Step by step
Start by inspecting the window frame and choose which renovation level you want to do.
I usually divide the levels into three different variations:
1. All in: Unscrew all the fittings and buy new ones. Glaze all the glass. If the glass is the wrong vintage, buy the right glass. Remove all the paint and putty and clean everything until the wood is clean. Put everything back and paint with linseed oil paint 3-4 times.
2. Half in: Remove all the fittings and put them in linseed oil soap. Scrape off all the paint. Remove all the putty. Glaze and clean the rebate. Put everything back and paint 3 times with linseed oil paint.
3. Very Good Enough:
Make sure you have a good and nice place to work whit the windows. As a workplace, I have bought two height-adjustable trestles from Ikea, as well as a simple tabletop. A simple workbench from Jula also works well.
Materials and tools:
Linseed oil paint.
Linseed oil putty.
Refined linseed oil.
Shellac.
Razor blade.
Window putty.
Chalk.
Oblique and round window brush.
Two tin cans, one for the linseed oil and one for the brushes.
Solaris Putty lamp.
Paint scraper.
Putty knife.
Glass hammer.
Pin.
Pliers.
Screwdrivers.
If the fittings are rusty and carelessly overpainted. Unscrew them and put them in linseed oil soap for a day or so. Then polish them clean. Leave the fittings that are okay to stay.
Use a Solaris Putty Lamp to heat the putty. When the putty is soft – it takes between 30 seconds and a minute – remove it with a scraper. Solaris putty lamps are available for rent. Do not use a speed heater or similar, it will shatter the glass.
Of course, you can just remove the putty carefully with a scraper. But be careful not to crack the glass. And then put in putty where it is missing. It will not be as neat as re-putting everything. But it may do for a while.
Use a Solaris Putty Lamp to heat the putty. When the putty is soft – it takes between 30 seconds and a minute – remove it with a scraper. Solaris putty lamps are available for rent. Do not use a speed heater or similar, it will shatter the glass.
Of course, you can just remove the putty carefully with a scraper. But be careful not to crack the glass. And then put in putty where it is missing. It will not be as neat as re-putting everything. But it may do for a while
Sand down sharp edges and make the surface smooth. Take the opportunity to also scrape and sand away paint between the frame.
Brush away any debris.
Clean the glass with a razor blade.
Scrape off any loose paint with a scraper. Hard paint may remain. However, not plastic paint. Sand down sharp edges and make the surface smooth.
Brush away any debris.
Oil the putty seam with refined boiled cold pressed linseed oil or shellac.
Knead the linseed oil putty in your hand for a while and place it in the rebate.
Use a putty knife to get a good angle between the glass and the edge of the rebate. Pull all the way and press into the corner.
Smooth the putty with your oiled finger.
Remove the grease stains on the glass from the linseed oil with window cleaner or chalk.
Stir the paint thoroughly.
Paint a super thin layer of linseed oil paint on the putty one to two millimeters out onto the glass. I usually paint without tape, or scrape the paint off against the glass afterwards.
Hang up the frame in place and paint two or three thin coats. Let dry for one to two days between each coat.