Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/20/2007

Question
I recently purchased 4 old stained glass windows (33" by 53").  Estimates are between 100 to 150 years old.  They have been in a dry storage shed for the past 30 to 40 years and prior to that they were external windows, probably from a church.  Each one consists of 9 panes.  The stained glass is being repaired/releaded by a professional, however I have taken on the job of refinishing the wooden frames which I believe to be pine.  All joinery is done with wooden pegs, no nails or screws involved.  The frames are fundamently sound, all stain/paint has weather/worn away, and the wood is very dry.  My plan is to sand the frame and then use a wood stain to obtain the preferred color.  However, given the age/dryness of the wood - I am wondering if there is something else that I should do as well.

Answer
Hi Bill
Nice to hear from you.
If the wood is sound, there is no need for other than you are doing.
I have worked on a few old window frames over the years, and most I see are spruce, but it will depend on where they were made as to the lumber used. I am in Canada.
And a stain is an absolute must even if you want natural wood color, get the Minwax natural stain which adds no color.
Stain penetrates far deeper than any finish and that will revitalise the wood also.
Great project and great question.
Regards
Eileen