid primerMake sure the label says it works well on wooden surfaces when choosing a paint color.Paint for wood can be purchased at your local hardware store or home improvement store.Use an interior paint if you are painting screen frames inside.The screen frames should be painted.
Step 15: Take the can of paint from the screen and spray it.
To apply the paint color to the screen frame, hold the can away from the surface as you press down on the nozzle, so it covers the frame evenly.Move the can along the frame slowly as you spray and cover it with a smooth layer of paint.Before applying spray paint, shake the can thoroughly.To get the best look, go along each edge of the screen frame in a straight line.You can apply another layer after the first one dries if the frame isn't completely covered.
Step 16: If you're using liquid paint, cover the frames with a paint brush.
Shake the can of paint before removing the lid or using a wooden stick to stir it.You can apply the paint color to the frames with back and forth strokes that are all going the same direction.Use the brush to get into the nooks and crannies along the edge of the frame.The best way to paint a wooden screen frame is with the grain of the wood.Use the side of the paint can to wipe off excess paint from your brush.Don't worry if the primer is still visible if you apply thin, even coats. You can add more coats to cover it up later on.
Step 17: Wait 4 hours for the paint to dry before applying a second coat.
When your screen frames are ready for another coat of paint, set a timer for four hours.Spread the paint on evenly and avoid drips when you apply the second coat.If you see drips on the frames, you can use a paint brush or foam brush to remove them.
Step 18: Carefully peel off the painter's tape.
The painter's tape should be pulled slowly at an angle so it doesn't damage the paint.Take off all of the paper to reveal a clean screen.The painter's tape and paper should be thrown in the trash.After you apply the last coat, let the paint dry for 24 hours.If you're painting the other side of the screen, you should wait for the most recent coat to dry before you paint the back.