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Antique Window – How to Refinish to create an Original Decorative Item

Have you ever wondered how to refinish an antique window to use as decor in your house?  Here’s how I did.

Even before the kitchen renovations started, my head was full of decorating ideas.

On the wall above the island, I dreamed of having shelves.  Since I love the originality as well as the process of refinishing, I wanted to revamp the old hutch from our dresser.

However, the installation of a pocket door weakened this wall, so it was no longer possible to install the heavy hutch. For a few months, I was looking for an original item that would lend a lightness to the dark kitchen.

Then, while rummaging through our treasures, my husband had the brilliant idea of ​​salvaging an antique window from our century-old house and adding a shelf to it.

How to add a Shelf to the Antique Window

To avoid weighing down the window, he opted for basswood, which is a very light wood.

Then, he gave it an aged wood look by using different tools.

Finally, we chose planter supports to attach it to the window.

Step 1: Preparing the Antique Window

First, I removed the old peeling paint with a stiff brush.

Then, I dusted it off really well using an air compressor removing the dirt accumulated in all the crevices.

Once the painter’s tape was applied, I was ready to start painting.

Step 2: Painting the Antique Window Frame

Afterwards, I used a small amount of the Cotton Ball colour diluted with a little water to thin it out (I always prefer to work small amounts at a time to not waste the paint).

Using the #10 oval brush, I applied the paint lightly and randomly in order to reveal the grayish natural wood of the window frame.

When I was finished painting, I used a damp cloth and wiped some of the paint away in some areas until I got the desired worn effect.

After the paint was completely dry, I sanded lightly with my sanding blocks to give it a worn effect .

Too much wear … no problem, add more paint!

Step 3: Painting the Shelf

Before painting the shelf, I brushed it gently with a steel brush. I sprayed a little water in some areas to bring out the grain of the wood and accentuate the aged effect.

Next, to achieve the natural grayish colour of the window, I applied one coat, Tractor Dust, all over using the #10 Oval Brush.

Before the paint dried completely, I sprayed some more water and applied a coat of the colour Cotton Ball horizontally, and then blended the two colors using my paintbrush.

Using a damp cloth I wiped in a few places to bring out the grey.

Step 4: Applying the Stencil

In addition, on the back of the window, I applied the stencil and taped it very well using the painter’s tape.  At a distance of about 12 inches, I sprayed the black spray paint, taking care to spray lightly to avoid the paint from running.

The Final Step

Finally, using the XL round wax brush, I applied the Natural Beeswax to all the surfaces and polished it using a rag (an old t-shirt).

The Final Window

I’m really proud of my husband’s brilliant idea to refinish an antique window! The window is a wonderful focal point and gives my kitchen that WOW factor.

I love styling it with the seasons. It always looks beautiful.

Refinishing and Colorantic, the perfect combination for personalized original decor ideas.

Diane Lavoie

Blogger

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