How to putty a window?

Counting_Pennies_2

Can anyone help? I have an old sunroom, and the putty round the windows (all 27 windows!) has cracked and the majority has fallen off.

The sunroom needs to remain standing for at least another few years while we save up to replace it.

Can anyone recommend the best way to replace the putty.

I am a complete DIY novice so your most detailed guidance would be most appreciated.

Many thanks

tanith

I am no expert but to do the job properly you need to take each pane out and remove the pins holding the glass in place and scrape out all the old putty then replace the putty with new press the panes back into the soft putty then carefully replace the pins and scrape off the excess putty and let the putty harden....
I would guess if taking out the glass is not possible you could try just scraping out as much old putty as possible and replace it on the inside smoothing down with your fingers it might do as a temporary measure until you can afford to replace ...

MrT_5

Bit of a dying art now with double glazing. Assume you mean the putty on the outside which has been formed with a putty knife rather than the little bit between glass and window? That bit can be filled in just by forcing new putty into the gaps and smoothing with putty knife or anything with smooth edge.

Doing the outside, well, you should try and remove all the old stuff and as previously stated there should be small nails or panel pins holding glass in place. Get loads of putty, soften by kneading and push in to the angle between glass and wood. (difficult to describe this so I hope you understand?). Once you have covered it all, you should have a putty knife, press between wood and glass and slide it down from top to bottom on verticals and obviously across for horizontals. A bit of moisture helps (spit). Give it a while to harden a bit then paint or varnish to really harden.

in_my_wellies

I live in an old house and wanted to keep the character and NOT have plastic windows. Is there one which is broken which you could try on. That's what I did.

You might not need to take out the glass. You need to get a tool and scrape out as much loose putty as you can. I used a decorators tool, triangular which was firm but not sharp as you may scratch the glass

Then use a scraper the properly clean the glass. They are easy to buy - yellow colour and hold a Stanley knife blade. Be careful not to scratch the glass.

Don't worry if all the putty wont come out. Don't try too hard and crack the glass! Just putty round the firm bits - usually the top of the window which was protected from rain.

Then wash the window and let it dry very well.

Open the putty and mould it in your hand for a good 5 mins or more till very soft and smooth. Take pieces about the size of your thumb and squash it into the frame all round. Run a knife along the frame at a 45 degree angle. Quicker action is better but you will get used to it. This cuts off the excess putty and leaves is smooth. Corners are a bit tricky but you will manage.

If it goes wrong take off and start again - only 10 mins wasted and you will get the knack!

Leave a few days before cleaning the window. Paint according to the info on the putty pot

Hope this helps and good luck. It will save lots of money and look better then all that plastic!

Rex_Mundi

I would say to you, consider what sort of finish you are after. 'Putty bashing' is getting to be a bit of a lost art nowadays. All new windows and doors seem to be beaded now.

27 panes................that's a few! If you want the finish to look good, I can only recommend getting a decent glazier in. They will be able to match up the putty (angle) to any of the panes that don't need replacing. Their finish will be far superior to anything you will be able to achieve. Any decent local glaziers (not double glazing), should be able to give a free quote for the job.

Where abouts in Berkshire are you? I may be able to recommend someone for you.

in_my_wellies

Depends on his DIY skills REX. I've done so many now perhaps I should turn professional. If it's a dying art I could make bit - hehe! I agree the tricky bit which changes the look from DIY to professional is getting the angle right. The first one I did I left far too much putty on which could be seen from inside the window, luckily I realised before I painted it so I did it again.

It's worth having a go first if you're Counting-Pennies