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The Stages Of The Restoration |
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The Cementing Once the soldering is done, we move on to the cementing stage. The photo on the top right shows us brushing the traditional weatherproofing cement under the leaf of the lead came. The cement strengthens the window, weatherproofs it, and also coats the lead, protecting it from oxidation. This is done to both sides.
Unlike most studios in the US who have switched to premixed “putty” made from glazing compound which contains acrylic binders - BAD; we use traditional weatherproofing cement made from plaster of paris, whiting, boiled linseed oil, and turpentine. This mixture of weatherproofing cement is renewable, unlike commercial “putty”. |
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Re-installing After the weatherproofing cement has cured, its time to install the window back into its sash. Before this can be done, the sash needs to be prepared.
On a painted sash, this begins with sanding down the multiple layers of cracked and chipped paint. (bottom photo) The sash is then primed with an oil based primer to penetrate the wood, then painted with an exterior enamel.
The interior of this sash was finished wood. These are cleaned with denatured alcohol and steel wool, then we re-varnish with oil based ‘Epifanes’ sparvarnish which can always be cleaned and renewed, unlike polyurethane finishes.
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