How to Replace a Window Pane

Use needle-nosed pliers to remove pieces of broken glass from the window. Some of the bigger pieces may need to be broken in order to remove them. Masking tape can be used to hold the glass together. This will prevent pieces of glass from scattering.

Scrape the original glazing compound from around the window using a putty knife. Remove all of the old compound so the new compound will stick to the window properly. Apply mineral spirits to the compound if the old compound is brittle. Remove the glazing points with needle-nosed pliers.

Apply a thin line of glazing compound along the sides of the window using the putty knife to smooth it into place.

Put the new piece of glass in place, making sure that it is in the line of the glazing compound. Press the glazing points into place every few inches around the pane. Put two of them 1 or 2 inches from the corners.

Place a glazing compound around the edges of the new window to seal it in place. Flatten it down with the putty knife to make it smooth. Clean excess compound from the glass before it dries.

Prime the compound and paint it once it has dried. Make a good seal by painting onto the glass a fraction of an inch.