Restoring Old Windows

with linseed oil paint

A man standing on a scaffold painting the trim of a window on the exterior of a house, holding a paintbrush and a can of paint, smiling.
A man stands on a scaffold repairing a window on the side of a red wooden building. It is a sunny day with green trees and a blue sky in the background.

Windows are the eyes of the house.
They give a building its expression and character, and old glass has a unique surface and quality of light that is almost impossible to reproduce today

Tips for window renovation:

·       1. Repair rather than replace whenever possible.

·       2. Remove old paint gently to protect the wood.

·       3. Keep original glass whenever you can.

Restoring original windows preserves both beauty and history. Built to last, they can often be repaired rather than replaced. Careful renovation improves comfort and insulation while keeping the soul of the house intact.

Close-up of a paint scraper resting on a wooden surface, with newspapers underneath. The scraper is used for removing paint or finish.
An old wooden window with multiple glass panes resting on a table, with newspapers underneath.

·      4. Use traditional glazing putty and linseed oil paint so the wood can breathe.

·      5. Replace windows only when they can no longer be saved.

·. 6. Maintain regularly to extend their life.

Small, thoughtful repairs make a big difference - and keep the story of the house alive.

A house window with green trim and shutters, visible from outside a beige wooden wall, with a ladder on each side of the window.
A white-framed window with green trim on a beige wooden wall. The window has four panes with lace curtains inside. A person is taking a picture of the window in the reflection.

This guide is part of: Materials & Linseed Oil Paint→

Article in a blog: Nordic Colour Palette →

Back to: Restoring the Past →