Following the correct process with the right set of tools and equipment is the key to the question of “how to refinish water damaged windows.” It is not easy to maintain a window, especially when exposed to water, so you must know how to deal with it.
Try to figure out how you can do it and what ways can help you fix this kind of problem. Moreover, it is also essential to know why windows have a huge possibility to be damaged just because of water.
It is better to be aware of this to know what to do and what to avoid. It is also essential to understand and follow each step of the process to guarantee its effectiveness.
If you wish to understand more about how to refinish water damage windows, you can continue reading this article to acquire more reliable information.
Water Damaged Windows
Problems with windows, such as being exposed to moisture, are common, especially when made of wood. They contain direct water exposure from the outside and condensation on the inside.
In reality, you can notice some effects in windows once it begins to damage. Sometimes it becomes discolored or water-damaged, which we will discuss in this article to fully understand the concept.
One of the common mistakes of humans is that they believe it would be best to use a top coat of polyurethane, varnish, or shellac. When you face reality, you will know that applying all of these is wrong.
These topcoats are the origin of the problem and issues with the window. Applying this will not help because it will only cause damage to the wood instead of holding it up.
To properly refinish your water damaged windows, you must first remove the old coating, stained sash, and loose wood fiber. Remember that it is essential to remove all these components before applying the most appropriate tool.
If you are curious about the process that you may apply in a window frame, you can spend time checking out how to repair water damaged window frame to acquire more accurate information.
Steps In Refinishing Water Damaged Windows
In the process of refinishing water damaged windows, you need to consider the things you will need to make this possible. You have to know the most suitable tools for this process to make everything easy.
For your reference, some essential tools you will need are a wire brush, sandpaper, cloth, and exterior oil-based stain. To know how you can use this, you can proceed with reading this portion.
Step #1. Use a wire brush
In dealing with this, use a stiff wire brush to scrub each part, including the window sash. It is most effective when you scrub it using only the grain in parallel strokes.
Remember that this step is most helpful in removing the old finish and the loose fibers of the wood.
Step #2. Follow it with a sandpaper
After removing the loose fibers and old finish, you can now use sandpaper to finish removing all pieces of stuff you need to remove. Scrub and sand it as tough as possible, but it is still advisable to use stroke parallel.
After this procedure, use sandpaper once again. Make sure to use it until you can see a uniform color.
Step #3. Use an exterior caulk
Once you are finished with the first two steps, you can now proceed to step three. Make sure to fill all the gouges, splits, cracks, and holes using a color-match exterior caulk.
After filling up, make sure to smooth the surface of the caulk and let them dry for at least 24 hours.
Step #4. Proceed with the oil-based stain
When you are already happy with the procedures you took, you can now move forward with dipping a paintbrush into an exterior stain. You can use an oil-based stain and make sure that you can coat every area using it.
You can let them dry for 72 hours, and once done, you have to apply another set of stains. With this, let them dry for 15 minutes and wipe everything off once finished.
If, in any case, you are curious about the steps you can apply on a window sash, you can try visiting how to refinish water damaged window sash.
Tips To Consider
Listed below are the provided tips you can consider in dealing with the process of refinishing water damaged windows.
Tip #1. No to topcoat into stain
Application of topcoats in stains is not and will never be advisable. This is because this kind of stain only pushes through the material’s pores, making them hard to protect.
Tip #2. Consider the color
In this situation, you have to consider the color you will choose. If possible, choose a color that will match the existing material in your home.
Tip #3. Using paste wax
This idea is only optional, but you can try figuring it out. If you wish to have a glossy and bright effect on your window, you can try applying a coat of woodworker’s paste wax.
Conclusion
Upon reading each procedure for this process through this article, you are now aware of how to refinish water damaged windows. This is an essential factor because it can help you in various ways.
Remember that you need to know everything starting from its background, the things you need, and finally, the step-by-step process. You may also consider some tips as it is beneficial and effective.
You do not have to worry about your windows as there is a procedure you can consider. You just have to guarantee that you can follow it properly to achieve an extraordinary result.
It would also help if you were calm and patient as it required you to spend a lot of time. However, rest assured that everything will be in the proper place if you do your part correctly.