How to get external windows back to bare wood....?

[DIYNotIan]

Hi all

I want to get my wooden windows sorted before winter reaches us.... I'm not sure what's on them at the moment, whether it's paint, varnish or woodstain. But it is peeling/flaking off in places.

Is there a best method for removing and getting them back to bare wood? Would heat guns/paint stripper goo potentially damage the seals or damage the windows in any other way? And if so, what other options are there?

We want them back to bare wood because we then hope to treat them with something that will maintain their woody appearance...

Many thanks

Max

 

[DIYNotIan]

Hi guys

A bit of an update and addition....

If we cannot get it to bare wood sufficiently, or if the bare wood looks crap, then we are going to look to paint them. But if painting, do we still want to get rid of as much existing paint/stain as possible?

I've been told in the past that it is best to use paints that allow the wood/windows to breathe. Would you guys agree? And if so, how much does the removing process effect the wood's ability to breathe?

Cheers

Max

 

[libby lou lou]

Paint and varnish can peel, stain can not.


Don't go to close with the burner, you'll scorch the wood, you may be safer with a nitromoors remover. you should leave good paint in situ, only removing when the paint starts to peel as it takes years to build up a good paint base. Don't worry about the wood breathing

If you do get it really clean then a stain then varnish may be ok for you. if not, all couple coats of undercoat the two top coats should suffice.