How to Replace a Window Pane

By: Mark Powers, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

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.

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- ½-inch putty knife,
  For tooling putty; should be flexible and clean.
- 5-in-1 Painter's tool,
  For scraping out old putty.
- Heat gun,
  For softening old putty.
- 1-inch paint brush,
  For priming sash.
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Photo: Kindra Clineff

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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10. Prime and Paint

Wait about seven to ten days for the putty to stiffen up, then clean the oily putty film off the glass with a dry rag.

Paint the putty with an oil-based primer, overlapping it about 1/16 inch onto the glass to prevent water from getting behind the putty.

After the primer dries, apply a coat of exterior paint.

When the paint dries, you can give the pane a thorough scrubbing.