Hello all. I wasn’t sure if i was posting correctly so i apologize for the vague question earlier. I read your forum all the time and find you all a wealth of knowledge with a little entertainment built in! I have many many question but i will try to limit to the most important few before we move in. We sold a 100 yr old New England Colonial that we finally finished fixing up for a bigger 100 yr old farmhouse (4 kids – needed more room) but this one needs even more work and we are do it yourselfers on a budget. Most of my ideas and work comes from breaktime and other forums i browse. Anyway, 1st off, this house has much original detail and i want to maintain this, but some of the windows are in bad shape. Specifically one window is rotting around the frame and the front door glass panes are exposed and almost falling out. The door is a great old double door so I would like to save it; can I reglaze this fairly simply and what product should I use? The putty and trim that holds in the glass is definately dry and crumbly, not wet and rotted.
Next, the house is fairly dark and even though you may not agree with me here I want to paint all the trim white (I did this in my old house, it came out beautiful and everyone loved it); all the rooms have nasty pastel painted plaster walls that I want to prime and paint as well. I would like to rent an airless spray painter and prime the entire thing if possible. Would like to rent one for this purpose. Thoughts on this? Is this where I should be posting my questions, or should I use a different heading by the way? I will need LOTS of help as this old house need a lot of TLC and there is a huge attached barn that need even more TLC. My husband and I have a lot to do here, but it will be worth it…someday. Thanks!
Replies
You probably have some books on such work. In your previous thread, someone recommended George Nash's Renovating Old Houses. Access such resources for ideas. Old houses present unique challenges to which we apply general techniques. The specific technique might vary from detail to detail. For example, in repairing your windows, you might use one technique on one sash and another on another. This might not be specifically helpful, but it is difficult to give more precise advice at this stage. When you get into the work, post more precise questions. We'll do what we can.
Speaking for myself, I don't think it matters much where you post. The curious examine the new threads and the incurious are watching CSI. Or Queer Eye. Or . . .
I think I see a "how do I reglaze this?" question in your post.
If so, this may answer your questions.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=35063.8
Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Edited 10/24/2003 9:53:51 AM ET by GOLDHILLER
One good resource for any old house owner is:
TITLE: Working Windows : A Guide to the Repair and Restoration of Wood Windows
by Terence Meany
ISBN: 155821707X
http://www3.addall.com/New/submitNew.cgi?query=155821707X&type=ISBN&location=10000&state=MA&dispCurr=USD
Also, weatherstripping materials from an outfit called Resource Conservation Technology can be used to make old windows and doors to perform as well as new.
http://www.conservationtechnology.com/
Edited 10/24/2003 3:40:50 PM ET by csnow
Spraying will work, and the rental units are ok. Go and get a good respirator now, before you start--you'll need it down the road in any event. Practice some place that doesn't show, to get the hang of things. Airless can let you do things you couldn't ordinarily--like masking--but you want to practice first. The rental units may or may not have real good nozzles (or adjustment of same). Another reason to practice first.
I'd stick to water clean up paint, especially for spraying. That being said, I'd hit the walls with at least a coat of Kilz to prime them. Kilz can get kind of strong in close spaces, though--but it works.
No problem with white trim, it's your house, you can pick the look. I'd recommend a semi-gloss, if only to give a more traditional look.
After you get the paint going report back on how damp is the basement, about the plumbing, or the electrical, the fun stuff . . . <grin>