Antique Window Repair

Tools:

utility knife
screwdriver(s)
chisel
putty knife
sandpaper
pry bar
scrap cardboard
duct tape
safety glasses
dust mask
hammer
paintbrush
mixing spoon
rubber gloves
wooden shims
towels
wood filler
window glazing
linseed oil
wood hardener

Steps:

1. Begin by removing the trim from one side to free the window. Cut along the edges with a utility knife, between the casing and the trim, to break the paint seam.

3. If the window is attached to ropes that help in raising and lowering it, remove the rope from the window and wrap the ends in duct tape so they don't disappear into the window casing (figure B).

4. Chip, chisel, and brush out any loose or rotting pieces of the window frame until only solid wood is left (figure C). Remember to wear safety glasses while chipping out the pieces of wood.

5. Coat the area thoroughly with wood hardener to give the filler a solid surface to bond to. Do not get wood hardener on the glass. Mask the glass with tape or pieces of scrap cardboard. Allow the hardener to dry for an hour.

6. Brace the window corner so it remains square by temporarily attaching a small board across the corner using screws (figure D).

7. Pack the holes in the frame with lots of wood filler or putty. The handle end of a wooden spoon makes a great tool for this (figure E). To help fill up the cavity, coat small pieces of scrap wood with filler and pack them into the frame.

8. Continue applying filler until the corner is nice and square. Allow putty to dry for about a half-hour. Sand the corner with coarse 60-grit sandpaper, then sand again with 80-grit paper. Always wear a dust mask when sanding.

9. Wipe linseed oil around the perimeter of the window to condition the wood, then apply window glazing. Roll glazing between your hands to form a rope and press onto the seam between the window and the frame. Scrape away excess glazing with a putty knife (figure F).

10. Now the window's ready for a coat of paint and then to go back into place (figure G).