How to Use Glazing Compound
Glass panes in older wood windows are secured with glazing compound. Glazing compound is a stiff putty that is applied around the edges of the glass and the window frame to hold the glass in place. It also helps keep out air and water. Before the advent of vinyl windows, most homes had wooden windowsills that had to be re-glazed every few years. Using glazing compound properly is a skill that can be mastered after re-glazing just a couple of windows. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Glazing compound
- Putty knife
- Mineral spirits
- Rag
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Instructions
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Scrape off any old glazing, caulk or other debris from the window frame with a utility knife and putty knife. The cleaner the surface is, the more successful the job will be.
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2
Roll a chunk of window glazing compound between your hands. Create a long, evenly round piece of glazing, similar to a snake. Rolling the glazing between your hands will also soften it, making it easier to apply.
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Place the roll of glazing in the crevice between the glass and the frame, starting at a corner. Press the glazing in place with the side of your thumb. Place glazing on one side of the glass at a time.
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Wipe the putty knife with a rag soaked with mineral spirits. The mineral spirits on the putty knife will help in smoothing the glazing compound.
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Start at a corner and place the edge of the putty knife blade against the glass parallel to the frame. Hold the blade of the putty knife at a 45 degree angle at the edge of the line of glazing compound. Pull the putty knife toward the edge of the frame, which will spread the glazing compound over the crevice and onto the frame. Wipe the putty knife with the mineral spirits before spreading each width of glazing compound. Work your way down the entire side of the glass in this manner.
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Clean off any stray glazing compound on the window frame with the putty knife and rag soaked in mineral spirits. Hold the putty knife against the glass, perpendicular to the frame, and move it in a scraping motion to clean glazing compound off the glass. Wipe the glass with the mineral spirits-soaked rag to remove any remaining glazing compound.
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