How to Mask Doors and Windows
Clean windows and paint-free hardware separate good paint jobs from great ones. Learn proper masking technique for glass, frames, and fixtures.
Quick Summary
Time needed
30-45 minutes
Cost
$15-25
Difficulty
Easy
Why Proper Masking Matters
Paint on glass is obvious and unprofessional. Paint on door hardware chips off and looks terrible. These details matter—they're what people notice when entering a room.
The Detail Principle: People don't notice perfect masking, but they immediately spot paint where it shouldn't be. Invest time in protection to avoid hours of scraping later.
Step-by-Step Masking Process
1. Decide: Remove or Mask Hardware
Remove (Preferred)
Cleaner, easier, professional results
- • Door handles and knobs
- • Strike plates
- • Decorative hardware
Mask (When Needed)
Tape or bag protection
- • Hinges (difficult to remove)
- • Locks (if no key)
- • Built-in fixtures
2. Tape Window Glass Edges
This is the most visible masking—take your time for straight lines.
Pro Technique: Leave a hairline gap (1/16") between tape and glass. Paint will seal this gap, preventing moisture infiltration. Too much gap looks sloppy; touching glass prevents proper seal.
Application Steps:
- • Clean glass edge with damp cloth first
- • Apply tape to window frame, parallel to glass
- • Keep tape straight—use frame edge as guide
- • Burnish edge firmly to prevent bleed
- • Overlap corners neatly at 45° angles
3. Cover Large Glass Areas
For big windows or if using a sprayer, cover entire glass surface to prevent overspray.
Options:
- • Masking film with tape edge: Pre-attached plastic unfolds, $8-12
- • Plastic sheet + tape: Cut to size, tape edges to frame
- • Newspaper + tape: Old-school method, works for small panes
4. Protect Door Hardware
Wrap anything you didn't remove to keep it paint-free.
- • Hinges: Wrap each hinge leaf with painter's tape or aluminum foil
- • Door handles: Small plastic bag taped around base
- • Locks/deadbolts: Tape over keyholes and visible parts
- • Strike plates: Tape completely if not removing
5. Mask Light Fixtures and Switches
Protect fixtures near work areas from roller spatter.
- • Overhead fixtures: Tape around base or cover with plastic bag
- • Wall sconces: Tape glass and metal parts
- • Light switches: Already covered when you removed covers
Pro Tips
Use a Razor Blade for Perfect Window Lines
After painting, use a single-edge razor blade to scrape any paint off glass. Hold at 45° angle and push away from you. Easier than perfect taping.
Remove Masking While Paint Is Tacky
Pull tape off windows and hardware 30-60 minutes after painting. Waiting too long causes paint to bond to tape and chip when removing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove door hardware or mask it?
Remove hardware when possible—it's cleaner and faster than careful masking. However, mask if removal is difficult or you lack matching replacement screws. Cover with painter's tape or small plastic bags secured with tape.
How close should I tape to window glass?
Leave a tiny 1/16 inch gap between tape and glass. This allows paint to seal against the glass, preventing moisture infiltration. Too much gap looks sloppy; no gap means paint won't seal properly and water can seep in.
Ready for the Next Step?
With fixtures masked, protect HVAC vents and returns to prevent paint from getting into your ductwork.