[speeder]

First phase is done. All of the windows and doors were prepped pretty extensively, even thought the metal windows were in great shape they were sanded glass smooth and treated to prevent corrosion on the bottoms. One of the keys to doing good paint work on trim is to avoid or remove excess build-ups of old finish, at the very least it destroys the lines and details and makes doors and windows not fit well. I try to remove at least as much material as I'm putting back on, which in this case was a thin coat of primer and 1+ coat of oil paint. One of the reasons for doing this job now in CA. is the dwindling availability of good oil-based paints and finishes. This is Dunn-Edwards Syn Lustro which was the existing finish, only available in quarts now. Someday soon it will be gone completely. I mix it with a small amount of linseed oil and Penetrol + thin it slightly to make it flow better and "glass-out", ie. brush marks disappear shortly after lifting brush.

Gotta run to work but here are some pics for anyone who wanted to see them, these french windows are incredible. The top surface that is like a little *ceiling* is solid steel as is the rest except for the casings which are wood.