Repairing A Damaged Wooden Window Frame
Should I attempt to ‘do it myself’ when repairing a damaged wooden window frame?
Of the many DIY projects undertaken by home owners, repairing a damaged wooden window frame is one that will almost certainly begin with a sense of hesitation.
The knee jerk response is to think “Best leave it to the professionals” where original wood windows and doors are concerned but this shouldn’t necessarily be the case.
In many instances a few simple applications (and some careful planning ahead) can reap incredible results and here we’ll be demonstrating just one example of how you can easily and affordably bring an original wooden window frame back to life.
What tools do I need if I’m repairing a damaged wooden window frame?
As always, having the right equipment for the job is key and with this in mind we decided to use a two-part wood repair resin and primer from 3C Sealants
The other tools you’ll need are as follows:
- masking tape – click here to buy on Sealants Online
- silicone wipes – click here to buy on Sealants Online
- plastic (or metal) spatulas – click here to buy on Sealants Online
- trimming knife – click here to buy on Sealants Online
- scraper and a chisel – click here to buy on Sealants Online
- wire wall brushes – click here to buy on Sealants Online
- small paintbrush – click here to buy on Sealants Online
- double cartridge application gun – click here to buy on Sealants Online
Preparation for repairing a damaged wooden window frame
As we started preparation to repair our wooden window frame, we realised that the damage was not only to the actual frame but also to the beading. So, to add some protection to our glass panels we decided to add some masking tape over them.
This isn’t always necessary, but we decided to err on the side of caution anyway, just in case.
Using a sharp tool like a chisel, begin by scraping away the wood from the damaged areas. This is relatively easy when the wood has decayed but you do want to take it all the way down until you find good solid dry wood.
Dusting off as you go, use the wire wool brush and really scrape away and clean those areas well.
Once you have removed all the loose damaged and decayed wood from your wooden window frame, you can give it a little sanding down.
Priming the surface prior to repairing a damaged wooden window frame
At this point you’re ready to begin mixing the 2-part wood repair resin primer. The primer from 3C comes in two parts and is easily prepared by mixing together with a 1:1 ratio, this means that you can simply mix the two parts together to activate your primer ready for use.
The damaged wooden window frame we are working on doesn’t require too much primer so instead we measured out equal amounts into a smaller container and mixed together thoroughly. Now you can simply apply to the cleaned and prepared area of the damaged wooden window frame.
Using the small paint brush, make sure that the damaged area gets a complete covering of the 2-part primer. The primer will take about 20 minutes to dry so you can grab yourself a cup of tea and prepare to mix up your 3C 2-part wood repair resin.
Extruding the 2-parts of resin (A & B) from an applicator gun
We used our double cartridge application gun to ensure the mixing ratio of 1:1 was accurate.
NOTE: This is not essential for application and either 2 x exact same guns can be used (cowboy style) or changing the cartridges and gunning out one at a time (although, with either of these methods, caution should be used to achieve a like-for-like ratio of Part & Part B of 1:1.
First, we loaded up the two tubes in the application gun and simply ejected a sufficient amount to complete our repair to the damaged areas.
Gunning (applying/extruding) the 2-parts of resin out
NOTE: When using the cartridges, it’s important not to use standard mastic sealant cartridge nozzles like standard cartridges as these bottle-neck down to a tight nib, may affect the mixing ratio of 1:1 due to the differing viscosity of each part and causes wastage when the resin(s) collects in the nozzle itself.
Instead, the best way to apply the 2-parts of the resin is to gun straight out of the cut screw tops of the cartridges.
Using a plastic board, we then mixed the two resin components (Part A & Part B) together completely using spatulas to form a paste, making sure that the mixed product is a consistent colour and it was ready for use.
You’ll have approximately 15-20 minutes to apply and shape the mixture before it starts to cure and harden.
Applying & shaping 3C 2-Part Wood Repair Resin to the damaged timber frame
Start by filling the deeper areas with the resin paste and take care to really work it into any grooves and remove any air pockets that may form.
Follow the shape from the undamaged portions of the frame to guide you.
TOP TIP: Try to clean your scrapers between each application with your silicone wipes (this will help to ensure that you achieve a clean finish with sharp edges where needed.)
How long should I leave it before sanding and finishing the repaired parts?
Once you are happy with your initial repairs, set aside and leave to dry for a minimum of eight hours.
After drying you’ll see that the 2-part repair resin is completely solid and is now ready for its final shaping and sanding.
How should I finish off repairing a damaged wooden window frame?
As above, the hardened resin should be ready to cut (if necessary), scrape and sand down. There are an abundance of tools to choose from to help shape your final repair and the key is to find the tool that is easiest for you to use whilst getting the best finish.
Luckily for us, the 2-part wood repair resin from 3C we used for our repair is hard yet flexible when fully cured and thus is incredibly easy to work with and we achieved a fantastic finish using no more than a trimming knife and even a simple kitchen vegetable peeler.
With the re-shaping done you can give your repaired areas a good sanding down to complete a smooth finish that ties the newly shaped resin areas with the original wooden structure.
Can I paint over the repaired area of the timber?
Once you’re happy that your repaired wooden window frame is suitably sanded down you can begin adding your first layer of paint. We used a chalk paint from Frenchic Paint for our window frame. We allowed 2 hours of drying time between the first and second coat and the results were spectacular.
To watch a video version of Mr DIY himself, Craig Phillips repairing a damaged old wooden window frame, simply scroll down just below on this blog and hit play or watch on Youtube by visiting the 3C Sealants YouTube channel – click here
Watch the full video of Craig Phillips repairing a damaged wooden window frame below…
3C Sealants product range
To find out more about all 3C Sealants products including the 3C 2-Part Wood Repair Resin & 3C Wood Repair Primer as featured in this blog and video, follow the links below…
Other exciting products available from 3C Sealants are as follows:
- 3C Max-Bond Adhesive 290ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Wood Repair Primer 200ml (2-Parts) – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C 2-Part Wood Repair 620ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C 2-in-1 Wood Repair 180ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Glazing Putty – 310ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Paintable Glazing Putty 290ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Quick Fill 300g – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Smooth Finish 2-in-1 – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C GP Silicone – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Multi-Use Sealant & Adhesive 290ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Multi-Use Sealant & Adhesive Crystal Clear 290ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C HM Silicone Sealant 310ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C LMT Silicone Sealant 380ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Polymer Sealant (Polysulphide Alternative) 380ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Paintable Sealant 310ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Low Mod Silicone Sealant 380ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Firestop Silicone 380ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Intumescent Acoustic Sealant 380ml – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Wipes (pack of 100) – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Wood Repair Dual Gun – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Professional Gun – click here for more info — click here to buy online
- 3C Wooden Wave Tooling Sticks (pack of 4) – click here for more info — click here to buy online
Frenchic Paint
And for any of the incredible chalk paints from Frenchic Paint simply visit…
Frenchic Shop – Buy Furniture Paint & Accessories | Frenchic (frenchicpaint.co.uk)
Watch the full video of Craig Phillips repairing a damaged rotten window frame below…
PLEASE NOTE: The recommendations and information contained within this post, are gathered from experience, trial and error of the person(s) present in the case study and are generally the personal opinions of the operative featured (Craig Phillips in this case) and further endorsed by the author of the blog (3C Sealants in this case)
Instructions for application are suggestions and/or ideas only!
When using any materials, questions regarding exact applications and specifications can be put to our Technical Team and/or the manufacturer of the product(s)
Users should always test the method intended for use before any application is undertaken and use extreme caution when mounting objects on vertical surfaces.
If you have queries or direct questions, you can contact our technical sales team Thank you.