How to restore old oak window frames

Oak gives a traditional and elegant feel to your home. Read this guide to find out how you can restore oak window frames yourself.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Dust sheet
• Safety goggles
• Stripping knife
• Paint remover solvent
• Wood putty
• Putty knife
• Chisel
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint brush
• Paint

The steps to follow

Note:
Ideally, you need to check the state of your window frame annually.

1. Cover the work area with dust sheets and wear safety goggles before you start this project.
2. Use a paint stripping knife to carefully remove any flaking paint from the window frame. You can also try to strip the paint by using a paint remover solvent.
3. Check the condition of the window frame. If the frame is old and worn you will need to replace it.
4. Remove any old wood putty.
5. Re-apply new wood putty with a putty knife where necessary.
6. If you spot any rotten spots on the frame, carefully scrape them off with a chisel.
7. Fill any dents in the frame with wood putty and let it dry.
8. Smooth the surface with fine grade sandpaper.
9. Next, apply a coat of primer to the window frame.
10. Let the coat of primer dry before applying paint.

Related articles

• How to replace a rotten window frame
• How to paint wooden windows

Don't want to DIY? Get recommended glaziers for your home improvement job.