How to Fix Peeling Paint on a Window Sill

The cracked and peeling paint surface of an outside window sill.

Painted windowsills, both inside the home and out, begin to crack and peel after years of wear and tear and exposure to moisture. This small problem gives a home an old and unkempt appearance. A little scraping, sanding and painting, and the windowsills will look like new again.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Putty knife or paint scraper
• 100-grit sanding sponge
• 220-grit sanding sponge
• Plastic drop cloth
• Paint brush
• Latex primer
• Semi-gloss interior or exterior paint

Instructions

1. Use a putty knife or a paint scraper to remove the peeling and cracked paint. Sand the surface with a 100-grit sanding sponge. Switch to a 220-grit sanding sponge to finish off with a very smooth surface.

2. Cover any areas you do not want to get paint splatters on with a plastic drop cloth. Apply a layer of latex primer paint with a paintbrush. Allow 2 or 3 hours for the primer coat to dry.

3. Apply two coats of semi-gloss interior paint if you are painting an inside windowsill. Use a semi-gloss exterior paint for an outside windowsill. Allow a few days for the paint to dry and cure.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a time of the year that is warm, dry and has less humidity.

• Wear safety glasses to avoid getting paint chips in your eyes.

References

• HGTV: Windowsill Repainting
• Bob Vila: Process of Repainting Windowsills

Resources

• Repairing Damaged or Rotted Window Sills