What is the easiest way to paint old style multi-paned glazed windows.?

I'm helping out a friend by painting the exterior of their house and the windows are killing me. Any tips? Several areas need to be reglazed which i am doing. Others I'm just caulking in the cracks before paint. I'm thinking to use blue painter tape and square off the areas I don't want painted and take it from there. Any tips?What is the easiest way to paint old style multi-paned glazed windows.?
Do Not use tape: It's more time and trouble than it's worth:





The trick is to use a GOOD QUALITY BRUSH. Good brushes put the paint where you want it to go the first time without streaking. As such, any additional cost pays for itself in saved labor within the first hour of use





Go to home depot and ask for an angled 2.5'; inch Purdy (Brand: also called a sash brush). Hold it like a pencil: after dipping it in paint, wipe excess off on rim of can (very important! -prevents runs).





Place paint on sills by moving whole arm (keep wrist still).





Keep rag nearby to clean mistakes before they set/dry. final cleanup can be done by scrapping with razor blade (if needed)





With a little practice, you'll be banging out entire windows in less time then it would take to tape 2 or 3 of the sills, and it will look better.





Also: ask the guy at the store how to clean and store it: this is also important: even overnight: Clean the brush whenever paint gets built up, and when your done for the day. it prevents the bristles from splitting and keeps the edge neat. I can keep such a brush in daily use for 3-4 months.





PS: foam brushes are crap and anyone who uses them deserves what they get: they streak and cause the paint to run, wasting time and creating poor coverage: I almost feel sorry for the previous poster (-almost).What is the easiest way to paint old style multi-paned glazed windows.?
You seem to have a good grasp of the Pain of painting Panes. The only thing I can suggest is using a small foam ';brush';. They can be purchased in any place that sells paint and come in many sizes. The edge is tapered which makes it easier to paint a straight line and they hold paint well. I find using them makes the job go faster.
Are these windows smooth? If they are, dont bother with tape, dont worry about paint on the glass. Simply paint, blow the paint on the glass, let it dry hard and use a razor blade/window scraper to get the paint off.
I don't bother with tape, I use a small foam brush, and a piece of plain or newspaper. I just hold paper under wooden part and paint with the brush. That way you can get right into corners.Use a filler like Selleys( either white or wood coloured) for cracks.Then use an Acrylic paint, easy to wash out brushes.Then just throw the foam brush away afterward.Foam brushes are only for those who appreciate the ease of using them, I love them, and I get a good result every time.Good Luck!