Working Windows Q&A Painting the Sidelights can just avoid the edge that approaches the window pane, but if you want to take the sash apart, here's how I do it 
 If you get paint in the window-pane's groove, clean it out immediately with a cut 3 x 5 card. Do not put a card in the groove while painting. 
  | 
    
        DHTMLGoodies.com  
        
        
        
           At the top of the Sidelight, Pinch the frame and rail as close to the joint as possible   6010SideLight03_L.jpg   DHTMLGoodies.com  
         Put the Rail back when painting and keep any irregularities lined up (don't switch ends)   6010SideLight07_L.jpg   |