DIY! Saving an Old Wood Window

 Where I live there are an abundance of fabulous old Victorian homes with amazing woodwork. Fortunately, a large majority of those homes are being restored - this is definitely an area where people value their history and architecture. Unfortunately for me {for purely selfish reasons} I cannot seem to find an old wood window anywhere...until recently...I found 4 great old wood windows at the dump! They were a few bucks a piece, and, no, they are not Victorian, but they are wood!

I was thrilled. So many ideas…but for now this one!

Saved Window
Click HERE for a PDF tutorial

Supplies

* Old wood window

* Gorilla Wood Glue
* Vintage image. I used this ONE from The Graphics Fairy. 

*DecoArt Acrylic paint (for all over or touch ups). I used Americana Bleached Sand.
*Deft Semi Gloss Wood Finish Spray from Rockler.
*DISChangers - I used two 2" DISChangers...view their product chart to determine what you will need
*Dremel Multi-Max {How much do I love my Dremel?!!!} or sand paper

*Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper (squeegee, fixative, mounting fluid). Your preparation will vary depending on the brand of the decal paper

DIY IT!

1. My window was falling apart. I cleaned it up - I purposefully did not sand away or cover up the nicks and dings - and carefully used Gorilla Wood Glue to solidify the joints by gluing the window back together. Let dry.

2. If necessary  - or desired - hit the spots that are bare {if any} with paint in desired colors. My window happened to already be painted in a buttery ivory color, but there were a number of places that needed some paint. I Used DecoArt's American Acrylic Paint in Bleached Sand to put a light coat all over the window. I left a lot of the “old” there.

3. After the new paint is dry, use the Dremel {or sand paper} to distress the new paint.
4. Cover window glass and spray the wood frame with the Deft Wood Finish.

5. Print vintage image onto waterslide decal paper (using glossy setting for paper). Follow manufacturers directions (mine are as follows)

* Let ink dry for 60 minutes.

* Spray with fixative and let dry at least one hour.

* After dry, cut closely around image.

* Prepare lukewarm water in a dish large enough to submerge decal.

* Place image in water…as it curls up, gently uncurl it.

* Let sit for 30-60 seconds or so.

* Remove from water and place on window by gently holding decal in position and sliding backing away.

* Use squeegee to GENTLY remove excess water and air bubbles.

* Let dry.** The edge of the decal will dry almost invisible.
 6. I used 2 - 2" DISChangers, one on each corner, to hang my pretty window

NOTE #!: I cannot actually show you it hanging right now...it is part of a redo of my living room wall...so you just need to wait another week or so for the final reveal! There is one {or twelve} more window project that goes along with this!

**NOTE #2: I rubbed a little hard {gentle is not always in my vocabulary} when I squeegeed my water out and some of the decal ink rubbed off. Honestly I did not mind it...IT made it look old...which was the point anyway!

 
DISCLOSURE: As part of The DIY Club, I have been supplied with vendor sponsored products to complete my projects. The opinions are projects are my own. See, my disclosure policy for more information.