George Watson’s College, Edinburgh – Window Restoration & Redecoration

Extending the Life of Existing Windows Through Specialist Restoration

Thistle Decorators was appointed to undertake an extensive programme of window restoration and exterior redecoration at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh.

The project focused on restoring a series of large, multi-pane windows that required significant remedial work. Given the considerable cost of replacing windows of this scale, professional restoration and redecoration offered a more practical alternative, allowing the existing windows to be retained and improved.

Rather than removing otherwise serviceable windows, our team carried out extensive preparations, repairs, rust treatment, glazing repairs, sealing and protective redecoration, helping extend the lifespan of the existing windows while significantly improving their appearance.

As the work progressed, we also identified several broken panes within the existing windows. We worked alongside Mark Smith Glazing from Portobello, who replaced the damaged glass while our decorators completed the associated re-puttying and painting. This coordinated approach allowed the glazing and decorating works to progress as part of one restoration programme.

Project Overview

Client: George Watson’s College
Location: Colinton Road, Edinburgh
Project: External Window Restoration & Redecoration
Decorating Contractor: Thistle Decorators
Glazing Partner: Mark Smith Glazing
Works: Large Multi-Pane Window Restoration
Coating System: Stormshield Flexible Undercoat & Flexible Satin
Access: Elevated Platforms / MEWPs
Key Objective: Restore and Protect Existing Windows as an Alternative to Costly Replacement

The Challenge

The scale and design of the windows made this a particularly labour-intensive restoration project.

The large windows consisted of multiple individual panes and detailed frame sections, creating significant preparation and finishing work. Existing coatings had deteriorated in several areas, with failed paintwork and exposed substrates requiring attention before a new protective system could be applied.

As we removed the existing coatings and inspected the windows more closely, several broken panes were also discovered. These needed to be replaced before we could complete the surrounding glazing putty and paintwork.

Simply applying new paint over the existing surfaces wouldn’t have provided the standard or longevity required. Our approach was therefore to remove defective coatings, address deterioration, replace broken panes, renew glazing putty and correctly rebuild the protective coating system.

Working Alongside Mark Smith Glazing

To coordinate the glazing repairs with the decorating works, Thistle Decorators worked alongside Mark Smith Glazing.

As we identified broken panes, Mark Smith Glazing replaced the damaged glass while our team continued with the associated restoration work.

This partnership allowed the glazing and decorating elements to be managed as part of one coordinated programme rather than treating them as separate, disconnected stages. Once replacement panes had been installed, our decorators could re-putty the relevant sections and continue with the preparation and painting of the frames.

This was particularly important across the large multi-pane windows, where the condition of the glass, glazing putty and metal frame all contribute to the performance and appearance of the finished windows.

Extensive Surface Preparation

Preparation represented a significant proportion of the work involved in the restoration.

Existing coatings were burned off and scraped back where necessary, allowing our decorators to remove failed material and properly assess the condition of the underlying surfaces.

Working methodically across such large multi-pane windows required considerable patience and attention to detail. Each frame section surrounding the panes had to be carefully prepared before the finishing products could be applied.

Where broken panes were found, these were replaced by Mark Smith Glazing before the surrounding sections were re-puttied and painted.

This stage was critical to the success and longevity of the finished work. By investing the necessary time in preparing the surfaces properly, defects could be addressed rather than simply concealed beneath new coatings.

Repairs & Glazing Putty

The project involved considerably more than straightforward repainting.

As preparation progressed, glazing putty was replaced where required around the individual panes. Where glass was broken, Mark Smith Glazing replaced the affected panes before our decorators completed the associated puttying and painting work.

With such large multi-pane windows, this was a detailed and time-consuming element of the restoration process.

Failed or deteriorated glazing putty can leave vulnerable areas around the glass and frames exposed to moisture. Addressing these areas before decoration therefore formed an important part of the overall restoration programme.

The coordinated approach between Thistle Decorators and Mark Smith Glazing ensured that the replacement glass, new putty and surrounding painted frame could all be completed as part of the same restoration process.

Stormshield Flexible
Exterior Coating System

Following the extensive preparation and repairs, the windows to the main building were redecorated using the Stormshield exterior coating system, incorporating Stormshield Flexible Undercoat and Stormshield Flexible Satin.

A flexible exterior system was particularly appropriate for the restoration of existing windows.

External window frames are continually exposed to changing temperatures, moisture and seasonal movement, so the chosen system needed to provide a durable protective decorative finish.

The combination of thorough preparation, glazing repairs and the Stormshield coating system provided the windows with a clean, consistent finish while helping protect the restored surfaces from continued exposure to the elements.

Sealing Around
the Windows

Attention was also given to the window unit perimeter.

The joints between the windows and surrounding stonework were sealed using sand mastic, helping create an appropriate seal where the window frames meet the masonry.

This meant the project addressed more than the visible decorative finish. Important details surrounding the window openings were also considered as part of the wider restoration process.

Together with the replacement of broken panes and renewal of glazing putty, the perimeter sealing helped ensure the restoration addressed the wider condition of the window assemblies rather than focusing solely on the paintwork.

Restoration Rather Than Replacement

A key objective of the project was to demonstrate the value of restoring existing windows rather than replacing them unnecessarily.

Where windows remain suitable for restoration, professional preparation, repairs, glazing replacement and protective redecoration can extend their lifespan while retaining the character of the building.

For large properties with numerous specialist windows, this can provide a practical and potentially more cost-effective alternative to wholesale replacement.

Specialist MEWP Access

Due to the height and scale of the windows, elevated working platforms and MEWPs were used to provide safe access to the high-level areas.

This allowed our decorators to work systematically across the elevations while carrying out the detailed preparation and finishing required.

The Result

The completed project significantly refreshed the windows at George Watson’s College while helping to extend the useful life of the existing window system.

Through extensive preparation, repairs, broken pane replacement, glazing putty renewal, perimeter sealing and the application of the Stormshield coating system, the windows were restored and protected rather than unnecessarily replaced.

Working alongside Mark Smith Glazing also ensured the glazing repairs were completed alongside the decorating works, providing the client with a coordinated restoration service.

Window Restoration & Exterior Decorating in Edinburgh

Thistle Decorators provides professional window restoration, exterior painting and specialist decorating services throughout Edinburgh and across Scotland.

We work with schools, colleges, property managers, main contractors, commercial organisations and owners of traditional properties, helping maintain and restore existing architectural features wherever appropriate.

Our services include:

From restoring large multi-pane windows to redecorating commercial and heritage properties, we provide a professional, carefully managed service from preparation through to completion.