Recently, I teamed up with Melanie from Glaze Craft Windows to dive into her step-by-step technique for stripping paint and glaze from a historic window sash’s key areas: the flats, muntins, rabbets, and interior profiles. Along the way, we highlight the importance of old-growth wood and its role in preservation.
Melanie’s technique starts with the exterior flats, moves to the rabbets, and progresses to the interior profiles, flats, and corners, finishing with thorough sanding. It’s a methodical approach that ensures both functionality and historic charm are preserved.
You can also find more detailed guides on how to strip a historic window sash on my Wood Window Restoration Course here: Wood Window Restoration Master Course
Meet Mitch and Melanie
- Mitch, creator of Low Budget Window Restoration, offers online courses that make restoring wood and steel windows simple and affordable for DIY enthusiasts. Learn more at lowbudgetwindowrestoration.com.
- Melanie, owner of Glaze Craft Windows, specializes in restoring pre-1945 wood windows using eco-friendly methods and traditional craftsmanship in the Mid-Atlantic region (including the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area). Visit glazecraftwindows.com to explore her services.
Follow Us on Instagram
- Mitch: @onlinewindowrestorationguide
- Melanie: @glazecraftwindows
FAQs on Window Restoration
- What is a Rabbet? It’s the groove in the sash where the glass sits snugly, secured with glazing putty. Cleaning and prepping the rabbet is essential for restoration.
- What is an Interior Profile? The decorative inner edge of the sash frame that adds character to older windows. It’s often preserved during restoration to maintain the window’s charm.
- What are the Flats? These are the flat surfaces of the sash, typically the easiest to strip and prep.
For more detailed guidance, check out our video and explore Mitch’s online courses for step-by-step instructions on mastering historic window restoration.
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