Glazing paste is used to create a watertight seal between glass and window frames. It can be removed and reapplied if cracked or flaking. Once applied, it remains pliable to accommodate the frame’s expansion and contraction. Glass dots and another layer of compound are added to secure the glass in place.
Glazing paste is a product that is used in the installation of glass plates. The process of fitting glass panels into a window, known as glazing, includes applying glazing putty to create a tight seal that will keep water out. People often need to replace compound when a window is cracked or when old compound starts to crack and peel. For installing new windows, many people use fully glazed, pre-hung windows available from building suppliers, in which case they just need to fit the frame and window in place and not have to worry about the glazing.
Historically, glazing compound was a putty product, and traditional fillers are still available. You can also find various rubber and mastic products designed for use in window panes. In all cases, the compound needs to be somewhat unique, because it needs to be able to make a watertight seal between two different surfaces, the window glass and the wood, plastic, vinyl, or metal of the frame.
When first applied, the glazing compound may be slightly tacky, gradually building up over a day or a week, depending on the product, so it can be painted over. However, the compound will remain pliable even after it’s skinned, which is actually a beneficial trait, because it contracts and expands the wooden frames, ensuring that the seal around the window doesn’t break. This keeps water out and reduces the risk of mold and any rot around the window frame.
If the glazing compound begins to crack and flake, it can be removed with a putty scraper or similar tool so that a new coat of compound can be applied. Stubborn compound can be heated with a tool such as a hair dryer to soften it if it doesn’t yield easily. When replacing broken windows, it’s important to remove the glass, glazing spots and glazing compound, sanding the frame to smooth the wood so it can be sealed with a fresh coat of primer before replacing the window.
Once the frame has been prepared a thin layer of compound can be applied before gently pressing the glass into place, taking care to ensure the compound is evenly distributed. Then, the glass dots, the small metal clips used to hold the glass in place, can be attached to the frame and another coat of compound can be applied to seal the glass and the glass dots in place. Some people do it by hand, wearing a glove to protect their fingers from sharp edges and minimize mess, while others use a thin palette knife to apply it. Then, the glazing compound should be allowed to dry before painting the window frame.
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