Christmas Light Installation for Vinyl Windows

by patrickmhart66

77K9738

Intro: Christmas Light Installation for Vinyl Windows

After years of hanging our Christmas lights on the vinyl windows in my home I have found a great way to install them.

STEP 1: Supplies

You will need a few supplies,

1. A tape measure (not pictured here).
2. ½ inch Scotch double sided tape.
3. Metal shears or Hacksaw.
4. Plastic panel end cap molding.
The plastic trim molding for vinyl wall panels. can be found at Home Depot. It comes in 8’ lengths.

STEP 2: Vinyl Wall Panel Molding

Measure your window length and width and cut your trim pieces. I tend to cut them short on the corners to make the installation easier.

STEP 3: Tape

Put the tape on the back of the trim and attach them to the glass right up against the vinyl frame.

STEP 4: Trim

You can cut the trim around the locks.

STEP 5: Installation

Install the lights by pushing the wire into the molding.

Starting at the bottom right or left corner, working your way up to the top of the windows.  Then across the bottom of the top window then down and across the top of the bottom window, then down again working your way around the window. Use a wooden dowel to push the wire in this will save your fingers.

STEP 6: Enjoy!

This molding does not interfere with the operation of the window once the lights are removed. The lights are easily removed by simply pull the light string out.  These can be used year round for all holidays!

32 Comments

wilgubeast 10 years ago

Genius. Thanks for blazing this trail, sir.

patrickmhart66 10 years ago

Thanks....some of the lights are not strait in the pics. But easily fixed....

jkapitanek 3 years ago

I love this idea!!! One question...Can you remove the vinyl that is attached with the scotch double sided tape or is it permanently affixed to the glass? I don't want to damage the glass and also don't think I want to leave the vinyl wall moulding up year round.

patrickmhart66 3 years ago

sorry for the delay.......https://www.homedepot.com/p/867-1-4-in-x-3-4-in-x-8-ft-PVC-Composite-White-FRP-Cap-Molding-0086708001/100565070?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-100565070-_-N& for the trim. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Silicone-1-10-1-oz-Clear-All-Purpose-Silicone-Sealant-Caulk-2708911/100091111 for the silicone. both sold at home depot... I leave it up year round so when my wife wnts to decorate for other holidays or events.. on my double hung windows the trim does not interfere with the operation of my windows

patrickmhart66 3 years ago

It is easily removed and will not damage the glass

RLTW375 5 years ago

I have such a hassle for years. Happen to run across this idea and gave it a whirl. Works like a champ and was able to make a big statement on my new house. Thanks for the idea Patrick. Keep them coming, Hooah.

patrickmhart66 3 years ago

I want to thank you again for your input..... your house is beautiful...I only wish other people find it as easy as you did.. thanks again.... happy holidays

ShannonB119 4 years ago

I mist be doing something wrong. I can’t get the wires to stay in. Did you use a specific size molding? Did you untwist the wires before you push the wires in? I used a flat dowel like you suggested. I know this is brilliant and works... I believe I’m doing it wrong. Thanks

patrickmhart66 4 years ago

I went to home depot and used the panel molding located with the vinyl wall panel molding. this molding is thinner than 1/2 inch Sheetrock trim molding......

ThatGirl1222 4 years ago

I read some comments about using silicone? How would this work and does it interfere with the window working? How would one apply the tracking (where the lights are placed) to the window with the silicone? Would the silicone be easily removed from the window after use so as to just reside/redo next season? And just to clarify, is one to secure (either with the double sided tape or silicone) the tracking to the vinyl window frame or secure it directly to the glass? I’m hoping this hack will make my Christmas lights hang nicely as I currently use TONS of mini suction cups that lose their suctions the minute the sun warms the window so they all fall and I spend the Christmas season doing daily rounds checking to see what’s fallen. This seems like a perfect solution. Or....I’m trying to think of a way to make a one piece frame for each window (I do 12 house windows) so I think if I could have one frame per window instead of pieces for each window this might be even easier. Any suggestions for that and how to possibly secure a one piece frame (perhaps designed similar to this original idea) into/on a window from the inside? Many thanks!!!

patrickmhart66 3 years ago

the trim attaches to the glass with minimum use of silicone....my double hung windows are un affected by the trim......this concept was the easiest wat i found after countless attempts at building a removable frame. this way is a one time install. these links will guide you to the materials i use. .https://www.homedepot.com/p/867-1-4-in-x-3-4-in-x-8-ft-PVC-Composite-White-FRP-Cap-Molding-0086708001/100565070?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-100565070-_-N& for the trim. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Silicone-1-10-1-oz-Clear-All-Purpose-Silicone-Sealant-Caulk-2708911/100091111 for the silicone. both sold at home depot..

patrickmhart66 3 years ago

I used the silicone to secure the track to the glass....the frame remains on the glass after you take down the lights....the track should not interfere with the window operation.......hope this helps

patrickmhart66 3 years ago

The tracking is installed on the inside of the house

patrickmhart66 5 years ago

Actually started using a clear silicone for the adhesive. Working great and don't discolor

maddyvittori 3 years ago

This is such a brilliant idea!! Question, can you share a link to the silicone adhesive you used? And if by chance there’s a link to the plastic trim molding you used could you send that to me as well? Different times with covid and having a baby! Would like to do curb side pick up and order it online today :) thank you in advance!

patrickmhart66 5 years ago

thank you so much....just moved into a new house myself....did the same ....i did make an update recently ...i don't know if you have seen it but instead of double sided tape i use clear silicone to fasten the tracking now it doesn't discolor over the years....great photo.... enjoy and pass it on!!

MarshaT14 4 years ago

how many lights/feet do you need for 44"x48" window
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