Sash Window Painting

[fernicarry]

slow grown Douglas fir is competitive with hardwoods like meranti

My storm doors are meranti. Don't know how long they've been in for but not that long in the great scheme of things judging by the modernish pozi head screws on the hinges. They are rapidly taking on the consistency and structural properties of wet weetabix... Meranti has low durability for a hardwood, Douglas has high durability for a softwood. Douglas also has the advantage of not being shipped half way round the world.

 

[NecessaryWing]

Anyone got any tips to make the paint stipping easier? Are there any pro services people have used that could strip all the paint from the sashes and frames?

 

[Cubist]

No. Sadly, the best results will only be achieved through the slow, laborious removal of the old paint using chemical strippers and hand tools alone. Please do not be tempted to resort to 'dipping' services offered by some companies. The chemicals used by those outfits can do serious harm to the wood and its glued internal joints. On the plus side theres nowt wrong in using an electric plate sander on the larger flat bits provided you keep it away from the glass and any delicate wooden details.

 

[Stevers]

I use a hot air gun with shield (for the glass) to soften the paint, but not the putty as it's a bit too close to the glass. Tungsten carbide scrapers like the Bahco ones also help. Chemical paint strippers aren't what they used to be, unless you can get the sort still available to the motor trade (from a motor factor).