Window Restoration

[Jason@API]

I have just recently stripped a 2nd lvl deck of it's old stain and the windows under the house now have water like stains that do not come off from just simple window cleaner. The stains are either Sodium Hydroxide or Exalic Acid stains.

Next time I'll put plastic over the windows.... :rolleyes3: Funny thing is, I did that for staining the deck but not stripping... Lesson learned...

What is a viable solution to restoring these windows?

[neolitic]

When you find one,
let me know.
I believe you will find
the glass is etched.

[Blue]

Probably did etch them. If you can't get it with a razor and vinegar. What kind of windows? Single pane or double? If it is the elcheapo vinyl double huns you can get an entire sash replacement fairly cheap.

[JasonW]

If they're older putty glazed windows you can replace just the pieces of glass that are affected. If they are newer windows, you'll need full sash replacements. Thats about all you can do.

Damn it! Blue beat me too it! lol

[Jason@API]

I don't know the kind of window, but it's similar to Milgard (?spelling). These are double pained and it's only the exterior window. They look to be 3'x4' in size. It's a Renaissance Home. Most likely it's etched by the Exalic Acid. I'm considering 0000 steal wool. ???

[Blue]

Ya, those are vinyl http://www.milgard.com/windows/vinyl-windows/tuscany/double-hung-window.asp

You will have to order the whole sash. You can't just replace the outside glass. On a window that size I would imagine the sahes are about 50 bucks each.

Of course waxes, compounds and such might give an acceptable result and be worth trying first. I have never tried that though. I have however had to order new vinyl sashes because of my own carelessness. Shit happens!

[bconley]

You will have to order the whole sash
With the Milgard the glass is replaceable, there is a snap in plastic piece on the outside, pry that off and the unit will be resting on small rubber blocks and held in with double sided gazing tape.
Take a putty knife and pry the glass out from the inside to get it started.
Sometimes the removable strips will be on the inside.

[neolitic]

I'm thinking steel wool
is bad medicine.
There is some kind of miracle
glass scratch remover(hider?)
you might find on the "As Seen On TV"
website.
That's about the only thing
I haven't tried.

[Jason@API]

I have a window repair guy coming out to replace one window I broke by adding too much preasure to the glass while trying to clean it. I'm getting a quote to get them all replaced but until then, I am trying to find a restoration process that could save me a few green backs...

[Jason@API]

With the Milgard the glass is replaceable, there is a snap in plastic piece on the outside, pry that off and the unit will be resting on small rubber blocks and held in with double sided gazing tape.
Take a putty knife and pry the glass out from the inside to get it started.
Sometimes the removable strips will be on the inside.

That does seem to be an option from looking at the windows. Even the HO mentioned something on that order.

[Jason@API]

I'm thinking steel wool
is bad medicine.
There is some kind of miracle
glass scratch remover(hider?)
you might find on the "As Seen On TV"
website.
That's about the only thing
I haven't tried.


0000 steal wool is used for polishing. It may not be a bad solution. I'll try it tomorrow on the glass that I broke. :grin:

[bconley]

For getting scratches out there is an aluminum oxide powder you can get from CRL (http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/showLine/default.aspx?GroupID=16469&History=15282)
real fine make a slurry, and use a felt buffing wheel.
It will take out scratches but leaves a distorted area when looking through the glass.

[Jason@API]

I used the 0000 Steal wool this morning. It worked well enough to pass HO inspection. :2thumbsup:

Whew!