The first time I got my hands on old windows, it was the beginning of a life long obsession with glass and glazing. I have NO idea where all of this came from...I never lived in an old house that had really cool old windows, at least not until I was 23. I moved into an apartment in an old farmhouse (250 years +/-) and the windows were a mess. I wanted to paint, and I can remember not being quite sure what to do about the peeling paint on the window frames. In the end, being 23 and in a hurry, I painted over them. I cringe to think about it now. The NEXT time I experienced a curiosity about windows, it was the same farmhouse, several years later, when I moved into the other apartment. I must have been 27 then. This time, I decided that I'd do it right, whatever that meant. I'm German. I grew up hearing "if you are going to do something, do it right" and I probably felt like I had to do a better job on these windows than the ones in the first apartment. So, off I go, embarking on a long journey of trial and error. By the last window, I had it right! AND, I couldn't be stopped. (I also got lead poisoning...and ever since I have worn a very lovely mask that filters out the lead.) From there, I went on to get myself involved in other people's windows, whether they wanted me to or not. I couldn't resist the quiet plea for help that old, battered windows seem to project. And although I can clearly see the positive side of new windows, with double panes and easy cleaning advantages, I will probably never lose the desire to remove old windows from their frames; gently strip, sand and strengthen them, replace the old glazing (keeping the original glass if possible of course) and then putting them back. I think that it is the paint abuse that gets me the most worked up- you know, when people put layer after layer of paint onto the windows, or any woodwork, really. Makes me nuts. You should always take the paint OFF first, then start over. Sure, it takes hours, days, even months, to do it right. But damn, those sure are pretty windows when you're done! I have this little fantasy that if I didn't have my real life (photography, jobs, boyfriend, dogs, house payments, you know) I'd find someone old and wise who fixed old windows, and I'd apprentice with him for a few years. I'd love to work with someone who knew all sorts of tricks, and appreciated the windows like I do.
Stripped, sanded, and ready to be prepped for painting.
Stripping them is hard work. Between an array of chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools, I also used the dreaded heat gun. Not only does the heat gun vaporize lead in the paint, but it does a nice job of cracking glass if you aren't careful...
The frames/sills had to be stripped and sanded, too. Couldn't leave them the way they were!
Not quite sure what THAT look is for, but I really was enjoying myself!
2 comments:
Great! When you're through with your house, come to mine. I have old windows....
P'taker
I think the look had something to do with you being disturbed while working on the windows. Nice boots and sweat pants :)
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