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Paint Windows DIY

Teach Me How To Paint and Repair Old Wooden Windows

Treegeek Z6a (Boston)

4 years ago

I have some rather rustic windows that surely should be replaced, but the budget doesn't allow for it. In the meantime I need to make them as pretty (and functional, some fall down - perhaps that is a different thread?) as possible!

Any and all tips regarding these old "8 over 8" style wooden windows is greatly appreciated!

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toddinmn

4 years ago

You can google Bob Yapp, pretty informative . Be careful especially if you have kids . youre windows will generate quite a bit of lead debis and dust and the cardboard method will not work.

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Comments (10)

mainenell
4 years ago
Oh, you have a lot of work ahead of you. It is a multi step process and will probably break a few panes of glass in the process.

I think there are some good YouTube videos on how to prepare and replace windows. This Old House may have instructions also. The one step you should do before putting the new glazing compound in is to treat the wood with linseed oil and then prime it. That will keep the frame from drying out glazing compound.

Good luck!
Holly Stockley
4 years ago
I remember watching Martha reglaze an old window back in the day. I was fascinated. (And IIRC, it was 3 AM and I was up nursing the baby... So, take the fascination for what it's worth).

https://www.marthastewart.com/915483/how-repair-glass-windowpanes

Martha on painting doors and windows:

https://youtu.be/l1GxCn_0DK0

BH&G on repairing window glass:

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/windows/window-repair/how-to-replace-window-glass/

This Old House on Sash window repair:

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-repair-sash-windows

It really depends on what kind of windows and what you need to fix. You CAN get replacement weights, etc. It's pretty difficult to get at them to replace sometimes, though.
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PRO
toddinmn
4 years ago
I love the tip on using cardboard to contain the lead paint, then. The lead paint just disappeared, then the card board was not even needed. Have not seen colored window glazing nor this water proofing solution . Word of caution , all of videos , forums over simplify the process , over estimate the performanceof restored windows, under estimate performace of new windows. Restored windows have there place , just don’t believe all the bs and work safely .
Debbie Downer
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Are these double hung with the old weights/ pulleys - if they are in good shape you need never replace them, just repair every 10 or 20 yrs or so.

I hired a guy whose business was repair of old windows to do the first few and show me how to do it - sometimes its not obvious how to get sashes out and open up the channels to replace the rope, etc. Its something that's very labor intensive and time consuming - hence its not cheap to have professional do it - but not rocket science - average homeowner can do it. It's the perfect DIY home improvement imho.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
4 years ago
How about some pictures?
Treegeek Z6a (Boston)
Original Author
4 years ago
Current Resident..... Yes! Exactly the windows I am referring to.

Windows on Washington..... I'll snap some today and post.
User
4 years ago
Here's the best resource for the restoration of wood windows is John Leeke's "Save America's Windows". It has step-by-step instructions on any kind of repair or restoration. Enjoy those beautiful windows!
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
I"ve been to some of this guy's seminars. Very informative and friendly. Give him a call, please.
Treegeek Z6a (Boston)
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you everyone! This was very helpful

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