DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

In detail: do-it-yourself repair of an old wooden window sill from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

The window sill is an integral part of the window opening. And since now PVC windows are in high priority, this part must also be made of plastic. Without this element, the interior of the room looks unfinished and uncomfortable. But with prolonged and improper use of window sills of various surfaces, this part of the window may require restoration. And we do not always know how to update and how to repair a plastic window sill if cracks and chips appear, not to mention a change in color and deformation.

Plastic is a relatively practical material. Elements made from it are distinguished by ease of care, ease of installation, a wide variety of colors and a low price. But at the same time, they are susceptible to mechanical damage and sensitive to high temperatures (they swell and can crack).

What to do if there are:

  1. Chips, cracks and scratches.
  2. Traces from flower pots and hot objects.
  3. Sun-discolored spots.
  4. Damage by chemical surface cleaning agents.

Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

The plastic surface of the window sill is susceptible to mechanical damage

In this case, the repair of plastic window sills is carried out depending on the degree of damage. For these purposes, there are special restorative agents. If these are minor damages, they are repaired with a putty, for multiple chips and cracks, a laminated film is used, and in case of serious problems, a special pad is used.

Let's break down the options for the restoration of PVC window sills into categories depending on the use of the material used.

Video (click to play).

Important! Before you repair the plastic window sill with your own hands, the surface must be cleaned of dirt, degreased with alcohol and dried.

It is known that the plastic surfaces of windows and sills are covered with an invisible or decorative film that performs a protective function. With careless handling, scuffs and yellowing are formed on it. To fix such minor defects, you can simply restore the part using laminate wax or Cosmofen's special solvent-based cleaner.

Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

Small stains and scuffs can be removed with the special Cosmofen cleaner

If the window sill has completely turned yellow, it is better to apply the composition to its entire surface. It will dissolve the yellowed top layer and the plastic will be as good as new. This completes the restoration of the window sill.

The use of a specialized mixture such as Fenoplast or Reparaturset for repairing small defects is a very popular method today. In stores, it is sold in powder form, complete with a spatula and a measuring cup. Preparing the putty according to the instructions will not be difficult. After application, such a mixture acquires properties close to PVC and easily covers up cracks, be it a crack or a scratch. Experienced specialists do not use water to dilute a two-component mixture, but a primer for deeper penetration, which contributes to obtaining a sufficiently durable coating.

Immediately after preparing the composition, you should:

  1. Apply the filler to the surface.
  2. Carefully repair the scratch and level.
  3. Wait 10-15 minutes. until completely dry.
  4. Sand with sandpaper.
  5. Polish with Fenosol S5 "UVA".

To understand how the repair of a plastic window sill with your own hands using putty will look like, you need to start from more inconspicuous places.

If you are unsure how to remove scratches from a plastic window sill, use liquid plastic. This material is absolutely indispensable for repairing deep scratches and large dents. It allows you to restore even the most neglected deformation.

Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

Liquid plastic is used to correct deep defects of the window sill.

With a ready-made composition like Cosmofen Plus, all the grooves on the plastic window sill are sealed until a flat surface is obtained. After that, you need to see how the filled cracks and the patch will differ from the general texture of the plate. Therefore, in addition, it can be pasted over with a self-adhesive decorative film.

This is a fairly simple and affordable option for restoring the surface of plastic windows with numerous defects. A wide variety of colors and a selection of assortments to imitate various textures (wood, stone, Russian pattern, etc.) make this product very popular even when the restoration of the plastic window sill is not required.

Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

Laminated foil can be used to renovate an old window sill

To use the film you should:

  1. Apply a putty mixture.
  2. Eliminate the existing bulges with sandpaper.
  3. Cut the film of the desired size with a margin of 2-3 cm at the edges.
  4. Gently spread it over the surface with a towel.
  5. Remove the formed air bubbles by piercing them with a needle and level the surface.
  6. Glue the film in hard-to-reach places with a hair dryer, which will make it more elastic.

It is easiest to do the work together, when one holds the edge of the glued film, and the other removes its inner layer.

Important! Before making repairs to window sills, it is better to disconnect this element from the window. This will allow you to more quickly and efficiently cope with the problem..

Repairing a window sill with a special overlay is suitable for elements no more than 6 cm thick. This is a fairly economical and completely simple way in terms of labor costs, when you can simply close the problematic part. For example, when the element could be swollen or badly cracked. The PVC window sill cover is made of pure polyvinyl chloride, which is durable and resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation, and allows you to get an updated interior in a matter of hours.

Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

To install it you need:

  1. Fill large damage with glue.
  2. Cut the overlay to fit the window sill.
  3. Degrease the surface and coat with glue.
  4. Place the overlay on the window sill and press down with a load.
  5. Leave to dry completely for 5-6 hours.
  6. Fill the voids between the window sill and the overlay with silicone sealant.
  7. Place the end caps on the glue.

After the plastic pads on the windowsills are stuck, the protective film is removed. White plastic pads are considered the least problematic. After gluing to the old window sill, the edge of the plate is heated with a building hairdryer and bent over its shape.

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Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

Plastic cover allows for quick repairs

Important! Heat treatment cannot be applied to laminated and glossy overlays, as they immediately lose their attractive appearance.

If all of the above methods for restoring window sills are not suitable or the plastic has swollen up a lot, and you no longer know how to repair the plastic window sill, you can try to radically get rid of the problem by completely replacing the part.

Dismantling an element requires some effort:

  1. We cut off the polyurethane foam and carefully pull the element towards ourselves, holding the slopes.
  2. We remove the vacated place from debris.
  3. Place the new plate according to the size of the old window sill.
  4. We supply with support rails.
  5. Lubricate the side of the connection of the plate with the window with silicone sealant.
  6. We install a new window sill in the connector, checking it with a level.
  7. We fill the voids with polyurethane foam, and place the load on top of the part.
  8. Remove the protective film after the foam dries.

Important! Before giving preference to PVC windows, you should pay attention to the fact that some companies give a guarantee for the replacement of the window sill in case of damage..

Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

If the window sill is badly damaged, it is recommended to replace it

Installation of PVC window sill is not such a difficult process, but it requires attention and perseverance. If you choose between replacing the plastic window sill and restoring it, then the second option, of course, is more attractive in terms of saving money, in the absence of debris and in a variety of color palettes. And if you use a plastic cover, then the list of materials from which a window sill can be made is not limited to plastic. It can be concrete, wood, brick and metal.

It turns out that the dismantling and restoration of window sills with your own hands as a whole depends on the deformation of structures, the availability of funds and free time. And in order for this detail of the interior to serve for many years, you should use it for its intended purpose and properly care for the plastic texture using tools specially designed for it.

Dear forum users!
Can you please tell me how to properly restore an old wooden window sill? I lightly sanded the window, wiped it with white spirit and painted it with white alkyd enamel, but the surface of the window sill turned out to be uneven.
So, I warmed up the window sill and peeled off all the layers of paint down to the wood, sanded it with a vibrator, but there were small grooves, chippings (some were, I added a lot while stripping off the paint), and a couple of huge ditches. How to level / putty all this before painting with alkyd enamel? do i need to be primed?

Dmitry26 wrote:
How to level / putty all this

Can small grooves and large holes (1 cm wide) be repaired with this putty? and is it necessary to primer something before / after?

Dmitry26 wrote:
Can small grooves and large holes (1 cm wide) be repaired with this putty?

It is possible, only large caverns - several times.
I have not primed anything. In general, the process of preparing the coating is written on the putty labels.

Dmitry26 wrote:
How to level / putty all this before painting with alkyd enamel? do i need to be primed?

minor defects - wood putty (or ready-made, for example
” >
or homemade from PVA glue with sawdust)
In thick layers, such putties dry for a long time and shrink with the formation of cracks - you need to either putty several times, or, for example, seal it with epoxy putty (as an option, stick a wood insert on the PVA)
Priming is optional, but thorough cleaning / dusting will be very helpful.

Dmitry26 wrote:
How to level / putty all this before painting with alkyd enamel? do i need to be primed?

iale wrote:
close up, for example, with epoxy putty

+1
primed before putty - it won't get any worse

Wood putty also shrinks in a thick layer.

And even easier - buy a plastic pad, glue it on liquid nails and not suffer.
Or buy a new plastic window sill Image - DIY repair of an old wooden window sill

Putty the windowsill yesterday. I only wanted to putty the dents, but they somehow did not get putty individually - all the same, there were irregularities. Therefore, I covered the entire window sill with a continuous layer of putty - all the dents were gone. As I understand it, this is a bad decision, as the putty can chip off over time. Therefore, now I want to sand the putty to the wood, that is, to make sure that the layer of putty is minimal - only irregularities are covered. Please advise the sequence of skins for sanding putty - skins numbers. I have had unsuccessful puttying experience when the sandpaper has completely removed the putty layer. Thank you.

During the operation of window sills, it becomes necessary to restore their original appearance. We will consider how to repair a window sill with our own hands in this article.

A window sill is an important structural component of a window that performs the following functions:

  • gives the window an aesthetic appearance, in harmony with the overall design of the room;
  • increases the thickness of the warm air gap through which heat loss is possible;
  • performs the role of collecting condensate, thereby preventing moisture leakage onto the walls;
  • the windowsill is a great place to place flowers;
  • helps to simplify the process of caring for windows, when washing or cleaning;
  • modern wide window sills are used as a sofa or table top.

The window sill performs many useful functions, but with prolonged or improper use of the window sill, its original appearance is lost, and the window sill requires restoration or replacement.

Reasons for repairing a window sill:

  • the appearance of cracks;
  • presence of scratches,
  • the appearance of traces from flower pots,
  • hitting the windowsill with hot objects,
  • surface deformation,
  • mechanical damage to the window sill.

To avoid repair or restoration of the window sill and ensure the long-term use of this item, you should check it for compliance with the requirements for a high-quality window sill before choosing a window sill:

  • the window sill must be resistant to moisture to prevent surface deformation during operation,
  • UV resistance will help to avoid fading or discoloration of the window sill,
  • resistance to mechanical damage will help to place flowers or other things on the windowsill,
  • easy care - will save time on cleaning the window sill,
  • harmlessness and environmental friendliness of materials will help maintain health and avoid allergies,
  • natural and attractive appearance will help to harmoniously fit the window sill into the design of the room.
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Depending on the type of material from which the window sill is made, there are:

  • plastic window sills,
  • wooden window sills,
  • concrete window sills,
  • stone window sills,
  • chipboard window sills.

1. Plastic window sills are the most practical and convenient to use. The advantages of installing a plastic window sill:

  • ease of care,
  • simple installation,
  • low cost,
  • variety of colors.

Disadvantages of using a plastic window sill:

  • instability against mechanical damage,
  • easily flammable,
  • the appearance of scratches,
  • fragility.

2. Wooden window sills are in good harmony with natural wood windows and give the room warmth and coziness.

  • harmlessness and environmental friendliness;
  • easy installation;
  • resistance to mechanical damage;
  • naturalness and naturalness of appearance.
  • a high level of moisture absorption leads to deformation of the window sill,
  • slight inflammation,
  • the appearance of mold and mildew,
  • high price.

3. Concrete windowsills - advantages:

  • practicality,
  • stability,
  • the ability to paint in any color,
  • strength.
  • the appearance of potholes,
  • the complexity of the restoration,
  • high moisture absorption.

Stone window sills are of two types:

  • made of artificial stone,
  • made of natural stone.

Artificial stone window sills are cheaper than natural ones. A variety of dyes help create a window sill of any shade and texture. Such window sills require special care with polishes. The artificial stone sill is heat-resistant, does not allow moisture to pass through, but is easily scratched.

Natural stone window sills are most often made from onyx, granite or marble. The most durable are granite window sills. Marble window sills have a beautiful aesthetic appearance and a variety of natural colors.

Stone window sills are a very beautiful but impractical solution.Such window sills are unstable to mechanical damage, moisture, easily get dirty and hard to wash.

4. Chipboard sills are made of moisture-resistant material, which is covered with laminate.

  • strength, rigidity,
  • resistance to mechanical stress,
  • UV resistance,
  • heat resistance,
  • variety of textures and colors,
  • ease of care.

During the operation of plastic window sills, there are often reasons for repairing the window sill.

There are two ways to repair a plastic window sill:

  • installation of a plastic nozzle on a window sill,
  • replacement of the window sill.

The overlays are installed on those window sills, the thickness of which does not exceed 60 mm. Most often, the pad is made of rigid PVC.

Advantages of installing a plastic cover:

  • saving money investments,
  • ease of installation,
  • strength,
  • fire resistance,
  • saving physical strength,
  • UV resistance,
  • moisture resistance,
  • a variety of colors will allow you to choose the overlay to match the color or texture of the window.

Pad installation tools:

1. Clean the old windowsill from dirt and dust. If there are depressions or cracks, seal them with glue.

2.Use a tape measure to measure the size of the window recess. Trim any excess lining to size.

3. Wipe the window sill with alcohol or acetone solution.

4. Apply assembly adhesive to the surface of the old window sill.

5. Place a press on the pad, such as old books.

6. Leave the sill for 4-5 hours to dry completely.

7. The crotch between the cover and the window sill should be filled with silicone.

8. To decorate the ends of the window sill, you should purchase special plugs.

9. To install the plug, measure the length of the sill and cut the required element. The plug is glued using assembly glue.

10. After installation and complete drying of the pad, remove the protective film. The repair of the plastic window sill is completed.

Replacing a plastic window sill is a long and complicated process that requires additional financial and physical investments. To replace the window sill, the wall space located near the window should be split, and therefore additional costs for wall decoration should be provided. Therefore, in the presence of small and minor damage, it is recommended to install a plastic nozzle, which will help hide all defects and give the plastic window sill an aesthetic appearance.

Wooden window sills require careful maintenance due to increased moisture absorption, therefore it is recommended to cover the wooden covering with special impregnations and varnishes every three to four years in order to extend the service life of the window sill.

If minor scratches or damages appear on the window sill during use, use the wooden window sill putty method.

The putty will help to increase the level of water resistance, strength, elasticity of the window sill.

Instructions for restoring a wooden window sill:

1.Using a special solution or a hot air gun, remove excess old paint.

2. Inspect the sill for deformation, scratches or dents.

3. If shallow damage is found, use an acrylic filler; for large dents, it is recommended to use a glass fiber filler.

4. In addition to the putty, you should purchase an impregnation and a primer that will help ensure good adhesion of the putty and wood, as well as prevent the development of mold and mildew on the surface of the windowsill.

5. The first layer is impregnation, after which you need to wait 60 minutes to apply the primer.

6. After the primer has completely dried, puttying of the surface should be started. Apply several coats of putty and smooth the surface.

7. After the putty has dried, start sanding the window sill with sandpaper.

eight.The next stage involves painting and varnishing the surface of the windowsill.

9. Paint is applied to the windowsill in an unusual way.

10. Spread plastic wrap to avoid staining the floor.

11. Pour the paint in small portions onto the windowsill so that it spreads over the entire surface without using a roller or brush.

12. Wait until the surface is completely dry. Remove small bumps or paint smudges with sandpaper.

13. Apply varnish in the same way. After drying, sand the surface.

Consider two ways to repair an old concrete window sill.

Restoration of the window sill with putty.

1. If there is paint on the windowsill, remove it with a special solution or equipment.

2. After cleaning the surface, apply a primer.

3. The next step is to putty the surface.

4. After the putty has dried, apply another coat of primer and then paint the surface.

The second method involves the restoration of a concrete window sill using cement mortar.

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1. Remove paint from the windowsill.

  • for a layer thickness of up to 3 mm, use an electric hair dryer, a gas burner or chemical solutions,
  • for a layer thickness of more than 3 mm, it is recommended to use a construction hammer.

2. The cleaned surface must be primed without fail. Pay attention to the drying time of the primer, which is indicated in the instructions.

3. Prepare a mixture that consists of fine gravel and cement 1: 1. The consistency of the mixture should be thick.

4. Place the formwork on the edge of the window sill and apply mortar.

5. After two days, sand the surface with a sander or sandpaper.

Tip: When sanding the windowsill, you should periodically water the surface with water to achieve a better result.

6. The final stage is finishing the window sill: painting or installing tiles.

For the restoration of an artificial stone window sill, there are special means, such as impregnations, gels or pastes.

To restore a stone window sill, a sander should be used to help remove minor scratches and surface roughness.

Then apply special solutions that will restore the structure of the stone.

After the solutions have completely dried, the window sill must be sanded and polished again.

To restore a window sill made of natural stone, it is better to use the services of professionals. Since natural stone is more sensitive to grinding and to the use of a variety of solutions.

Proper care of a stone window sill will help to maintain a presentable appearance of the surface for a long time. When placing flower pots, special felt substrates should be laid to prevent scratches. Avoid the appearance of moisture or hot objects on the surface of natural stone.

The reason for the repair of a laminated window sill is high humidity, which provokes deformation, surface looseness or peeling of the laminated coating.

Instructions for repairing a chipboard window sill:

1. Clean the sill and remove any pieces of wood that have come off.

2.Use a temrophene to dry the surface, and a sander or sandpaper will help to sand the damage.

3. Make a solution of sawdust and PVA glue.

4. Fill the areas formed after sanding the surface with mortar.

5. Place a press on the windowsill to ensure complete drying and prevent deformation.

6. Cover the repaired area with silicone.

7.Using assembly glue, glue the previously removed section of the laminate.