Tag: Glass

#13 Sash window picture frame

Transformation cost: $30.62

This window was truly a labor of love. After 10 months in my gazebo it finally got the attention it deserved but it took a very long time to remove the panes of glass, scrape away old putty and sand the woodwork. On a positive note, the multiple layers of paint that had been applied over the years offered up a rich layering effect when it was heavily distressed.
Having recently paid $$$s for a couple of professional framing jobs this transformation was well worth the effort!

The first job was to painstakingly remove the hardware, metal stripping and all 6 panes of glass.
Only 4 of the panes survived!

With the wood frame stripped of all its accessories it was time for the first good scrub with a weak soap solution to remove months of build up.

Starting with 80 grit and finishing with 220 grit sandpaper I distressed the clean frame. I wanted to keep a rustic look to the piece and didn’t intend to apply any paint so I worked to expose all the different layers of paint and some of the wood. Once I had the look I was after I gave the piece a second, final clean before sealing it with a coat of
Rust-Oleum Satin Clear Enamel.

I bought a multi-pack of matte boards with 8 x 10 openings and cut them to fit the pane openings. Two panes of glass from Ace Hardware and 6 pieces of hardboard cut by my husband rounded out my supply list for this project. I was ready to put it all together.

In each opening I secured glass, photo, matte board and hardboard using glazier points. A couple of d-ring hangers were added to the frame for hanging.

#8 Book lover’s table

Transformation cost: $27.30

Even though the flat surfaces of this piece were ugly, beveled, veneered particle board, the tapered legs and upright pieces are solid wood with some attractive detailing. I instantly knew I could make it look elegant. A fortuitous accident with a paint finish resulted in exactly the look I was hoping for; a cracked, aged finish in elegant gold & heirloom white with (in places) touches of the almost black original color.

The first step was to remove one of the pieces of particle board; to be replaced later with something much more lovely.

I removed the legs and gave everything a good clean and a light sanding.

Next I applied a coat of Kilz Complete oil-based primer, followed by Rust-Oleum metallic gold paint, followed by Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover in heirloom white satin finish.

When I applied the metallic gold paint it inexplicably wrinkled in random areas. I liked it so I left it and let it dry thoroughly before applying the top coat of heirloom white. When I went to age it with sandpaper, the wrinkling gave way to a beautiful cracked look.

To attach the new glass top to the rest of the table we would need screw holes. The glass supplier was going to charge $5 per hole so I enlisted my brilliant husband. With a spear-headed carbide drill bit, plenty of lubrication and patience he expertly made the four holes I needed.

The finishing touch was to install the new glass table top. The finished piece is a lovely, elegant table perfect for someone who wants to show off their reading collection!