window putty wont dry?

Question

Im changing the glass on a old wood window frame but the windows putty wont dry. Its been 3 weeks and its as soft as the day i put it on. Was i supposed to do something with the putty to help it dry, is it not supossed to harden on its own.

If it dosent dry, how im i supposed to paint it?

I removed the old putty, sanded the entire window down, reinstalled a new glass, and then aded the new putty. Its been in my basement for 3 weeks now, ( finished heated basement, its the tv room actually) the putty is as soft and pliable as the first day, on the tub it says it would dry in 7 to 14 days.

Im problably gona start over with a molding and cocking instead

Answer 1

I have worked in a glass shop for 15 years and when putty dosent dry it usally means its a bad batch.I also recommend a caulk,a good latex will look just like putty.to make it look really nice tape off the glass even with the inside stop and smooth it with a putty knife,pull the tape off.The extra time to tape is well worth it.You will be impressed with yourself.Dont forget to use push pins to hold the glass in while the caulk dries.

Answer 2

Give the 10 to Stretch.

It may be that the "putty" was already too oily? Without other details I can't know, but in the strict sense Putty is not supposed to DRY. Certainly it should also be a bit more dense that a pudding consistency.

How old (Fresh) is/was the putty? How did you prep and apply it? What environmental conditions exist over the past 3 weeks where you are?

Steven Wolf

No offense at all but Putty is pretty much archaic. If I had to secure glass in an old window, I'd be removing all the putty, adding window framing molding, some clear silicone or paintable caulk, and leave the putty in the tub.

Answer 3

I think the putty is supposed to dry. Not necessarily dry out hard as a rock though. I've looked in a general maintenance-type book and it says to apply a coat of linseed oil to the frame and let it soak in completely. This will keep the putty from soaking out and making the putty dry too quickly. It will also aid in keeping the putty pliable and lasting much longer.
So, I believe the putty should dry to a pliable consistency to the point where it will hold paint, but not become so dry that it is brittle.

Good luck

Answer 4

well personally , unless your trying to preserve a window for the looks of things, i would say replace the whole think, its so easy, just measure it, and go to lowes, they accept returns on windows. in case you screw up with the measuring, and then after it comes in remove the old and screw in the new, and all you need is the caulking and foaming insulation.and your DONE.

I grew up in an old house and the putty never dries in the winter, it takes months and only in the summer, all the other seasons are too wet.

wink wink, we used to pull the putty off and play with it. Ahahah!

Answer 5

I agree with Steven remove the putty and use silicone caulk, the paint able type. When you apply it, dampen your finger several times to smooth it out, wipe up excess