Repair And Paint: Revitalizing Wooden Windows Like A Pro

Wooden windows are beautiful but high-maintenance, requiring regular paint and repair work to protect them from the elements. If you're looking to repair and paint your wooden windows, you'll need to set aside a weekend and gather the right tools and materials. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Assess the Condition

Before starting any work, check the overall condition of your window. If there are large rotten sections or significant damage, it may be best to call a professional. However, if the issues are minor, you can proceed with basic repairs like sanding, filling, and painting.

Step 2: Remove Glass and Old Putty (Optional)

If your window glass is intact and you don't need to replace it, you can skip this step. Otherwise, carefully remove the glass by taking out the glazier's points with pliers and using a glass scraper to remove the old putty. Store the glass safely while you work on the window frame.

Step 3: Strip Old Paint

Use a chemical paint stripper or a heat gun to remove the existing paint from the window frame. Be cautious when working around the glass, and always wear protective gear when using chemicals.

Step 4: Repair and Fill

Fill any cracks or holes with wood filler and repair broken or splintered pieces with wood glue. Sand down the filled areas to create a smooth surface.

Step 5: Sand the Window

Use a palm or orbital sander with fine to medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the window frame and sash. Sand as little as possible to avoid warping the wood. Vacuum the dust and wipe the window with a damp cloth to ensure a clean surface.

Step 6: Prime the Window

Apply a primer to the window, including the bare wood and the filled areas. This will create a good base for the paint to adhere to. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Paint the Window

Use a high-quality enamel or exterior wood paint to paint your window. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before lightly sanding with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.

Step 8: Reinstall Glass (If Removed)

If you removed the glass, now is the time to reinstall it. Secure the glass with glazier's points and fill the edges with glazing putty. Smooth out the putty with a putty knife and allow it to dry completely before painting over it.

Step 9: Final Touches

Once the paint is dry, reinstall any window furniture or add new pieces for a fresh look. If there is any paint on the glass, use a window scraper to remove it gently.

Check the window's general condition

Checking the general condition of the window is the first step in restoring a wooden window. Even if they are badly damaged, timber windows can often be restored, but it is important to assess the extent of the work required before starting any repairs.

Begin by standing back and examining the window. Check that it still fits in the frame correctly and look out for any parts that appear wobbly, leaky, or rotten. Inspect the putty; has it shrunk and cracked, or is it still in one piece? Check the condition of the hardware, such as the hinges, and try opening the window to ensure it functions as it should.

Next, remove the casement window (the part of the window with glass that opens) from the frame and place it on a flat surface for easier access. Again, check for any rotten, loose, or broken parts. If there are major issues, it may be best to consult a professional for repairs. However, basic repairs such as sanding, filling, and painting can often be completed as a DIY project.

It is important to remember that wooden windows should not be repaired, painted, or restored during autumn or winter. The cold, damp weather can cause the timber to swell, leading to excessive sanding and an ill-fitting window. Always try to sand as little as possible to avoid altering the shape of the window.

Remove loose paint and sand back

Removing loose paint and sanding it back is an essential step in restoring and painting wooden windows. This process will ensure that you end up with a smooth finish that not only looks great but also lasts a long time. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Remove Loose Paint:

• Start by making sure your windows are dry and the wood is not damp.
• Use a screwdriver to remove any window furniture, such as the lock lever and lift pulls.
• Scrape away larger chunks of loose paint with a decorator's knife or a flat-edged scraper.
• Pay close attention to areas where the paint is chipped, cracked, or flaking.
• Be careful not to remove paint that is still in good condition. You want to maintain as many layers of paint as possible to protect the timber.

Sand Back:

• Use a fine-grade sanding block, sandpaper, or a mouse sander to smooth down the remaining problem areas.
• Sand with the grain of the wood, always going in the direction of the wood fibres.
• Go over the entire window frame, including detailed areas and sides, to ensure a uniform finish.
• If your window has intricate carvings or details, you may prefer to sand it by hand to preserve those features.
• Always sand as little as possible to avoid warping the wood and affecting the fit of the window in its frame.
• Use a combination of different grits of sandpaper, starting with a coarser grit (around 40-grit) for initial smoothing and progressing to finer grits (120-grit to 240-grit) for a smoother finish.
• After sanding, use a vacuum, preferably a HEPA vacuum, to remove dust from sanding. You can also use a brush and tack cloth to ensure all dust is removed.

Remember, when removing loose paint and sanding, it is important to wear protective gear, especially if you are working with older windows that may contain lead paint. Always check for lead paint before starting this process, and if present, take the necessary precautions, such as sealing the room and wearing a respiratory mask and other PPE.

Strip the paint on the window frame

Stripping the paint on the window frame is an important step in the window restoration process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, assess the condition of the window frame. If there are any signs of dry rot, sponginess, or other structural decay, it is recommended to apply epoxy resin or replace the window frame entirely. If the frame is in good condition, proceed to the next step.

Next, you will need to remove any loose or flaking paint. Use a paint scraper or putty knife to carefully scrape away paint that is chipped, bubbled, or visibly loose. Collect the paint scraps and discard them appropriately. Be cautious not to scratch the glass with your tools.

Once the loose paint has been removed, you will need to "feather" the edges of the remaining paint. This involves lightly sanding the transition between the raw wood and the old paint using sandpaper. The goal is to create a smooth surface, free of any nibs or whiskers, that will hold paint without creating edges for mould and dirt to accumulate. Again, be careful not to sand too far back and remove any original carved details on the frame.

If your windows are very old (pre-1978 or 1980), it is important to test for lead paint before proceeding. Lead paint is toxic and requires special handling. You can purchase a lead testing kit from a hardware store or hire a professional lead testing company. If lead paint is detected, it is best to call a lead remediation professional to handle the paint removal.

For windows without lead paint, you have a few options for paint removal. You can use a chemical paint stripper, a heat gun, or a hair dryer. If using a chemical stripper, ensure proper ventilation and wear protective gear. If using a heat gun or hair dryer, soften the paint and then gently scrape it off with a putty knife. Always exercise caution when working near glass to avoid shattering it.

After removing the paint, vacuum the window frame to remove any dust or debris. You can also use a brush or cloth to wipe down the frame, ensuring it is free of dirt and grime.

Finally, some sources recommend priming the bare wood before repainting. This will create a suitable base coat for the paint to adhere to and protect the underlying wood. Use a high-quality primer, preferably oil-based, and cover both the raw wood and any remaining old paint. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step of the window restoration process.

Make necessary window repairs

Before you start repairing your window, it's important to assess the damage. Check the window's overall condition and determine if there are any parts that are rotten, loose, or broken. If there are any major issues, it may be best to consult a professional. However, minor repairs such as sanding, filling, and painting can usually be handled by a beginner.

One common issue with wooden windows is rotten wood, which can cause mould and make the window unstable. If the rot is extensive, it may be necessary to replace the entire window frame. However, small amounts of rot can be repaired by removing the rotten wood with a chisel and screwdriver, applying a wood hardener, and then filling the gap with wood filler.

Another issue that may need to be addressed is broken or rusted hardware. Broken hardware should be removed and replaced, while rusted hardware can be repaired by removing loose paint, scrubbing the rust with a wire brush, and then painting the metal frame.

If your window has holes, cracks, or other imperfections, you can use wood filler to repair them. Simply apply the filler according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then sand it down to create a level surface. Wash and dry your windows again to remove any remaining sanding particles.

If there are gaps between the window frame and the wall, or where the wood meets the sill, you can use a flexible silicone suitable for windows to fill these gaps.

Once you have made the necessary repairs, it's important to sand down your window frame and sash to create a smooth surface for painting. Use an orbital or hand sander, and always sand as little as possible to avoid warping the wood. Start with a coarse sandpaper to remove large nicks and imperfections, and then go back with a finer sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

Prime the sash

To prime the sash, you must first ensure that your windows are dry and that the wood is not damp. Remove any hardware, such as the lock lever and lift pulls, with a screwdriver. Next, use a decorator's knife to scrape away large chunks of loose paint. Smooth down the remaining problem areas with a fine-grade sanding block or sandpaper. Be careful not to sand too far back to the wood, as this may remove original carved details on the frame. The goal is to achieve a nice, smooth finish for painting. If your windows have not been maintained for a long time, be sure to seal the room, wear a respirator, and thoroughly clear all sanding dust.

After sanding, wash your window with a microfibre cloth to remove any remaining dust, dirt, or grime. Dry it with another clean cloth and inspect it to ensure that no spots have been missed. If your window has been sanded back to bare wood or has visible timber, you will need to apply a primer before painting. Choose a primer suitable for wood and both interior and exterior use if necessary. Applying a primer will provide an excellent base for paint adhesion and ensure your paint job lasts. Zinsser Bulls Eye is a recommended primer for this purpose. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Frequently asked questions