Replies

1. 
   andybuildz | Jan 19, 2003 08:20am | #1

   Brian,

       Thats really a matter of taste. How is the interior trim finished? Stain and a finish works well as I did in an old house three houses ago. No peeling or ever painting again and it looked real rich and alive. No issues with paint keeping the windows stuck either, not that I'd paint them stuck closed  but......

    Personally my taste runs towards stain and a quality finish of your choice.

   If the windows are stripped and a nice quality of wood why mess with paint?

   Once again.its really a matter of taste.

   Be well

          Namaste

                   andy

   "Attachment is the strongest block to realization"
   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

2. 
   Texasrevit | Jan 19, 2003 08:40am | #2

   Brian, we just did 30 sets in an 1894 Victorian in San Antonio.  One thing I would highly suggest is using the old spring loaded weather stripping between the sash and the jamb.   This takes a lot of the play out of the windows, discourages them from sticking when it's humid and they sound much more solid when you raise and lower them.  Also .....it cuts down on the draft.   I used Durbin Metals (Cicero south of Chicago).  They offer different metals and means of attachment.  As for your question about how to finish.... I would go with what was original.   Sounds like you're already doing a thorough job so why not match the original?

   One other thing to avoid.  If you're replacing sash cords don't use nylon.  It will break down from UV in about 5 years.   Go with genuine cotton sash cord.   Ace Hardware carries it.  

3. 
   Texasrevit | Jan 19, 2003 08:43am | #3

   Rule of thumb.... if the sash are natural the jambs should be natural.  Sash painted, jambs painted.   Otherwise too much visual contrast. 

4. 
   Ragnar17 | Jan 20, 2003 05:04am | #4

   Brian,

   The parts of the jambs that are unpainted really don't see any weather, so there is no real reason to paint them.  In fact, if the tolerances are on the tight side, paint can inhibit motion, and latex paint especially will gum up and cause all sorts of problems! 

   So, at the "blind" locations that you don't see when the window is closed, I would just apply a sealant to protect the bare wood and leave it at that.  On the exposed exterior areas, prime and paint (I would use oil) and make sure you don't apply too much paint, especially in any corners. 

   When restoring double-hungs, I apply parafin wax to the edges of the sash to reduce friction, and I think the wax affords some protection to the wood as well.  As someone else said, stick with cotton sash cord, too.

   Ragnar

   
   

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   Edited 1/19/2003 9:06:57 PM ET by ragnar