Materials
Needed:
- Masking tape
- Tape measure
- Heavy work gloves
- Metal straightedge,
square, or ruler
- Goggles or safety glasses
with side protection
- Glass cutter (if needed)
- Standard screwdriver or
chisel
- Silicone or siliconized
acrylic caulk
- Glazier's tool or stiff
putty knife
- Glazing compound
- Glazing points (small
metal fasteners)
- Linseed oil or exterior
primer
- Small paintbrush
- Glass cleaner
- Replacement glass
- Exterior trim paint
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1. Remove Any Cracked
or Broken Glass
If possible remove the sash and place it flat
on a worktable. Remove any broken glass by breaking it as needed and
carefully wiggling out the pieces. |
Caution:
If you are removing the sash, crisscross
masking tape over both sides of the broken glass to prevent it from
falling out unintentionally. Wear heavy work gloves and proper eye
protection. |
2. Remove Old Glazing Compound
Depending on the age of the putty-like glazing
compound, it may be pliable or hard and brittle. Use an old chisel, an
old screwdriver, a glazier's tool, and/or a putty knife to pry and
scrape out the old compound along with any glazing points (small metal
fasteners that hold the glass in place). |
3. Prime Bare Wood
Brush linseed oil or a fast-drying paint
primer on any bare wood exposed in the process. This step is important
to prevent very dry wood from absorbing and drawing the oils out of the
glazing compound. |
4. Cut or Order Glass
If you have a piece of glass available, use a
glass cutter and a straightedge to size a replacement pane that is 1/8
inch smaller in length and width than the opening it must fit. Place the
glass on a towel on a flat surface. Use a single, firm stroke with the
glass cutter to score the glass from edge to edge. Place the scored line
on the glass over a pencil or dowel or over the edge of a table, and
press lightly to snap the glass in two. If you must buy glass, have the
store clerk cut it to size. |
5. Apply a Setting Bed
For a weather- and watertight seal on the
exterior, apply a thin bead of caulk on the frame perimeter. Alternately
use a thin coat of glazing compound and press it in place with a putty
knife as shown. |
6. Install New Glass
Put the new pane in the frame, pressing just
hard enough to bed it in the setting bed. |
7. Install Glazing Points
Install at least two glazing points on each
side (a couple of inches in from each corner) to hold the glass in
place. Install other points as needed (at least every 8 inches or so).
To install a glazing point, lay it flat on the glass with the point
facing the frame. Press it into the wood frame with a putty knife or
glazing tool. |
8. Roll and Position Glazing Compound
Scoop out a handful of glazing compound and
roll it in your hands to warm and soften it. Roll it out to form a
3/8-in.-diameter "rope" and press it into place on the glass
perimeter. |
9. Smooth the Compound
Use a putty knife or a glazier's tool to press
the compound firmly into place against the frame and the glass. Finish
each side with a long, smooth stroke and carefully scrape off any excess
compound. |
10. Reinstall and Paint
Clean the glass, replace the sash, and allow
the glazing compound to dry for a week or more before painting it with
exterior trim paint. Use masking tape or paint freehand, but paint the
glazing compound and about 1/8-inch onto the glass to form a watertight
seal.
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