Having wooden window frames and wooden doors in your home gives it a character and elegance that will last a lifetime, if they are well maintained. While DIY wood maintenance does require a bit of work, the rewards are instantly satisfying and will save you money in the long run.
Determine the Wood’s Finish
Wood window frames and doors usually have one of three types of finishes: varnish, sealant or oil. Varnishes are designed to act as a second skin over wood in areas with high humidity. However, when varnishes are exposed to large amounts of harmful sunlight; they will become brittle and crack.
In order to re-varnish your window frames, you will need to start by sanding the existing varnish off of your wood surface. In some areas like tight corners or crevices, this may prove to be tough so use paint thinners to remove the wood varnish in those spots. Wash the wood to remove any remaining dust and residue, allow the area to thoroughly dry, and then apply the varnish according to the instructions.
Sealants are essentially a thinned-down, solvent-based type of varnish that allows for easier maintenance. It provides the same protection to wood as varnish but requires less upkeep. To re-seal your wooden fixtures, give them a quick sanding and apply the sealant as needed.
Using oils on your wood fixtures and furniture is an old method that nourishes the wood from the inside out. Oil seals don’t have a long lifespan and can make the surface sticky if not properly thinned down. To reseal oiled wood remove and scraped off any existing oil layers, then wash the area down with mineral turpentine. Allowed the area to thoroughly dry and then apply your oil finish.
Other Sealant Options
More recently, water-based coatings have become more popular for sealing wood. They are easy to use, easy to apply and easy to maintain. Water-based seals entered the market about 10 years ago and have all but taken the place of other oil-based sealants. The down sides to water-based sealants are that they:
- cause the wood grain to rise, so a sanding is recommended between the layers
- they are more expensive
- and they have a shorter shelf life
Care Between Coatings
Properly maintaining your wooden doors and window frames in Colorado is very important, even when you’re not sealing the wood. When windows and door frames are not adequately maintained, your fixtures run higher risks of developing water damage, rot, broken seals and condensation which in time leads to skyrocketing utility bills and ultimately, costly replacements. Depending on what kind of sealant you’ll be using, it’s recommended that you apply it before the rain and snow arrive.
After all your hard work, you will want to keep your revitalized door and window frames looking new for longer by washing them regularly with mild soapy water. This will get rid of any dust and build up, but be sure to rinse the wood with clean water to remove the soapy residue, ensuring that you dry the wood afterwards. With regular TLC, your lovely wooden fixtures can continue to add value and character to your home for many years to come.
If you notice cracking or splitting of your wooden window frames, it may be time to get your windows repaired or replaced to avoid further damage or the loss of heat during the cold months. Don’t let an easy fix be ignored.