Old Window Makeover

Vintage windows can be a great statement decor piece…especially when you do an old window makeover like this one!

We are thrilled to have our monthly contributor Christina from Christinia Faye Repurposed back with us today.  And, if you love farmhouse style, and repurposing, she is your gal!!!!  I mean did you see this Upcycled Chip Paintbrush Wreath or the Farmhouse Thrift Store Tray Makeover she did?  Awesome, right?

Let’s see what Christina is up to with this old window makeover tutorial because old windows are easy to come by in most areas (and some just lying on the side of the road)…

It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it will be.

Happy 2020!  It’s great to be back at Salvage Sister and Mister again, sharing another DIY project with you!

I recently found a set of old wood windows that were different shapes and sizes for sale.  The price was $30.00 for 12, so I couldn’t resist. Wood windows are so versatile and can be used in so many DIY projects!  I never pass them up.

I chose one of the smaller windows for my project today.  Isn’t it a cutie?

WINDOW MAKEOVER SUPPLIES

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• Old Wood Window
• Waverly Chalk Acrylic Paint in Plaster
• Minwax Polycrylic Water Based Spray
• Minwax Stain in English Chestnut
• SALVAGED Wood Scraps
• 220-Grit Sandpaper
• Self-Adhesive Butterflies (idea – use seasonal ones and change them out based on the holiday)
• Finishing Nails

PREPPING WINDOW

• First, I decided the window needed a fresh paint job.  The yellow was faded and cracking. 
• My Hubs was kind enough to remove the metal stripping that was on the backside of the window.

• Here is a picture showing after it is removed.  This would allow the back to be flush against the wall for hanging…

• I then lightly sanded the window to scruff it up a bit using a piece of 220-grit sandpaper.

WINDOW PAINT PROCESS

After I removed the sanding dust, a tack cloth works great for that, I applied the paint.  It only took one coat of paint.

ADDING RUSTIC BACK

1. While the window dried, I began to work on the back portion.  The glass was missing, and I needed something to attach the butterflies to.  I salvaged through my husbands’ wood stash and found a few scrap pieces of rough-cut pine.
2. First, the back of the window was measured to find the length my pieces needed to be to fit horizontally.  Each piece was cut to 24”. The strips were 3” wide, so I needed 4, but I had to cut one smaller to fill the gap.  It was cut to 24” long x 1” wide.
3. The wood pieces were sanded using 220-grit sandpaper, to smooth.
4. After the sanding dust was removed, I applied one coat of the stain to each board. I then applied the stain with a chip brush and used a lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess stain.
5. The stained wood pieces were set aside to dry overnight.  (The humidity here has been ridiculous, therefore calling for longer drying times)  Before I attached the wood to the back of the window, I used the 220-grit sandpaper to distress the window.  I wanted some of the original wood to peek through.
6. The wood strips were attached to the back using small finishing nails. I added one nail in each corner at each end of the wood piece.
7. A wall hanger was added to the back.
8. Finally, the entire window was sprayed with Minwax Polycrylic to seal.  After it dried, it was time to attach the butterflies.

ATTACHING BUTTERFLIES

The butterflies came with self-adhesive tabs.  I used these to attach the butterflies to the wood.  I will probably come back and use hot glue, so they have a more durable adhesion. Feel free to add what you like or leave it plain.

And it’s ready to go…

This window can be used in any room in the house!  It is rustic, yet feminine. I hope this encourages you to try your hand upcycling an old window.  They can even be used “as is” if you like the original patina (just clean them up a bit)!

MORE MAKEOVER GOODNESS

Before you go, here are a few more posts we think you will enjoy:

• Hey Boo Boo -A Thrifted Picnic Basket Makeover
• DIY Thrift Store Sign Makeover -Farmhouse Style
• One Room Challenge  Yard Sale Chair Makeover

Thank you for stopping by today.  Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home and life.  If you enjoyed this old window makeover project, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.