DIY Network

1915 Row-House Restoration: Resurrecting Old Transoms From "Restoration Realities" episode DRTR-204

Inside this historic 1915 home, homeowner Amanda Pike has discovered that some of the doors have transom windows that have been painted over and painted shut. The transoms are so concealed by paint that it's no longer possible to tell whether they still have their original glass underneath or whether the glass has been replaced by wood panels. Either way, Amanda would like to restore the transoms to their original working condition--complete with glass panels.

Equipped with a specialized paint removal tool that uses heat to loosen old paint, Amanda's friend Nicole takes on this interior restoration project.

Chris and Nicole at work restoring the transom.

The transom, with old paint removed and new glass installed.

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	The transom, before...
	...and after.

Project #2: Restoring a Transom

In order to find out the extent of the repair, the first step is to remove the paint. Following is a list of materials and basic outline of the steps in the repair of a transom. For multiple transoms, simply repeat the steps as needed.

Materials:

1 gallon window glazing compound
1 tube of latex glazing compound
interior oil-based primer
paint thinner or mineral spirits
gallon buckets (2)
rags
glaziers push points

Tools:

Eco-Strip® Speedheater® paint removal system
carbide paint scrapers
six foot ladder
drop cloths
saw horses
glazing knife

Estimated time for stripping and repair: 5 hours.

Steps:

• Begin by using a utility knife to free the joint around the transom frame (figure A).

• Using a plastic headed mallet, begin tapping the transom frame until the pivot is restored.

• Remove the paint from around the pivot pins, and pull forward to release the transom (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Prepare the transom for paint removal using the Speedheater® (figure C)

• Use carbide paint scrapers to strip all the loosened paint and glazing from the window (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Carefully remove the glass (figure E) and the push pins.

• Re-prime or prep the stripped wood for finish.

• Using latex back bedding, replace the glass in the transom (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• Secure the glass with glazing points every six to eight inches (figure G).

• Re-glaze the whole unit (figure H).

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  	Figure I
  	Figure J

• Reinstall the transom window (figures I and J).

RESOURCES :

Selecting and Renovating an Old House: A Complete Guide
Author: United States Department of Agriculture
July 2000
Publisher: Dover Publications
ISBN: 0486409562
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Renovating and Restyling Older Homes: The Professional's Guide to Maximum Value Remodeling
Author: Lawrence Dworin
Publisher: Craftsman Book Company
ISBN: 1572180293
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes
Author: George Nash
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561585351
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Speedheater 1100® infrared paint remover
from Eco-Strip®
Website: www.eco-strip.com