how to repair interior window trim

^{Trim Repair: How to Fix and Revive Trim}

1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Soften old paint along the edges of trim and stained baseboards with alcohol. ...
2. Scrape and sand badly damaged areas. Scrape away badly weathered finish. A carbide paint scraper removes the old finish much faster than sandpaper.
3. Roughen the finish and fill small holes. Rub the wood with an abrasive pad to create a slightly roughened surface for the new finish. ...
4. Apply stain to hide dings and scratches. Hide scratches, chips and worn away finish with a fresh dose of stain. ...
5. Apply the fresh finish. Restore the shine with a fresh coat of polyurethane. Wipe on poly gives you a faster, smoother finish with less mess than brush-on poly.

How do you trim an exterior window?

• Flat window trim looks exactly how it sounds. This is a simple, inexpensive and timeless choice for interior window trim.
• Colonial window trim is still inconspicuous and refined, but has more detail than flat trim. ...
• Fluted window trim features straight, uniform lines. ...
• Ranch window trim is similar to flat trim, but with a curved or angled face.

How to replace exterior window trim?

Measuring tape for… I don’t need to explain this, right?

• Drill / Driver for screwing the trim to the house. ...
• Pry bar for pulling apart the existing trim. ...
• Circular Saw for cutting the trim to size. ...
• Carpenter’s square for making straight lines. ...
• Shop vac for cleaning the area during and after the build. ...
• Measuring tape for… I don’t need to explain this, right?

How to repair decayed window trim?

Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Installing Replacement Pieces for Badly Rotted Wood Download Article

1. Inspect the entire window to gauge how extensive the rot is. ...
2. Cut or pry out the entire rotted section. Window Repair Specialist Expert Interview. ...
3. Measure each of the pieces you remove individually. ...
4. Seal any cracks in the exposed sheathing underneath. ...
5. Cut new wood to fit the rotted sections. ...
6. Install the new pieces using galvanized nails. ...

More items...

How to replace rotted wood around a window?

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Scope Out the Damage. First, you must take a close look at the damage to the window to gauge its severity and determine which method of repair is best ...
2. Mark the Window’s End. If the rot hasn’t extended much past the window into the siding, you will want to protect this area during your repair.
3. Clean Out the Gap or Remove Rotted Wood. ...

More items...

How do you fix interior trim?

0:503:47How to Fix and Refinish Interior Trim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep sanding it down until the old surface is removed and until your trim is completely smooth. AlsoMoreKeep sanding it down until the old surface is removed and until your trim is completely smooth. Also don't forget to get the edges. And all the surfaces that you're trying to refinish.

How do you repair old window trim?

Trim Repair: How to Fix and Revive TrimStep 1: Start with a thorough cleaning. Photo 1: Remove old paint spots. ... Step 2: Scrape and sand badly damaged areas. Photo 2: Scrape eroded areas. ... Step 3: Roughen the finish and fill small holes. ... Step 4: Apply stain to hide dings and scratches. ... Step 5: Apply the fresh finish.

How do you repair a window casing?

1:282:43How To Repair A Hole Or Damage On A Piece Of Window Sill Or Trim.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI leave everything long enough to let the glue set up completely once the glue had set my next stepMoreI leave everything long enough to let the glue set up completely once the glue had set my next step was to flush the surface.

How do you fix rotted wood around a window?

Method for wood rot repair on windowsDetermine the amount of rot. Your first step is to identify the rot and the extent of it. ... Remove the rotted areas. ... Drill some holes. ... Apply the wood hardener and filler. ... Sand the area down. ... Paint the wood.

How do you fix trim molding?

0:466:31The Holy Grail of Baseboard Repair!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTwo any kind of wood glue will work for this and then you're gonna need some wood filler i like thisMoreTwo any kind of wood glue will work for this and then you're gonna need some wood filler i like this stuff from the home depot it comes in a squeeze tube it's elmer.

How do you caulk inside window trim?

0:552:08How to Caulk Windows Before You Paint : Caulking Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd. Then I like to start in the corner. And just spread a little bit out and then run it downMoreAnd. Then I like to start in the corner. And just spread a little bit out and then run it down through there. After you get the caulking in there I take my finger. And smooth it out.

How do you replace a window frame inside?

3:197:26How to Replace Full Frame Window - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply a continuous 3/8 inch tall bead of sealant at the top and sides of the opening. Place theMoreApply a continuous 3/8 inch tall bead of sealant at the top and sides of the opening. Place the sealant 1/2 inch from the edge of the opening. Center the window in the opening on the sill shims.

What is a window sill?

A window sill is the bottom portion of the window, and usually- but not always- has a lip that overhangs the trim molding and over time these can get damaged or even rot. Repairing window sills isn’t a hard DIY and I try to share simple ways to make DIY improvements to your home. For this tutorial, the same principles apply whether it is replacing ...

What to do if wood is rotting?

Most rot will need to be removed, or it will continue to spread. If you do find rotted wood, replace or use a product like this to stop rotting. And, of course, make sure that you are fixing the source of the water or weather damage that caused the rot.

Why use leftover poplar?

We used leftover poplar because it is slightly harder than pine and easier to find a piece without knots. We cut the sides a bit inwards to fit the window and dry fitted this several times. A simple run across the router to create a bullnose edge was all that was needed.

What is the Difference Between Trim and Molding?

Put simply, trim is a general term that refers to all molding in a home. This can include:

Different Trim and Molding Materials

While molding may have historically been made out of solid wood, today many materials are used to create window trim, baseboards, and crown molding. Before we dive into what you need to know about DIY interior trim repair, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the different kinds of trim.

Common DIY Interior Trim Repairs

All different kinds of trim might require repairing—for instance, window trim might sustain water damage or baseboard trim could be easily scratched and dented. Additionally, since crown molding is tricky to install because the angels need to be cut carefully, sometimes it may need a little TLC as well.

The Mr. Handyman of Keller Difference

Perhaps reading this blog has inspired you to DIY your molding and interior trim repairs. However, at Mr. Handyman of Keller, we understand that not everyone enjoys tackling home improvement tasks by themselves—or, has the time to do so. That’s why our skillful and professional technicians are available to help with your interior trim repairs.

Book an Interior Trim Repair Service Today!

Having finished reading this guide, you may have gained the confidence to repair your damaged molding on your own. Otherwise, you may be excited to enhance your home’s interior but need a little extra support.

How to fix scratches on wood?

Hide scratches, chips and worn away finish with a fresh dose of stain. Then wipe the woodwork with a clean rag to remove the excess stain. Let the stain dry overnight. Completely refinishing the area may be the only way to make flawless repairs to badly damaged doors, windows and moldings.

How to lighten a stain?

You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain. Wipe the bleached wood with a sponge and clear water. Then neutralize the oxalic acid by applying a solution of 3 tablespoons of borax to 1 gallon of water with a sponge. Finally, rinse the bleached wood with water again and let it dry overnight.

How to get rid of a sand stain on a carpet?

Mix the oxalic acid in a plastic container. Add 1 oz. of oxalic acid powder (about 2 tablespoons) to 1 cup of hot water and stir it until the powder dissolves. Then brush the solution onto the stain with a disposable sponge brush and let it work for 20 minutes. You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain.

How to get rid of excess polyurethane on wood?

Fold a cotton rag to create a pad. Then dip an edge of the pad into a container of wipe-on polyurethane and press it against the side to wring out the excess. Wipe the polyurethane onto the wood in long strokes in the direction of the wood grain as you would if you were using a brush.

How do I renew a stained wood baseboard?

The first step in renewing your woodwork and stained baseboards is cleaning it to remove grease and grime and create a contaminant-free surface for the new finish. Wash the woodwork with a TSP substitute.

How do I clean paint off wood trim?

Scrub with a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution. Then rinse with a spo nge and clear water and wipe off the wood with a dry rag. If there’s paint slopped onto the edges of your trim or spattered on the surface, now’s the time to clean it off.

Is it better to wipe on polyurethane or brush on polyurethane?

The final step in your trim renewal project is to apply a fresh coat of finish. Wipe-on polyurethane is a good choice because it’s fast and easy to apply. You simply wipe it on with a soft rag and let it dry.