The acetate windows in tab-and-slot dollhouse kits are attractive but delicate. While they may seem limited, there are several options to consider for repair and replacement.
Acetate Window Repair and Replacement
Accidental damage to windows during assembly is common. Replacing them can be time-consuming and may risk damaging surrounding areas. To avoid this, handle windows carefully during installation. If damage occurs, contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Many companies, like Greenleaf Dollhouses, offer free replacements for new kits purchased directly from them or any authorized retailer, regardless of how the damage occurred.
Replacing Acetate Windows
To remove window trim, start by spraying it with water using a misting bottle and allowing it to soak. Then, carefully pry the trim off using a small, flat-head screwdriver, such as one used for eyeglass repair. This process requires patience and may take time. Work on it intermittently throughout the day to avoid damaging the trim or surrounding wall.
If water alone isn't effective, try using a hair dryer to gently heat the glue. Avoid using solvents, as they can leave residue or damage the paint. Once the trim is removed, clean off any remaining glue and broken window edges. Next, cut a replacement window to fit the opening and glue it in place. Finally, reattach the window trim you removed earlier.
Use spackle to smoothly connect the top trim to the bottom part, if necessary.
Scratched Acetate Windows
For scratched windows, lip balm can be an effective repair method. Apply unscented, colorless lip balm to the scratched side and gently buff with a microfiber cloth. This works for surface scratches or scuff marks, but not for deeper damage.
Replacement Window Options
If replacement is necessary, transparencies or clear acetate sheets can be used as alternatives. For pre-assembled windows, small acrylic sheets may be suitable, but require special cutting tools. When replacing original acetate, be aware that some effects, like the hazy appearance created by clear nail polish, may not work the same with substitute materials. Avoid using thick acrylic as a replacement in tab-and-slot dollhouse kits.
Creating Stained Glass With Original Windows
Once you finish and turn your window to the front, you'll see a stained glass effect.
Holding the window up to the light makes this effect more visible.
Creating Stained Glass With Custom Designs
You can make stained glass using your own design by replacing the original silk-screened window with a clear one. However, this process can be challenging due to the unique properties of the acetate used in kit windows. When coated with clear nail polish, the kit's acetate develops a milky haze, creating a frosted effect typical of stained glass. Other materials may not react the same way, so it's important to test your chosen replacement material with nail polish first.
To create a custom stained glass window, coat the back of your new window with clear nail polish and allow it to dry completely. Prepare a template of your design, ensuring it fits the window size. This method can be used for various applications, such as creating a decorative skylight.
Position your window over the printout, with the side coated in clear nail polish facing you. Then, use markers to transfer the printed design onto the window.
When you turn the window over, you'll see a design that resembles stained glass, but it doesn't have the lead outline yet. You need to create the lead outline on the front side of the window to give it a raised effect. I used a fine-tip paintbrush and black paint to add the lead outline on the window shown below.
Creating the leaded outline by hand gives an authentic stained glass appearance. The natural imperfections in your freehand drawing mimic the look of real leaded glass. For the outline, avoid using black permanent markers on acetate, as they often shift to a purple hue instead of remaining black.
If you have some skill with freehand designs, you don't need to rely on a printed template. You can create your own design directly on the acetate using the same technique mentioned earlier. The design below was drawn from memory; it is an antique stained glass pattern used in a real Victorian house.
The silk screening process on the kit's windows can sometimes affect the uniformity of the haze or frost effect when using clear nail polish. If you notice unevenness, you can use a silver or white marker to help even it out. Always test on a small area first to ensure you're happy with the result. If it doesn't work, you can apply wax paper or parchment paper over the clear nail polish to improve the appearance.
Creating Frosted Glass
If you want a frosted look for your windows without creating stained glass, there are two methods to achieve this.
You can achieve a frosted effect by applying clear nail polish to the backside of your windows, which creates a hazy appearance.
To achieve an even frost on your windows, you can cover the back side with wax or parchment paper. This method is especially useful if you've replaced your windows and they don't frost properly with clear nail polish.
Start by assembling your windows according to the kit instructions. Make a paper template of the back side of your window by folding copy paper around the window opening and cutting out the shape. Place this template on the back of the window and trim it until it fits perfectly. Use this template to cut a piece from the wax or parchment paper. Then, use a glue stick to attach the wax or parchment paper to the back of the window. This will create a uniform frosted effect. You can also use gift tissue paper, which comes in various colors, and apply it in the same way.
Avoid sandwiching the wax or parchment paper between the window trim and the window. This practice can cause the window to pull apart later. Remember that wax and parchment paper are non-stick, so adhesives do not adhere well to them. You don’t want this type of paper to hold together any part of your dollhouse. Also, since the paper is fragile, you can easily replace it if you apply it after installing the window. However, if you sandwich it with the trim, you will need to disassemble the window to remove it properly.
Always use a glue stick to attach this type of paper to your window. Other adhesives can add moisture, which may change the paper's color, tear it, or leave streaks. They might also be visible through the window, even if they dry clear, and are too heavy for such thin and delicate paper.
Creating Leaded Glass
There are various techniques for creating leaded glass, but here are a couple of simple methods.
I used thick glass paint to create the leaded design shown below. While glass paint is available in many colors, I chose silver for this project. To apply the paint, I poured it into a disposable squeeze bottle with a fine metal tip. These bottles and tips can be found in the baking aisle of some craft stores. They are ideal for projects that require precise application of glue or paint. Using a freehand technique gives the leaded design an authentic look.
The design is raised under the spotlight to create a leaded effect. The thick glass paint enhances this illusion.
Once the glass paint is dry enough to touch, apply a coat of clear nail polish to the back of the windows to create a hazy effect similar to leaded glass.
Leaded designs can be created using glass paint from a bottle for precision and control, as shown above, but there are other methods as well.
Many miniaturists prefer using thin tapes, similar to those used for decals on miniature and full-size cars. 3M offers a range of specialized tapes suitable for leaded designs. Explore your local craft store to discover various products that can be used for this purpose.
Experiment with different techniques until you find one that suits your style. Additionally, you can use the silk screening on the dollhouse's acetate windows to create leaded designs. You can apply tape or glass paint over the silk screening, or use acrylic paint with a fine-tip brush for detailing.
Just because tab-and-slot dollhouses don’t come with operable windows doesn’t mean you can’t make them functional. You don’t need to spend a lot on expensive, pre-assembled windows that require modifications to fit your kit. Instead, you can use the detailed windows included with your kit and a bit of creativity to create working windows. While not all tab-and-slot dollhouse windows can be made operable, many can. The method for making a window operable will vary depending on the dollhouse model and the assembly of the windows.
Before permanently installing your windows, experiment with them and think creatively. Often, with a few adjustments, you can find a way to make your windows operable.
Dormer Windows
If the design allows the window to swing open, it can be made operable.
An example of this is the dormer windows in the Beacon Hill Dollhouse. These dormer windows feature a simple system where the window casings are separate from the window trim, allowing them to move freely without being permanently attached.
I chose masking tape as a hinging method, adapting the chamois strip technique. Masking tape proved ideal due to its thinness, allowing flush placement against window casings and trim in areas with limited movement space. Unlike chamois or fabric, masking tape can be painted to match the white windows, ensuring an attractive, invisible hinge. It's also durable enough for these lightweight, infrequently handled windows, making it preferable to cardstock or paper, which may wear over time. The windows were hinged before installation in the dollhouse, as shown in the photos.
The assembled and hinged window is then glued over the opening of the dollhouse.
The dormer window is now fully operable. I used a jewelry bead on the inside as a knob to open and close it.
Dormer windows in dollhouses can be made to open either inwards or outwards, each with its own pros and cons.
- Inward-opening windows are limited by the curved interior roof, only opening halfway.
- Outward-opening windows require modifications to either the trim or casing. Trim modification involves laminating wider trim over narrower trim, slightly altering the exterior appearance. Casing modification requires sanding down the casing to fit, which may affect the layering effect and necessitate omitting the exterior window top sill trim.
Regardless of the chosen method, adding operable dormer windows is a nice detail for your dollhouse. While not intended to function exactly like real windows, they should be handled gently. Don't hesitate to deviate slightly from kit instructions to achieve this added feature, as it won't impede proper assembly.
Double-Hung Windows
For dollhouses with "double-hung windows," such as the Lily Dollhouse, simple modifications can make these windows operable without purchasing expensive pre-assembled alternatives.
Attach them directly on top, laminating the window side trims to create a wider trim that resembles a rail.
Ensure that your window panes are painted or stained and that the glass is properly installed.
Slide the finished pane into the railing system you created from the bottom. Ensure that the glued side of the glass faces outward and that the pane moves easily up and down the rail.
Glue on the window sill to serve as a stopper, preventing the pane from falling out.
The instructions above include photos of the dormer windows for the Lily Dollhouse, but you can use the same technique for all double-hung windows.
Pre-Assembled Windows
Tab-and-slot dollhouse kits do not include pre-assembled, operable windows, but they are worth mentioning. These types of windows typically come with cabinet-grade dollhouse kits, though you can also order them separately for your tab-and-slot kit. Just be prepared to modify your window openings to ensure a proper fit.
However, all pre-assembled windows share a common challenge - they are difficult to finish. Since they come assembled, you cannot paint each intricate part separately before putting them together. Instead, you must finish them all at once. If you want your Victorian windows to feature multiple colors, it can be quite challenging. I recommend using fine-tip paint brushes and having plenty of patience. Painting pre-assembled windows in one solid color is much easier.
Second, patience is important. Allowing enough drying time for your paint is essential to prevent your windows from becoming globby. Thick paint can hinder the operation of the windows.
If you accidentally touch the acrylic panes with your brush, don't worry; you can easily remove the paint with your fingernail. Just scrape it off gently to avoid scratching the acrylic. Once your window is installed and dry, it should slide smoothly.
For even better movement, you can apply a little beeswax, Ivory soap, or lip balm to the rails.
Louvre Shutters
Having a tab-and-slot dollhouse doesn't mean you can't have beautifully detailed Louvre shutters. You can easily make them using corrugated cardboard paper. This type of paper is often sold as scrapbook paper in craft stores, but you can also ask at local cafes or coffee houses, as they often have extra paper they are willing to share. You won't need much for a mini mansion.
Paint the corrugated pieces before you install them.
Glue the corrugated cardboard pieces into the openings of the shutter panels. After that, apply the mullions to the center of each panel.
Decorating Windows
Temporary tattoos and stickers can enhance larger windows, and there are many designs and patterns available online that can be printed and applied to plain glass.
