Dipping/restoring sash windows.
Discussion
On the "Old wood" theme.
My current day off project is at SWMBO's house... She has some lovely old shutters which I have been stripping vast amounts of paint from.
I'm starting to think that, at the very least, the sash windows should be stripped. Ideally a full restoration but I think it's going to be too pricey. I really, really don't fancy cracking out the Nitromors again.
Can they be acid dipped with glass in? Apologies if this is a stupid question!
Has anyone used the professional restoration companies? I know some replace the original glass with DG units but this may be very expensive- Bay window, probably 4ftX6ft x3, with individual panes.
My current day off project is at SWMBO's house... She has some lovely old shutters which I have been stripping vast amounts of paint from.
I'm starting to think that, at the very least, the sash windows should be stripped. Ideally a full restoration but I think it's going to be too pricey. I really, really don't fancy cracking out the Nitromors again.
Can they be acid dipped with glass in? Apologies if this is a stupid question!
Has anyone used the professional restoration companies? I know some replace the original glass with DG units but this may be very expensive- Bay window, probably 4ftX6ft x3, with individual panes.
Yep, I distinctly went off Nitromors- Did all the rest of the shutters with an air gun but there was a section around a live gas pipe which it wouldn't have been sensible to apply extreme heat to! Horrible stuff.
The frames are a bit narrow to use a hot air gun, think I'll just end up cracking the glass. I'm going to lightly sand and re-paint instead!
The frames are a bit narrow to use a hot air gun, think I'll just end up cracking the glass. I'm going to lightly sand and re-paint instead!
If you think they need "full restoration" won't theglass have to come out anyway? As posted in the sash cord thread, I'm on the home straight with just one window to go, having finished all the others. I removed the sashes completely and stripped them and the boxes with a hot air gun (you have to be prepared to live with a boarded up window for a few weeks) back to bare wood. Rot dealt with, new glass where necessary, new parting/staff beads, new cords, new catches.
Long but straightforward job, and finished product is immensly satisfying.
Long but straightforward job, and finished product is immensly satisfying.
t0ny99 said:
If you think they need "full restoration" won't theglass have to come out anyway? As posted in the sash cord thread, I'm on the home straight with just one window to go, having finished all the others. I removed the sashes completely and stripped them and the boxes with a hot air gun (you have to be prepared to live with a boarded up window for a few weeks) back to bare wood. Rot dealt with, new glass where necessary, new parting/staff beads, new cords, new catches.
Long but straightforward job, and finished product is immensly satisfying.
What guide did you follow, what are the costs, are you a seasoned pro with tools, what is the difference in taking the window out taking it to a carpenter and getting them to do it?Long but straightforward job, and finished product is immensly satisfying.
Above all else, DO YOU HAVE PICTURES?
mk1fan said:
Take out sashs.
Sanding block with 80-grit paper.
A cold beer or two.
Should only take 30-mins per sash.
Repeat with frame.
See how 'loose' the fit is.
Decorate.
Fit bat wing seals.
Nice draught free sash windows.
Need a piccy guide please as these things take me time and what happens if I take the thing apart and find bits rotten, can a carpenter (sp) fix it easily?Sanding block with 80-grit paper.
A cold beer or two.
Should only take 30-mins per sash.
Repeat with frame.
See how 'loose' the fit is.
Decorate.
Fit bat wing seals.
Nice draught free sash windows.
The link in this thread should help:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
Plenty on online resources google or you tube would be a good place to start.
Collins DIY book might be worth the investment to. Haynes also do manuals for Victorian and Georgian houses!
As for a photo guide for sanding down paint, do you really need one?
Rotten bits?
Depends how rotten - I've seen substantial sections (well and properly) repaired using various resin systems avaiable. Splicing in new timbers is a peice of cake for any decent joiner or carpenter.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
Plenty on online resources google or you tube would be a good place to start.
Collins DIY book might be worth the investment to. Haynes also do manuals for Victorian and Georgian houses!
As for a photo guide for sanding down paint, do you really need one?
Rotten bits?
Depends how rotten - I've seen substantial sections (well and properly) repaired using various resin systems avaiable. Splicing in new timbers is a peice of cake for any decent joiner or carpenter.
Edited by mk1fan on Friday 3rd July 13:55
Dupont666 said:
t0ny99 said:
If you think they need "full restoration" won't theglass have to come out anyway? As posted in the sash cord thread, I'm on the home straight with just one window to go, having finished all the others. I removed the sashes completely and stripped them and the boxes with a hot air gun (you have to be prepared to live with a boarded up window for a few weeks) back to bare wood. Rot dealt with, new glass where necessary, new parting/staff beads, new cords, new catches.
Long but straightforward job, and finished product is immensly satisfying.
What guide did you follow, what are the costs, are you a seasoned pro with tools, what is the difference in taking the window out taking it to a carpenter and getting them to do it?Long but straightforward job, and finished product is immensly satisfying.
Above all else, DO YOU HAVE PICTURES?
Last question first, I had quotes from sash repair companies and compared to the cost of timber replacements. Whichever way we looked at it, it would have cost £10k upwards whichever route we took.
The most expensive has been the front bay, because I replaced the glass in the lower sashes with 4mm acid etched - about £60 for the bigger panes. Boggo 3mm plate is cheap as chips, and I've managed to retain the original glass wherever possible to save further.
Ignoring my time (and the windows have been, by far, the most labour intensive job to do; everything, sash and boxes, back to bare wood) I reckon I'm well under £1k for the lot; This includes all tools and materials.
I'm the first to admit that there was some rot in places, and I have used either proprietary hardeners and fillers, or let in off cuts of wood, where appropriate (I'm no carpenter either!).
I'll get some pics up shortly.
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