How difficult is it to refinish a window frame?

D fuhrman
by D fuhrman
i would like to purchase an old stained glass window. the frames are usually a mess, peeling or chipped paint etc. how hard is it to take the old paint off and repaint it? i'm not very handy and could use any tips. thanks so much for your help.

  7 answers
  • Bobbie Bobbie on Sep 18, 2017

    It really depends on how you want it refinished. I scrape mine off with a paint scraper then sand it down a bit. Sometimes I will repaint with chalk paint and sometimes I just leave as is..

  • Alyssa Alyssa on Sep 18, 2017

    The easiest way to remove paint is with a chemical stripper. Citri-strip is my favorite because it doesn't have an unpleasant chemical smell and it really works. Apply the stripper, wait, and then simply scrape off the softened paint. Go back over the piece with an abrasive sponge dampened with Citri-Strip After Wash to remove any stubborn spots or stripper residue. Apply a coat of primer, and you're ready for fresh paint!

  • Michele Pappagallo Michele Pappagallo on Sep 18, 2017

    Typically most antique windows should be left as is.....the peeling, chipping paint adds to the patina and value of the piece. If you sand it off or repaint it, you may destroy the antique value of the piece. If you are not concerned with the value, just use sandpaper to sand the piece carefully, then repaint in a color you desire.

  • It is a project for sure, but a fun one too. You scrape it off, sand it off or use a stripper like Citistrip.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Sep 18, 2017

    I would wait until you strip it to decide if you want to paint or stain. I redid kitchen cupboards years ago and liked what I found under the darkened stain so much I just ended up finish coating them instead of even applying stain.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Sep 18, 2017

    I'm intrigued by the thought of the stained glass window. Did it come from a church? Will you use it in your own home, or sell it? Will you post it on Hometalk.com when you finish? I can't wait to see all the details. 😇

  • D fuhrman D fuhrman on Oct 02, 2017

    good thought. thanks for your help