Paint coming off Rationel wooden windows - how to fix

tawfeeredux

I have Rationel doors & windows in the house. The ground floor window at the back of the house has the paint coming off in places. I've given up on trying to get anyone to come out and look at it so need to figure out how to fix the problem myself. Do I just scrap the paint off the areas where it's peeling/bubbling and repaint? Or do I need to treat it in some way before repainting?

10-10-20

Hi, how old are these windows and is it happening on all windows or just ones on a particular side of the house?

Depending on the age of them, that looks to me like they might be exposed to excessive rain - is the site exposed or do you have leaking gutters or run-off from a roof or cill, etc?

tphase

I have a similar issue but reckon it's mainly due to sun exposure. Where the frames are shaded by an overhang, the coating is in good condition

mickdw

It's a natural material and so requires maintenance where a pvc window wouldn't.

That will need sanding and repainting.

Architects love these but they ignore the extra maintenence.

Deregos.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058367404/paint-coming-off-rationel-wooden-windows-how-to-fix

I'd try giving a heat gun and scraper a go at stripping the old varnish finish before sanding.

Here's a video of the painting process and which products to use on Rationel joinery by a Dublin painter.

https://www.southdublinpainting.com/staining-rationel-doors-and-windows

tawfeeredux

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122577230#Comment_122577230

They're 8 years old. The rest of the windows are fine, including the ones directly above these. I don't think run-off from the roof is an issue, just that these windows on the ground floor on this side of the house get less protection from the elements.

Looking at Deregos' link, I'm probably going to have to sand the whole window rather than just the bits that are flaking. Pain in the hole.

GreeBo

If you do go to the bother of scraping and sanding the whole thing, I would seriously consider using a coloured oil rather than than paint of varnish. At least with an oil you can just re-oil as required, no need for all the sanding etc. as it wont peel or blister

Something like this:

https://www.owatrol.ie/product/textrol/

tphase

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122581721#Comment_122581721

thanks for the link, hadn't heard of Owatrol before. Ordered direct from them at 1027 yesterday, delivered today at 1214. Now to get the heat gun and scraper out…..

JayBee66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058367404/paint-coming-off-rationel-wooden-windows-how-to-fix

I didn't know Rationel did wood framed windows without cladding. We have Rationel windows but they are aluminium clad wooden frames. Not a scratch after three years.

Our problem with Rationel is the cluster flies hibernating between the casement and frame due to the outer rubber seal not sealing the entire perimeter of the outside of the casement. The casement has an inner seal, which keeps the wind out of the house.

I suppose air is meant to flow around the casement but it does mean that for most of the year the windows cannot be opened unless we want hundreds of housefly sized cluster flies entering the house, leaving their mess everywhere.

We do have a whole house forced ventilation system so not opening the windows is not a problem but it's good to have that "luxury" in emergencies.

I would not recommend Rationel, if after sales service is a requirement or cluster flies are an issue.

Jnealon

My windows are very similar to the rationel and I used Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 plus along with a base coat.

It looks like there's no base coat on your windows, just 3 coats of the above in pine

tawfeeredux

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122617638#Comment_122617638

What did you use as a base coat?