Black Window Panes – Supplies I used:

• Foam Sanding Block
• Rag
• 1.5″ Frogtape
• Utility Knife
• Brown Painters Paper
• Scissors
• Tarp (Cover Surrounding Area)
• Satin Black Spray Paint (Paint and Primer Variety)

DISCLAIMER: Things to consider BEFORE you paint black window panes. Not all windows are made alike.  These windows are unique in the fact that the metal grid was exposed on the outside, AND they were metal frames which made it ideal to paint.  These windows are truly 70’s syle windows and we had very little to loose if this DIY went awry. So before you start painting your brand new windows take a beat and think it through.  This MAY NOT be the DIY for you.

Step 1. Prep Surface

It’s true what they say,  about 90% of the work is prep work and it was true for painting black window panes.   But the good news is,  that this is a fairly quick project and can be done in an afternoon (in good climate conditions).  So the first step is scuffing up the grids and frames.  I used a fine grit foam sanding sponge.  The purpose of this step is not to sand off any sort of finish, it is merely to scuff up the surface so that the paint can properly adhere. After you scuff up all the surfaces receiving paint you will need to wipe down with a damp rag to remove any remaining dust and debris.

Step 2. Tape it Up!

Alright, I started by taping all the grids individually. It’s an easy job,  but a little mind numbing when you have a lot of grids,  so turn up your kids Disney Radio and Jam out.  The best advice I can give you to use a utility knife to cut in the corners and remove the excess tape.

Alright, so this is the part that you need to take your time!  Apply this stuff with precision. Reason?  You are applying BLACK  paint.  If your lines aren’t straight it will be highly visible. (Granted if you do mess up a flat blade can easily remove over spray from glass.) Step 3. Cover Glass

Ok,  now that we have  cut in the grids and frame with precision, it is now time to protect the glass.  I used painters paper.  I took general measurements, and cut all my paper.  (This comes in rolls, so I just cut the general length needed and kept the width as is.)Remember when I said I just used general measurements?  It’s because I ended up folding in my edges .  I found it easier to just fold it to the required size.  These do not need to be exact,  you will have a lot of room for error with the tape around the edges.

Next I taped the edges before sticking the paper up.  I know,  I know!  You might be thinking,  “but COREY I already taped it!?  I am using more tape than is completely necessary.” Yes, it’s true.  If you have an incredible amount of patience you can do this with less tape,  however I can assure you it is not more time efficient. I tried to tape the grids with with brown paper in tact and it was a lot more time consuming. Instead I did my precision application first with just my tape and THEN  quickly  slapped the taped paper on top and took no time at all! 

I was being thorough and I do not regret it! My darling husband (love that man)  gave me grief but hey he can’t argue with my perfect results! Step 4: Protect Area

Alright before you go gung ho. Keep in mind your surrounding area! We did this project before they moved all their furniture in, so we could be a little lax. In the event you are starting this project in a fully functioning home, make sure you protect the surrounding area!   There will be airborne paint from the spray paint. Make sure you have proper plastic barriers up to block off the entire area if necessary.

Step 5. Paint… Get er’ Done!

Don’t be nervous.  The hard part is done!  You have got this! Believe in yourself!  Make good choices! Okay,  that is all I’ve got by way of a pep talk. Anyways, the BEST way to get professional results with a spray paint is by doing multiple LIGHT coats.  Do not feel like you need to cover this in one coat. Instead, lightly dust it, and then allow to dry before applying another coat.  It requires a little more patience but it will be well worth it. Promise.

Step 6. Remove Tape

I don’t think this step requires a lot of explanation… Once it is dry you peel  back a corner of the tape and then pull it off.  Then repeat.  That’s it!

Black Window Panes – Satisfaction

There are few things more gratifying than removing tape from a completed project.  Promise, this one won’t disappoint.  Ta-Da Beatiful Black Window Panes!!!!   

The windows in the kitchen even got a face lift!

Stay tuned, because I have the rest of this dining area almost ready to reveal!  It will have been worth the wait my friends.  It is THAT good! 

Thanks for reading!

Take Luck,

 Corey

Disclaimer:  this room and project was sponsored by Frog Tape.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

The post How to: Paint Black Window Panes appeared first on Sawdust 2 Stitches.

Anyone who knows me, is fairly aware I am pretty  dang stubborn.  Once I had my heart set on plantation shutters,  I WOULD figure out how to do it, within my budget.  So, I hit up our local ReStore,  I was able to find this set of plantation doors.  They weren’t the right size, but for $20  I could make them work!

  I started dismantling them by removing the tilt bar.  I  just used snips to cut the staple.

   After I removed the tilt bar, I proceeded to remove the Louvers.  I was surprised at how easily  they  popped out.   I also removed the “shutter pins”.  I saved these, and would use them later.   Next I needed to create new frames for my plantation shutters.  I cut “stiles” for the frame.

  I then drilled holes that would receive the shutter pins.

 I then placed all the shutter pins.

 I then cut down the louvers to fit my new frames.  I intentionally cut down from both sides so that I could keep the original center staple in place.     

Once the louvers were cut to size I needed to drill the center hole that would receive the other side of the shutter pin.

Next it was time to assemble. I partially assembled the frame using a  Kreg Jig pocket holes.

I then proceeded to slide all the louvers in place. Once all the louvers were in place I finished securing the rails to the stiles.

 I then gave it a final paint job.

I then needed to replace the original tilt rod. I  first cut it down to size.

I had no clue  how I was going to get these attached, but my husband is a genius and  suggested  simply  buying the same size staples , and simply  push them back in!

…and that is just what I did. I placed a small amount of glue in the original holes, and then placed a staple through the center staple on the louver and then pushed through into the  tilt bar.

Last thing necessary was adding hinges.  My plantation shutters required two sets of hinges.  One set to connect the two doors to each other and the other st to hang the shutter on the wall.  As you can see in the above image,  I mounted the shutters to frame work around the window. ( I have seen them inset, but this is just how I chose to do it.)

… and that my friends is how I made custom cafe plantation shutters for less than $45 ! Whoot Whoot!  

 Thanks for stopping by and take luck!

Corey

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