Best filler choice around refitted windows - not using inner strips.

This is something I have just done to my recently decorate flat.

Flat was ex council so windows were fitted in cheaply

Had plastic trims around the length of the window plus the wooden window sill.

I ended up removing these using a Stanley knife to first cut the sealant used to fix them in place before precising off.

Underneath the trims revealed large gaps. I used expanding foam to fill the large holes and gaps. then got plaster in to use browning to build up the plaster layer. this was keyed before using finish plaster. There was a wooden curtain rail which was loose above the window, I ended up pulling this off, the galvanized angle bead on the top was loose as only had been fixed with a finishing plaster, new one was cut to suit ans set in level using plasterboard adhesive pressing into dabs along the length.

Quite a big job but didn't like the look of the trims so well worth it in my opinion

There was a gap between the window cill and the frame, for this I used a small length of strip wood gluing and pining into place. everything was painted up so all blends in nicely.

 

Best to decide a solution once windows have been fitted. In some instances, if they come out cleanly, then a good decorators caulk may work.
If bigger gaps, then foam is potentially the way forward (fitters should foam anyway) and once dried, you can undercut this so below plaster surface. Depending on existing plaster, you can carefully remove a layer of skim from the existing edge, PVA over the foam and area and fill with bonding plaster. Make sure this is left below the skim level and when hardened, carefully apply scrim tape, overlapping from new to old and use fine filler such as easifil to level off. Sand when dry and you'll have an invisible repair that will not crack. There are other methods but difficult to fully advise without photos.
PVC trim is an easy quick fix which covers a multitude of sins, which is why its popular with window fitters and can look OK for awhile but generally starts to look naff as the silicon yellows and gets dirty over time.

 

It's not really that difficult, but easier to show than explain. Another option is to get a plasterer in for a day and re-skim the reveals.

 

Still best to finish with a bead of silicone. It sticks properly to the frame, it's flexible and it doesn't crack. If plastered close to the frame, a small bead of silicone will blend very nicely with the frame.

 

Yeah its possible for a good spread, but theyd use a different approach to what I detailed. Using easifil, is a great way of achieving a good finish as its sandable. Plasterer would generally use multi finish plaster instead which would be trowelled to a smooth finish leaving hopefully little filling.

 

Hybriflex 25LM is also over paintable.

 

Treat yourself to some sealant finishing tools, will allow you to get the perfect angle & finish.

And soapy water is great for finishing the sealant, I use it a a hand spray bottle.

 

Easifil is a brand name for a fine filler, which is common in the trade, other brands do a similar job. If prepped right, a smallish gap should be OK, although you can never be certain. Fill it, paint it and don't worry too much

 

Plenty of others on Youtube.