Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Eileen!   Throughtout my house I have wooden window frames that are 25+ years old and have suffered wear and tear and extra deep scratches from kitties.  I tried to sand them down with fine steel wool etc, but can't remove them.   Also there are water spots so do I need to use a remover.   Please advise.   Thank you so much.

ANSWER: Hi Michelle
Nice to hear from you.
Wish you had told me if this was clear coated wood or painted window frames.
So I'll answer for both LOL.
If the windows are paint, fill the deep scratches with wood filler, sand all the wood to be painted and paint.
If the windows are clear coated try using 120 grit paper to remove the scratches.
The water marks are a problem if this is the usual dark stained marks we see on wood windows.
I feel it would be a terrible job stripping the old finish off then bleaching these window frames.
But that is what has to be done if you want them like new again.
Personally I would consider painting...and maybe they are painted.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This does help Eileen.  They were originally stained.  Is there anything you could recommend product-wise that would help cover up the watermarks...ie MinWax, or something else.   Would I need to bleach them out?   Thanks again.  This is a fantastic service and I appreciate the quick response!

Answer
Hi again Michelle
If these where my windows, I would get a can of opaque stain and apply that.
This product is oil based and is usually used for outdoor furniture, decks picnic tables and exterior siding etc.
It comes in many colors and you can actually buy it plain and have it custom colored.
Its different than paint in that it somewhat lets the wood show but covers a multitude of sins.
And of course it won't chip off or peel as paint would..especially on windows.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen