For that, a day each window. I'm currently doing precisely this job on three sash windows, including replacing the sliding sashes on two of them. The top storey bottom sash having always been fixed, I've cut the slots for a sash pulley and converted it to a working slider, including (obviously) the weights. Draughtproofed parting bead and staff bead replaced the original beads.

With the sashes out and the beads removed everything was sanded down. The cill had weathered and so got a smoothing layer of wood filler. The lot was primed with acrylic primer (dries in 30 mins), and then given a coat of Dulux gloss, the kind that also dries in 30 minutes (and it does, this is the first time I've ever used it and it's brilliant, not high gloss, but gloss nonetheless).

(You could say I'd cheated because the replacement sashes had been painted earlier in the workshop before glazing, but if fitted I'd reckon to have them primed and glossed in a couple of hours, tops.)

The top sash was then fitted, the new draughtproofed parting bead fitted (belt sand a chamfer on the one edge to give a good entry to the existing groove), the weight pockets refitted (they're sometimes in the middle of the pulley stile, so then have to be fitted before the parting bead), the bottom sash fitted and the draughtproofed staff bead fixed to give a nice smooth run to the sash.

A run of acrylic sealant sealed all the joints on the bead, a spatula used to remove all excess sealant from the run of the sash. Catch fitted to locate the screw holes and then removed and then everything I could see painted with another coat of the quick-drying gloss. Cup of tea and a sarny and then reverse the sashes and paint what could be seen.

Customer told to close the window in an hour when the paint was dry.

I started the job last Wednesday and had the weather forecasters got it right last week I'd have finished the job on Friday. As it is, I'm back there tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday.

Joiner..did that include new sashes ? if so then I reckon that's cheap.  Oh ...were they double glazed or did the Co insist on single glazing?

Thanks Joiner. I was asked to look at a window in a house (that badly needs a refurb!) where both sash cords have broken. The window does not look like it has been painted for a good number of years, internally or externally. When it was last painted the windows were painted shut. The timber does not look like it has started rotting yet, it could do with a good sand, minor filling and then a paint job. There are no draught proofing beads anywhere or double glazing, it is as it was when it was fitted.

It is not a listed building or anything special, it is terraced house, so no real need for wooden sliding sash windows. I recommended that the landlord should look at replacing all the windows for uPVC double glazed units (as every other house in the street have done). It will be cheaper than trying to repair (quite a few of the windows have broken sash cords) and refurb all of them. It will also be better because it is a rental property and you don't want to be paying somebody to paint the windows every few years. Not to mention the energy savings etc.

As a matter of interest, where do you get all your replacement parts from for the sash windows?

Ta

I have been watching Mighton TV, quite handy. Some products I never knew existed, which can make a job a good job!

I quite like the idea of the Ecotilt sashes they do. The missus would not have any excuses for not cleaning the windows   It would also be dead easy for getting furniture in and out.