Painting window ledges

Hi guys,

I appreciate this is not w/c related but I know some of you have other trades under your belt and hope you can entertain my query?

I have been asked by a customer if I would consider painting his concrete window ledges white. I'm not familiar with any exterior painting and really need the cash so I want to take on the job. there's about 12 ledges in total and all concrete I need to know roughly how much to quote and as much info on what paint, brushes and preparation I need to use/do.

Any help will be appreciated.

The sills are all about a mtr wide and 30cm deep

Thanks

Hi guys,
I appreciate this is not w/c related but I know some of you have other trades under your belt and hope you can entertain my query?

I have been asked by a customer if I would consider painting his concrete window ledges white. I'm not familiar with any exterior painting and really need the cash so I want to take on the job. there's about 12 ledges in total and all concrete I need to know roughly how much to quote and as much info on what paint, brushes and preparation I need to use/do.

Any help will be appreciated.

The sills are all about a mtr wide and 30cm deep

Thanks

Click to expand...

@TolishAPurd might be able to help with this.

hmmmm....yep done that....supposed to be giving them another coat but not got around to it yet...her partner did all the downstairs ones and left the awkward ones for muggins me....

if its a first coat on bare concrete it will need a sealer coat of very watered down paint or else...it will suck in loadsa paint...

very watery paint is hard to get on the sill without going everywhere...

I had horrible rendered sills as well..you cant go fast on them as it will spray everywhere.....lucky I only had two to do...and as they were upstairs...had to do underneath as well ...not a job I look forward to ..but like you say ...a jobs a job../emoticons/biggrin.png

I get the wife to do the masonry painting on the shop I have to do soon...

really its kinda window cleaning related as you do get asked to do all sorts of jobs...and its all money..

I usually get them to get the paint....five litres should be enough....hopefully its smooth concrete sill you have...and of course ...you get them to get you a nice new harris brush...which you get to keep.....I get one every year...

I usually get some turps as well ...

Cheers tuffers.

Easier to copy and paste this as a starter; http://www.woodiesdiy.tv/How-to-Paint-a-Masonry-Window-Sill

youdon't necessarily need to follow every step, but itsa good guide.

Ask him what sort of finish he is after, most people would opt for a gloss finish, and you can't go wrong with 'dulux trade weathershield', or just 'dulux trade exterior gloss', both are very good. Don't bother looking for window sill paint. If you're after quality make sure its the trade version. You could even use a good concrete exterior floor paint and that wood work well too. Maskingoff is absolutely essential because if you get it on the frames its a barstuerd to get off, although white on white won't be as bad.

I'd recommend getting one of those tool hangers that dangles out the side of the ladder and allows you to attach a paint kettle (mini bucket), and use a tool belt for scraper, wire brush and other bits to save you going up and down. On your paint kettle add a piece of string from one side of the handle to the otheras this givesyou something to scrape your brush on to avoid it dripping down the can and making a mess of the brickwork or anything else below.

Prep is the key mate, it needs to be dust and debri free, and 2 thin even coats should do it, remember that you'll need to do the second coat the next day even in the warmest of weathers. Which reminds me, don't go booking it in until it really warms up. lol

Hope that helps.

Tolish explained well but if the ledge is very dirty I would clean it first.it needs to be dry dry before painting.

If ever i paint concrete i mix some paint or undercoat with pva and paint first to seal it to stop the proper coats sinking in

one watery coat 2 proper coats remove all flakey paint dust off. masonery roller or brush £10.00 ledge they buy the masonery paint which will cost £25 - £45 quid 5lt depending what you get. if you get a good quality one dont bother watering it down.