Glazing - putty or glazing silicone?

Rollinghome

I'm about to replace a garage side door. New timber door will be single glazed and came with glazing beads. Was wondering whether to use linseed putty, which I normally use, or the new-fangled glazing silicone stuff.

Does anyone have views on which is better/easier and what's the best way to use silicone? Will just be between glass and beads so do you smooth it as you go or cut it off afterwards? I've probably got enough putty lying around but would probably try the clear Screwfix No Nonsense stuff if I use glazing silicone.

leveller2911

You could use either.Putty is easier to clean off than glazing silicone. The problem with glazing silicone is when you fit the glass the silicone squeezes out and difficuly to clean off. Some people with use soapy water on a finger and wipe off the excess and some people wait for it to cure and cut it off with a stanley knife blade. Either way no paint or stain will stick to the silicone and in time you can get water beneath the beads.

I use security glazing tape, its water proof (provided you compress it 30% when fitting the beads and you can paint it). It has the advantage of being really difficult for burglars to get the glass out even if they break it.........