Re-View Perfects Bronze Window Restoration

The restoration of historic wood and steel windows is rather prevalent on landmark projects across the country. Re-View has worked on thousands of these types of windows in markets from Massachusetts to California. Historic bronze window restoration is a specialty within the window restoration niche that few companies have ever attempted.

Over the past year, Re-View has perfected the restoration procedures for bronze windows. Although bronze window restoration shares many of the same steps as steel windows, they are much more sensitive than conventional steel. Bronze windows demand a finely tuned blasting and finishing process that requires exacting attention to detail and the true art of craftsmanship.

Historic Bronze Window Restoration Process
The blasting process is the first stage that involves a precise approach. We have tested several blasting media like sand, walnut shells, and various synthetic sponges. We have also calibrated the air pressure using these different media to arrive at the optimum combination of media type, air pressure, and media intensity. If the pressure is set too high or the media is too abrasive, you will etch the bronze substrate since bronze is more tender than steel. After many days of testing, we concluded that a glass bead media is most effective at removing tarnish, paint, and caulking from the bronze sash and frames. It is essential that the surface be free of oil, oxides, and plating residues.

Historic Bronze Window Finishing
The finishing stage of restoration is even more complex. It has been our experience that the most effective restoration of bronze windows returns the sash and frames to its naturally patina finish. The last thing you want to do is install bright bronze windows in a historic building that are susceptible to fingerprints and varying rates of patina. We have had a great deal of success with the Birchwood Casey metal finishing systems. www.birchwoodcasey.com A full range of oxidized colors can be produced from golden to statuary to chocolate brown and black. The patina process usually isn't as simple as just dipping the window part into the antiquing solution. We have discovered that milled bronze parts take the patina at a different rate than cast bronze parts. To achieve a consistent finish, you need to have an experienced painter make a concentrated application of the solution to some areas of the window much like you would do when staining the end grain vs. the face grain of a wood window.

You have several options to preserve the patina finish on the restored windows. We consulted with a prominent art museum to identify a wax that they apply to their priceless bronze sculptures and discovered Butchers amber-colored paste wax. The wax applies to the restored bronze window without leaving a white film to the finished product. Another more durable finish we have used is a basic automotive clear coat finish applied to all surfaces of the window.

Although the processes and procedures followed to restore bronze windows are simple to outline, the element of craftsmanship cannot be emphasized enough. An inexperienced worker can compromise the restoration at any one of these stages without the proper training and background.