How to Replace a Windowpane

Steps:

1. Use a heat gun and a painter’s tool to remove old glazing. Heat the glaze in sections, holding the gun over each section for five to 10 seconds until the glazing starts to soften. Then pry away glaze with the painter’s tool. Remove old glazing by peeling it away. Be careful not to cut any wood away as you remove the glazing.

2. Use needle-nose pliers to pull out old nails or brads holding existing pane in place. Remove the old pane.

3. Using the heat gun, remove any leftover glazing and clean the area. Sand the area and brush away any dust or debris with a dry paintbrush.

4. Paint the opening with primer. It’s important to prime before glazing so the wood doesn’t soak up the oils from the compound.

5. Apply lotion to your hands to keep new glaze out of your pores. Roll glazing out between your hands to form a rope, and then press it around opening to create a bed for your new glass. Smooth the glazing and remove any excess with a tongue depressor.

6. Place the glass in the frame.

7. Secure the windowpane with glazing points. Press points into the window frame around the perimeter of the opening with a putty knife.

8. Load up the putty knife with glazing and smoothly apply it around perimeter of the window opening. Miter the corners for a smooth look.

9. Wait until the glazing is firm before priming and painting the window frame. It should take the glazing about a week to set up.