Step 2: Remove the Old Putty

Removing the Old Putty
Photo: Kindra Clineff
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Pry out any loose putty with a painter's tool. Gradually soften the putty that's still intact by holding a heat gun about an inch away and moving it back and forth.

Put doubled sheets of aluminum foil on the adjacent panes to keep them from being cracked by the heat.

Use the chiseled point of the tool to rake out the warm putty. Repeat on the remaining sides.

TIP: When removing putty from a pane that isn't broken, Tom holds a piece of metal flashing over the glass to dissipate the heat.
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    More in House Exterior

    Tools List

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    • putty knife
      ½-inch putty knife,
      For tooling putty; should be flexible and clean.
    • painter's tool
      5-in-1 Painter's tool,
      For scraping out old putty.
    • electric heat gun
      Heat gun,
      For softening old putty.
    • paintbrush
      1-inch paint brush,
      For priming sash.

    Shopping List

    Close
    1. GLASS
    For pane dimensions, measure the opening from top to bottom and side to side, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement.

    2. ALUMINUM FOIL
    Protects undamaged glass from heat.

    3. GLAZIER'S POINTS
    Hold glass against sash. Tom uses push-type points with shoulders.

    4. GLAZING PUTTY
    Seals the edge of the glass against the weather. Tom uses an oil-based product in a can.

    5. EXTERIOR PRIMER
    Seals wood against moisture; extends putty life.