How To Restore Antique Windows

Take extreme care when pulling out the sashes from the frames. If your window is old, you may have to cut off stop moldings or unwind sash cords or chains to gain better access.

Most paint can be sprayed off using a heat gun, chemical paint remover or sanding. Be incredibly tender while scraping with a putty knife or paint scraper so as not to gouge the wood.

Once you have stripped the window down to its bare wood, check for signs of rot or damage. If the wood is soft in certain areas, use a chisel or pry bar to remove the damaged portions.

Rub wood filler or epoxy on the damaged area to bring it to an even plane and level it with a putty knife. After the paint has dried, the area has to be sanded to make the sanding surface even.

If broken or cracked glass panes exist, it is time to replace them.

Cut the Glass: Purchase replacement glass to the correct size and then use a glass cutter to make a neat cut on the glass. The cut should be slightly smaller than the opening to expand according to the need.

Install the New Glass: Rub a fine layer of glazing putty to push the glass into place. Use minor metal glazing points to secure the glass, then apply more putty to seal it.

After fixing the wood, sand all the frames to smooth them out for the primer. Use 220 grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.

Prime the Wood: Apply an epoxy coat to the window frame to avoid wetting the wood. This will enhance the holding power of paint or any finish.

If you have reglazed the windows after replacing the glass or the outdated glazing has been pulled out, reglaze it. Roll the glazing putty into thin strips and press it into the seams around the glass. Apply it using a putty knife and when applying, ensure it is at a 45-degree angle.

When the primer and glazing coat have dried, install all the parts of the window commonly used for its operation. Paint or varnish the frame's wood to prevent it from being ruined by rain. Use a paintbrush to apply the finish evenly. For best results, apply two coats, allowing the first coat to dry completely before adding the second.

Install weatherstripping around the window edges to increase the energy efficiency of your old wood windows. This will help seal out drafts, reducing energy costs.