I hate old window frames. The last major renovation project on the old house is to get the two old windows finished. I withstood entreaties to just have the window units replaced with new windows because I wanted to keep the original glass which is wavy and obviously old. I'm still glad I saved the windows, but my frustration with trying to remove the old paint is at a peak. A few weeks ago, when trying the third paint removal product, I noticed that the wood at the bottom was not part of the frame and was loose. Aha, I thought I can remove that wood and then at least I won't have to do paint removal on that. Yesterday, I got Pat's crowbar and removed the wood which left the bare limestone. Now I need to go to Home Depot and get some kind of masonry fill to plug in the holes. It was a good idea overall because those holes were a good place for bugs. After this I still need to finish the frames and then I can do the fun things like buy the braided rugs I've been thinking about.
Comments (8)
I've been wearing a mask and using heavy gloves.
Posted by Cynthia | August 2, 2003 6:52 AM
Posted on August 2, 2003 06:52
Since I work in a factory, I'm always thinking of the safety issues involved in any project I tackle...Weren't you concerned at all that there might be asbestos in that old paint? For your sake, I hope there isn't and that the rest of the renovation goes swimmingly. :)
Posted by Theresa | August 2, 2003 3:38 AM
Posted on August 2, 2003 03:38
I agree that would have been a good option but it would have meant dismantling the original frame and then getting someone to put the pieces of glass in a new frame. I thought my way would be cheaper (and I thought it would be pretty easy) which it is from the dollar amount. However, if we have to pay for a psychiatrist... I'm going to tackle it again tomorrow.
I did try the orange stuff and it took some of it off but I guess if you have paint from a hundred years ago, you can't expect a miracle.
Posted by Cynthia | August 1, 2003 7:13 PM
Posted on August 1, 2003 19:13
Why did you not simply install the old glass into new frames and forget about all of the paint removing? Just wondering.
Posted by Leah | August 1, 2003 2:53 PM
Posted on August 1, 2003 14:53
There is an orange smelling, orange colored product that does a rather good job. And it is relatively safe indoors.
I think it's called Citristrip.
http://www.citristrip.com/
Posted by mermu | August 1, 2003 9:45 AM
Posted on August 1, 2003 09:45
A party in Kansas is always in order whether I've done any work or not!
Posted by Cynthia | August 1, 2003 5:28 AM
Posted on August 1, 2003 05:28
Good job, Mom. I bet you have been saying some bad words of your own lately. I hope that you can get a breakthrough soon--people are going to have to sleep out there for Grama's memorial service! And I bet you'll enjoy the fun things, like the rugs, that much more knowing that the d*** windows are in your past and not still in your future.
Posted by Elizabeth | July 31, 2003 11:40 PM
Posted on July 31, 2003 23:40
Sounds like another party in Kansas is in order. So, we can see the work you have done.
Posted by Rita | July 31, 2003 7:10 PM
Posted on July 31, 2003 19:10