The Five Pillars of Window Craft: A New Standard for Historic Window Restoration
- Steve Quillian
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
When it comes to saving historic windows, most people focus on quick fixes: patching rot, slapping on paint, or swapping in replacements that don’t belong. But true window restoration—the kind that preserves history and beauty for generations—takes something more.
It takes a system.
At Wood Window Makeover, we don’t just repair windows. We follow a time-tested process we call The Five Pillars of Window Craft.
It’s a simple, powerful framework that guides everything we do—and it’s setting a new standard for the future of historic preservation.
Here’s what makes it different.
1. M2P: Mechanics to Primed Frame
We always start with the function of the window, not the cosmetics.
Before as anything gets sanded or painted, we free stuck sash, repair broken pulleys and ropes, and fix damaged frames. We make the window work again.
Only then do we protect it with a layer of oil-based primer.
You wouldn’t paint a broken car. Why paint a broken window?
2. S2G: Stripped to Glazed Sash
Once the mechanics are right, we turn to the sash—the part that holds the glass.
We strip away decades of old paint and putty, repair the wood, and reglaze with fresh putty and carefully cut glass.
This stage isn’t rushed; it’s where craftsmanship shines.
Beauty and function are rebuilt at the same time.
3. G2F: Glazed to Finished Sash
When the sash is repaired and reglazed, it’s time for finishing.
We hand-apply paint without shortcuts like painter’s tape, using techniques that prioritize protection over appearance alone. The right finish locks out water and sun damage, ensuring decades of new life.
Good painting isn’t about looks first—it’s about defense.
4. P2F: Primed to Finished Frame
Once the sash is protected, we turn back to the frame.
We prep every surface carefully, address any imperfections, and paint for maximum durability. Inside and out, every inch of the frame matters—because historic wood windows survive or fail depending on their defenses against the elements.
The frame is the battleground between preservation and decay.
5. A&T: Assembled and Tuned
Finally, we bring everything back together.
The restored sash is reunited with the repaired frame. Hardware is installed, movement is tuned, and the window is tested until it works smoothly and securely.
A window isn’t truly restored until it moves with ease and grace.
Why the Five Pillars Matter
Many programs talk about restoring windows.
Few teach the whole system.
The Five Pillars of Window Craft offer something better than patchwork solutions:
They offer a complete, logical path from failure to full restoration.
By learning the Five Pillars, artisans, homeowners, and preservationists alike can finally address the real needs of America’s Historic House Communities—restoring windows the way they were meant to be, with skill, care, and respect for the past.
Ready to learn the Five Pillars yourself?
Join us for an upcoming workshop, where you’ll experience the full system firsthand.
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