DIY wooden window sill repair

Window sill repair or complete replacement: what to choose

Of course, almost every one of us will say: why waste time. After all, you can take and replace the old copy with a new one and forget this question forever. Moreover, modern construction technologies offer us various options for solving this issue, starting with plastic products and ending with decorative granite window sills.

In reality, this is true, but replacing an old window sill is not always the right decision. Many people simply do not pay attention to the positive aspects that simple window sill repairs give you. Here are some of them that may prompt you to decide in favor of repair rather than a complete replacement of this part of the window unit.

Saving money is probably the most important point in any repair and construction issue. In fact, major cosmetic repairs will be much more profitable than installing a new element of the window unit.
No inconvenience from dismantling work - a planned replacement of a window sill will always be accompanied by the dismantling of the old one and, accordingly, the subsequent installation of a new one. In this case, you will not be able to avoid destruction and natural construction debris, which causes enormous inconvenience in a residential apartment or house.
Possibilities of design solutions - if you have started repairing a window unit, then with the right creative approach you can give your old window sill almost any look. Due to the huge selection of materials for decoration, a window block can be turned into a masterpiece according to your special project.

In any case, before starting such work, you need to carefully weigh everything and make the only right decision.

Preparation

First of all, surface preparation must be carried out. The point is that whether it’s a new house or a major renovation, after installing the window blocks there will probably be construction debris left that needs to be removed.

Wedges
Also at this stage it is necessary to level the surface intended for installing the window sill as much as possible. If even slight distortions are observed, they must be removed using wooden wedges. The only distortion that is allowed is a slight tilt of the window sill plane towards the room, but here we are talking about a few millimeters.

Where does the restoration of window sills begin?

The catchphrase says: the theater begins with a hanger, and any renovation work begins with preparation for it. In our case, we need to prepare all the necessary tools that we will need during the work process and, of course, related materials, without which restoration of window sills is simply impossible. Since we will be carrying out repairs on a wooden surface, we will prepare the following set of tools and materials:

A construction hair dryer is the main tool that will help you in repair work.
Sanding machine and sandpaper.
Set of spatulas.
Primer for wooden surfaces.
Paint remover.
Acrylic wood putty.
Brushes and paint roller.
Paint or other decorative elements.

Information! In order to avoid damaging the window frame or slopes during repair work, first cover these elements with masking tape, thus protecting them from damage.

How to repair a window sill yourself - step-by-step diagram

Step 1: Prepare the surface

At this stage, we will first need to remove the old paint and putty from the surface of the window sill. For this we have prepared a hair dryer and spatulas. We heat the paint, and then use a metal spatula to remove it in even strips. Once you've stripped the surface down to the wood, you'll see any additional imperfections the surface you're treating may have. It is possible that the tree could have been infected by a fungus, and the surface succumbed to the process of rotting. In this case, it is necessary to completely remove the rotting areas; if such areas are located under the window frame, then they must be removed using a chisel and preferably to the living base of the tree.

Step 2: Sand and putty the surface

After cleaning the old paint, the working surface will have significant unevenness, which we will have to remove. We will do this using a sanding machine and sandpaper. We sand the entire area mechanically; in places where the machine cannot reach, we process the surface manually. After the treatment is completed, it is necessary to remove all dust from the surface; the best assistant in this matter is a regular vacuum cleaner. The next stage of repair will be the final leveling of the window sill with putty. But do not forget, before you start applying the putty, the surface must be treated with primer. When the primer is dry, you can safely begin leveling the surface with acrylic putty. To do this, we prepared in advance a set of rubber spatulas and, accordingly, a wide metal one. First, we will use rubber spatulas and putty hard-to-reach places and joints. A rubber spatula will help fill cracks and various types of recesses with putty as efficiently as possible. Then use a wide metal spatula to level the entire surface and leave the surface until the putty is completely dry.

Step 3: Preparing the surface for finishing

So, we have almost figured out the question of how to repair the window sill, and now that the putty has completely dried, we need to once again process the window sill using the grinding method. We can use the same grinding machine, and in hard-to-reach places we can go through it manually with emery cloth. After treatment, it is recommended to clean the surface from dust and treat it with primer.

Step 4: Surface Decoration

As a rule, after sanding the putty, our surface is a finished product that is ready for fine finishing and almost all types of decor. You can paint it, and this will be the simplest type of finish. You can also use different types of self-adhesive film and give the surface the look you like, be it a granite base or a cut of oak. If you have the skills of a designer or artist, you can decorate your window sill in an elegant style that your imagination will tell you. In other words, you can do whatever you want with the finished surface, as you like.

Related article: Dill in a pot on the windowsill

A few words about repairing a concrete window sill

Today in residential and public buildings you can find such a product as a concrete window sill. Of course, initially such products were installed on a window unit based on its durability. But concrete also tends to deteriorate, and if this happens, it can be corrected by carrying out a simple set of repair work.

Typically, the main defects are spalling and chipping, which is considered a common occurrence for concrete. To ensure that the repair of a concrete window sill is of the highest quality, we recommend using fine crushed stone and cement. In this case, there is no need to add sand, since it imparts looseness to the composition and may be subject to destruction in the future. Well, we begin to carry out the work.

We prepare the surface, remove all layers and clean the chips to a solid concrete base.
Be sure to prime the working surface, removing all dust from it.
We prepare the mixture at the rate of one part fine crushed stone and one part cement, gradually adding water to the dry mixture. The consistency of the finished mixture should resemble sour cream.
We apply the prepared solution to the damaged areas and level it; if you are dealing with chips on the edges, it is recommended to install a lath as formwork and then apply the solution.
Let the solution settle and gain strength, preferably for at least two days.
After the concrete has gained strength, we grind the surface with a grinding machine using coarse sandpaper.

Do not forget that the surface being sanded is periodically watered with water. It is also recommended to use moisture-resistant sandpaper for sanding; any other will wear out quickly and will not give the desired effect.

How to restore a wooden window sill

Once we look at the window sill in our house, we begin to understand that it urgently requires repair. But at first glance, this task may seem overwhelming, requiring the acquisition of expensive building materials and special knowledge and skills.

Basically, this opinion is far from correct, since with the right approach, repairing a window sill can take only two and a half hours and no special experience is required.

This is due to the fact that our repair of the window sill in the house will be restorative and will require a small amount of available means available to everyone.

So, to make our window sill look like new again, we need to carry out only six simple steps.

Use sandpaper to remove all old paint from the window sill. This will be especially easy to do if you start with coarse-grain paper and gradually move on to finer ones.

When removing old paint from the window sill, we must simultaneously smooth out all the unevenness on it.

Using a construction shovel and putty, it is necessary to smooth out all existing dents, cracks and unevenness on the window sill.

After the putty has dried, it must be sanded again using sandpaper.

Using a vacuum cleaner or cleaning brush, you should carefully remove all dust from construction debris that has accumulated on the window sill. Then, using an alcohol or water solution, we degrease it.

If such a solution is not at hand, you can use a simple foam dishwashing detergent.

Now we begin preparatory work for painting the restored window sill. To do this, use adhesive tape or masking tape to cover the edges of the window frame, the top of the battery and the walls, all those places where paint can get. We carefully cover the floor under the window sill with oilcloth or old newspapers.

Now we have come to the most important stage in our restoration work - covering the window sill with paint. To do this, it is best to use paint in a can, which is intended by the manufacturer for surfaces with a high degree of wear.

If you don’t have such paint at hand, you can use enamel for painting cars. The paint on the restored window sill must be applied in a very thin layer.

At this stage, it is necessary to repeat the paint application procedure five to six times. If you wish, you can give the window sill the texture of old wood. To do this, you need to use a brush with delicate bristles.

That's it, we just have to wait until the paint on the windowsill dries. Now we can safely say that we managed to restore the window sill to its former freshness.

It didn't turn out to be too difficult. With a little patience, this task can be completed without difficulty.

As you can see, making repairs yourself is not that difficult. So if you are planning to completely restore the window sills in your apartment, then you can rest assured that everything will work out for you, and you will cope with this task without difficulty.

Window sill repair: methods of restoration of different surfaces

It's no secret that everything created by man is destroyed and falls into disrepair over time. The window sill is no exception. We will talk about how to repair a window sill in this article.

This process is simple and quite accessible for independent implementation. Moreover, it is very inexpensive, so you should think carefully before tearing out an old product of this type and installing a new one in its place. Repairing a window sill can be done in different ways, the choice between which depends entirely on the material of the window sill. We will talk about these methods in this publication of our Dream House website - we will not only consider the question of what methods of restoring window sills there are, but we will also study the subtleties and nuances of carrying out the work independently.

Related article: How to fix a window sill on a loggia

Do-it-yourself plastic window sill repair photo

Price

Repairing window sills is possible with your own hands, but it requires care and time. If it is carried out incorrectly, other, more significant shortcomings may appear.

If you lack time or want to do everything quickly, you can invite professionals at the highest level. Companies that provide installation and repair services for windows, balconies, and slopes will quickly restore or replace wood or PVC products and fill them with concrete. We talked about how to install a window sill on a balcony with your own hands, without turning to specialists, here, and you will find detailed instructions for installing slopes here.

The cost of the work depends on its complexity and the amount of material required. In Samara, you can install a PVC window sill board for only 600 rubles, and replacing a wooden one will cost from 900 rubles. for 1 unit. But the work of restoring window sills is not difficult. It is enough to purchase the necessary building materials and prepare the tools. After repair, the updated element will sparkle with cleanliness.

Window sill repair: restoration of wooden products

Wood is a very soft and pliable material that can be restored in almost 100% of cases. The only exceptions are those wooden window sills that have rotted and turned into dust. In all other cases, there is only one obstacle in the process of window sill restoration - a large number of layers of paint that will definitely have to be removed. This is the first stage of work related to solving the question of how to repair a wooden window sill with your own hands? There are several ways to remove old paint from a wooden surface.

Chemically - here you will need a remover for old paint. It is applied to the surface of the window sill and after a few minutes the paint bubbles, after which it can be removed with a spatula. This option has a lot of disadvantages. Firstly, the remover is very toxic. Secondly, each layer of paint will have to be processed separately.
Temperature. The paint is heated to a high temperature using a hair dryer, after which it becomes soft and pliable for removal with a spatula. This option has only one drawback - the length of the process.
Mechanical method, which involves the use of a grinding machine. Just like the previous option, it has several disadvantages. Firstly, the machine is not able to remove the paint in the corners and along the window - here you will have to peel it off with your hands. Secondly, you can go broke on abrasive material. Thirdly, this is a very dirty process.

Wooden window sill repair photo

Alternatively, if the wooden window sill can be carefully dismantled, the old paint can be burned using a blowtorch or autogen - naturally, this should not be done in an apartment, since the volatile remains of burnt paint are very toxic.

You don’t have to worry about completely removing paint from a wooden window sill - this option is acceptable when the product will be painted again. In this case, the surface of the window sill will only need to be sanded to remove sagging old paint.

After such preliminary preparation, the old wooden window sill will need to be puttied to remove various kinds of cavities, potholes and large scratches, then remove dust from it and treat the surface with a degreasing compound (solvent) and only then apply a new coat of paint. It should be noted right away that this is best done with a roller and not in one layer - at a minimum, painting should be done in two layers, each of which should dry thoroughly within several days.

Features of painting surfaces made of natural materials

It is not recommended to paint a window sill made of natural materials - wood or concrete - over the previous paint, as it could peel, swell, or crack under the influence of water and temperature changes. Therefore, the surface is first prepared for a new coating, and only then painted.

The process of restoring a window sill from natural materials consists of the following stages.

Removing old paint

This can be done in several ways. When carrying out work, it is necessary to ventilate the room well, since each of the methods is toxic:

Using a special remover, under the influence of which the paint becomes soft, like plasticine, then it is removed using a spatula (this method is suitable for wood concrete surfaces).
Using a construction hair dryer, which softens the previous coating, after which it can be easily removed with a spatula (this method is suitable for wooden coatings).
Using sanding paper: first sand the paint with coarse sandpaper, then use medium sandpaper, and finish with fine sandpaper. This method allows you not only to remove the coating, but also to level the surface of any material.

Puttying irregularities

If there are holes or cracks, they must be filled with putty. To do this, first the surface is dusted, primed, then the putty is directly applied using a spatula. After complete drying, the putty is sanded with fine sheets of sandpaper until perfectly smooth.

Protection of surfaces adjacent to the window sill

To keep the window frame clean, you need to cover it with masking tape. In addition, cover the floor with newspapers or film.

Coloring

To make the surface smooth, the paint is poured out in an even layer approximately 2-3 mm thick, then it is leveled with smooth movements using a spatula.

Do-it-yourself window sill repair: restoration of the concrete surface

Now such window sills are practically no longer used - they were in use during the Soviet Union and we can say that since then they have already sunk into oblivion. Nevertheless, they are still found in old houses and apartments and attract people with their strength and durability. In a good way, such products need to be changed, but if there is such a need, then they can be restored. This is done in a very interesting way.

To begin with, as in the case of a wooden window sill, it is necessary to carry out a series of preparatory work - that is, remove the paint that falls off over time in layers, sand the paint that adheres well and, of course, fill up all large potholes and cavities. You don’t have to bother too much with minor damage - they are not a hindrance. After the putty has dried, the old concrete window sill needs to be sanded again, then cleaned of dust and degreased with a solvent.
The second stage of work related to solving the issue of restoration of a concrete window sill is the installation of some semblance of formwork - it is necessary in order to keep the paint from flowing off the window sill. It is best to use masking tape as formwork - for rigidity it is better to stick it in three or even four layers. You should not raise it too high above the plane of the window sill, as this will result in loss of rigidity. Five millimeters will be enough.
Next comes the most interesting part. Take a can of paint (nitro enamel or oil), mix it well and simply pour it onto the windowsill. You will have to help a little with a spatula - the paint needs to be distributed in a more or less even layer. Do not smooth it, but simply push it in the right direction - in general, it should spread on its own. Only with this formulation of the question will its upper surface be perfectly smooth and, most importantly, glossy. Don't believe me? You can simply pour a large drop of paint onto the plywood and let it dry completely - you will be surprised how perfect and beautiful the stain will be.

Window sill repair photo

Naturally, a thick layer of paint will take quite a long time to dry - during this time you shouldn’t even touch it with your finger, as you will get an unsightly mark. The entire drying process, depending on the weather in the house, can take up to two weeks. After this, the masking tape formwork can be removed and the front edge of the window sill can be worked on. Unfortunately, it won’t be possible to paint it using the pouring method. Therefore, here you will have to carefully work with a brush or roller.

By and large, in this way you can even create a newfangled 3D surface of a window sill - naturally, for this you need to use not paint, but high-quality polyurethane varnish, under the layer of which you will need to lay a pre-prepared sticker with three-dimensional printing. And one more thing - you can paint this way not only a concrete window sill, but also a wooden one, and even a plastic one. In principle, the latest products of this type have their own method of carrying out repair and restoration work.

Old concrete window sill photo

Dimensions, parameters, installation time

There is a certain list of recommendations that are followed when selecting, installing and replacing this element of the window unit:

Height above the floor surface. This is the only parameter that cannot be changed - the position is determined by the stand profile. But you can correct the position of the battery if it is positioned incorrectly. The distance from the radiator to the bottom of the window sill panel must be at least 50 mm. And if this is not the case, the battery must be lowered lower, but not closer than 100 mm from the floor surface. Such gaps provide the most favorable conditions for natural convection.
Width. This size is determined by the depth of the window opening. More precisely, that part of it that is located indoors relative to the stand profile. As a rule, the width of the window sill panel is chosen such that its edge does not protrude beyond the surface of the wall (along with the finishing) by more than 50 mm. This is due to the peculiarities of convection of warm air from the battery during the heating period. And if there is a need for a wide window sill, then it is necessary to provide for inserting a decorative grille into it.
Length. Typically, the installed product extends into the wall of the opening by 30-50 mm relative to the surface of the slope facing. If this is a balcony block, then the overhang in the area of the door is about 15-25 mm (taking into account the angle of dawn, this distance is approximately equal to 50-60 mm along the edge of the balcony door opening).

It is better when the replacement of the window sill takes place during a cosmetic renovation (during a major renovation, the frames are also changed). And they do this at the last moment, before finishing, when the main “dirty” work is completed - a base layer of plaster is applied or the wall cladding frame is covered with plasterboard (lining). At this time, the risk of damaging the surface is lower.

Repairing a plastic window sill with your own hands: a ready-made overlay to help

Eliminating scratches, sealing cracks, and even more so masking chips on the smooth surface of a plastic window sill is not only a thankless task, but almost impossible. You can, of course, somehow patch it up, grease it, glue it, but this will not last long and is completely unaesthetic. PVC window sill repair is carried out exclusively in two ways, each of which is acceptable in a certain situation.

Painting. This option is only suitable for minor damage and can only remove abrasions and minor scratches. For self-repair, this is the easiest way, for which a simple can of spray paint will do. The surface of the window sill must be cleaned of dust and dirt, degreased and painted with paint in several layers - you can determine how much exactly by yourself based on the condition of the surface.
Window sill cover. Allows you to eliminate almost any damage on the window sill - in some ways, this repair method can be compared to the technology of restoring the enamel of an old bathtub using the liner method. Here it’s practically the same, only instead of a liner an overlay is used, and instead of a special foam for gluing, glue is used - even Moment in tubes will do, although it is best to use the adhesive composition recommended by the manufacturer of the overlay. The most difficult thing in this work is to correctly and, most importantly, accurately trim the trim to the dimensions of the window sill.

Window sill trim photo

In principle, these are all the possibilities associated with repairing plastic window sills with your own hands. Naturally, there may be other options - for example, if we are talking about a small hole, then it can be filled with something (for example, polyurethane foam), and then filled with paint, which, in turn, can be sanded after drying.

This concerns the solution to the question of how to repair a window sill made from standard materials. You understand that in addition to concrete, wooden and plastic products of this type, people also install other window sills. Often, modern houses use window sills made of artificial stone, laminated chipboard and even natural stone. Naturally, the technology for repairing such window sills will differ from the methods described above. For example, for artificial stone, or rather for restoring its damaged areas, the technology of polishing or installing a patch from the same material is used. In general, every case is different, and you need to understand this.

Why is it better to stop at a tree?

To understand why wood does not lose its relevance, you need to consider several unique properties of this material. For example, a wooden window sill will be reliable and practical. The second plus is environmental safety, thanks to which such window sills can be safely installed in a child’s room, and if you suffer from allergies, then this is the best option for you.

Wood is also resistant to various external influences - temperature changes, humidity, mechanical shocks and “chemicals” (if we are talking about the cleaning products used). Don’t forget about aesthetics - wood looks stylish compared to plastic, while there is a pleasing variety of window sills in design, shape and even color, so you can easily choose the option that suits you.

How to properly restore an old wooden window sill

The window sill is not used very intensively without special loads. Usually, it is defined as a stand for flowerpots. However, in some cases, it still becomes unsuitable over time and begins to need restoration. It is not difficult to restore an old wooden window sill, since it has a simple shape. But such work will require some time and effort.

First of all, the window sill that needs restoration must be freed of varnish or paint. Old materials must be removed completely, right down to the wood. This can be achieved in different ways. For example, professional workers use a hair dryer for these purposes. Hot air quickly heats up the layer of old paint, after which it begins to soften, bubble, crack and fly off almost on its own. Of course, she needs to help with a scraper or spatula, but this will be much easier. You can also use a blowtorch for the same purpose.

If you can’t get a special tool for the job, you can use a solvent. The main thing is to choose a solvent that is exactly suitable for the type of paint that covers the window sill. As a last resort, they buy a universal paint remover, which, although not as effective as a special one, still allows you to cope with the task quite easily.

When the paint is removed, the window sill is carefully sanded. Since the window sill area is not very large, this work can be done manually. But if possible, of course, it is better to use a power tool. After this, the window sill is inspected for various types of defects. If there are not very many of them, then they are simply filled with good putty, and then sanded again. If the wooden window sill is completely bad and has many flaws, this tactic will not be effective. It is better not to deal with each defect individually, but to cover the window sill with high-quality wood putty completely and over the entire area. Sections should not be skipped. Using a convenient metal spatula, the putty is pressed forcefully onto the surface and literally rubbed into it. The layer can be made thin. The main thing is that the entire window sill is completely covered with putty. Two days later, when the putty on the window sill has already dried well, it is sanded. Again, you need to sand the entire area of the window sill.

In the process, you need to remove all the previously applied putty and reach the wood itself, which is hidden under it. This method of restoring a window sill works great even in situations where it initially looks very bad.

Now the window sill can be either covered with stain or primer. It depends on which finishing method is chosen. If you want to varnish the window sill, then you need to use stain. If you paint, use a primer. The primer can be completely replaced with drying oil. As for painting, it is important to rub and smear the paint vigorously, and not to spread it sluggishly. In this case, it is better if there is not one layer of paint, but several thin ones. Of course, you need to buy good quality paint, because almost everything depends on the quality of the material. The same goes for varnish. This is how you can restore a wooden window sill, which has a large number of flaws, which it is not possible to deal with individually. There is nothing special about such restoration work, and any beginner can handle it.

Paint selection

Before starting restoration, it is important to consider various paint options and understand how to paint a plastic window sill and surfaces made of natural materials.

For natural materials it is better to use the following types of paints:

Alkyd enamel. It is characterized by durability, elasticity, water resistance, dries quickly, does not lose its color, does not turn yellow.
Acrylic. , easy to apply, dries quickly, is “breathable” (that is, allows air to pass through), strong, durable.

For a PVC window sill it is better to choose the following paint:

Aerosol for car plastic. Applies evenly and can be used in several layers. It is characterized by durability, strength, and has a rich range of colors, so you can easily choose the right option.
Polyurethane or alkyd-urethane. They are resistant to damage (do not wear out or scratch), tolerate temperature changes well, can withstand heavy loads, and come in a variety of colors.