"Before"

One of two windows restored as part of the project. Note broken sash cord.

Bottom sash on the easel

Each individual sash measures 46" tall and 42" wide... my standard repair easel was just big enough.

"Before" detail

In this image you are able to see the built up paint layers as well as the overall condition of the paint. Note how the two wooden pins that bind each mortise and tenon joint sit slightly proud of the surface. Through changes in humidity these pins will move in and out despite the built up paint.

"Before" Detail: Interior

Here we see the build up of spilled over paint on the bottom rail of the lower sash. This build up as, as well as the build up on the underside of  this rail will cause improper closing and will not permit the "meeting rails" from meeting.

"Before" Detail: Exterior

In this image we see the dirt that has built up on the putty at the exterior as well as some of the deterioration of that putty.

"Before" Detail: Exterior

Another image showing the complete failure of the aged glazing putty.

A Fully Stripped Sash

After some time in the steam-box followed by paint removal, one sash is completely stripped of all paint (interior and exterior) and is ready for any needed repair.

A Fully Stripped Sash: Detail

A Fully Stripped Sash: Detail

Here again we see the wooden pins that bind the joints together.

GLASS!!

Here's a milk crate full of historic window glass, cleaned, scraped and ready for reglazing.

Reglazing: Shellaced Rabbets

"Shellaced Rabbets"... always makes me think of a late 90's indie pop band. Regardless, the glazing rabbets on this set of sash have been coated with shellac in order to prevent the dry wood from wicking about the linseed oil in the glazing putty. They are now ready for reglazing.

Reglazing

Interior view following reglazing.

Reglazing: Detail

Closer view of reglazed sash.

Repainted Sash

Repainted Sash

Repainted Sash: Detail

The top sash of these windows include a steel lift socket designed to accept a hook-like device attached to a long pole that was used to raise and lower the upper sash. On windows like these that measure over 8' tall from the floor, this added bit of hardware is invaluable.

Hardware

This project required a custom finish to the new hardware. The desired look was "aged brass". When finding pre-finished brass that met this desire we researched aging techniques for brass and took the DIY route. Hardware was purchased "un-lacquered" and then a custom patinazation tank was created. This tank (a thick plastic honey jar) with a platform on screws was filled at the bottom with ammonia. The hardware bits were placed on the platform, the lid closed tightly and the pieces left to sit. Trial and error proved that overnight in the tank created a perfect "aged brass" look. (The bits in the tank in this image are the stop bead adjustors prior at the start of patinazation.)

Hardware

A detail shot of the oversized solid brass sash locks prior to patinazation.

Hardware

This image shows the "after" effect of the ammonia tank. A nice deep color was achieved.

"After": The Finished Product

Here we see a completed window following reinstallation. Note the stop bead adjustors applied to the interior stop.

"After": The Finished Product

Closer look at the finished and reinstalled window. Here we see the new sash chain as well as the stop bead adjustors.

"After": The Finished Product

Another view of the finished window.

"After": The Finished Product