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Hi all. Im now up to restoring colonial windows that with badly damaged timber. Where should i start? What type of putty is best for this situation?
For colonial windows of this age, the putty is usually a linseed-based type @miraperry, which does make DIY work a bit tricky. The inside putty can be patched, but it’s hard to get it perfectly smooth. Most DIY results look similar to what you already have. On the outside, it looks like a lot of the putty has deteriorated and would need to be chipped away carefully. Always wear safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves, trousers, and enclosed shoes when working around glass.
Regarding the timber, from the photos, it looks like the wood has significant decay under the paint. Sanding back will let you see whether there’s any solid timber left, but I suspect much of it is beyond repair. While you might extend the windows’ life a few years by removing loose paint, sanding, repainting, and patching, realistically, the timber may need to be replaced. For serious repair, especially the outside putty and any timber replacement, a glazing or restoration professional is usually the safest option.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
