Glass Putty or more commonly known as Glazing Putty is used in the installation and repair of window glass panes. Glazing putties are made from many different materials. The Putty forms a closed seal for the glass to the frame and prevents any water ingress into it. They have immense bonding strength and can bond against various surfaces like glass, wood, or metal.
Traditionally windows were formed by using either steel (usually galvanized) or timber for the frame with a single pane of glass embedded into it. Small nails were hammered down into the frame to hold the glass.
The Term Glazing
The term “glazing” technically refers to the pane of glass or the act of installing the panes of glass. But often because of its generic nature, the putty used to seal the window in the frame is also denoted by it. The Glazing compound is a formulated putty for adherence of glass to the metal or wooden frames.
Also, glazing is often the term for the hardened putty that creates a weather tight seal on the exterior of the window between the frame and the glass. When applied correctly, the putty can last for years and have little or no maintenance?
Install or Replace Glass
If you are replacing or repainting vintage windows, often there is a need to replace the old glazing. Sometimes the glazing will just need to be touched up and other times, it has to be replaced in its entirety.
Getting the consistency of the putty before applying is a must. Too wet or too dry putties can cause inconsistencies that could be terribly sticky, difficult to work, and prone to cracking as it cures. Ideally, the putty should not be too sticky to the putty knife, or the tool used. Kneading the putty with hand and warming it up slightly gives it a good workable consistency.
Urbane Coats Premier Goldline Glass Putty is one of the best glass putties available in the market.
For best results, the glazing compounds further should remain a bit elastic that allows for normal expansion and contraction. Also, it should have high adherence to the surfaces thus forming a permanent, watertight bond between the glass and the frames. After the putty has skinned, it should be ready to be painted with oil or latex paint. This drying period will depend on temperatures and humidity. Ideally, it takes between 14-21 days for complete curing, after which the surface should be painted. The painted surface increases the durability of the applied putty.