How to Install Window Panes

The average homeowner can easily install window panes himself, as long as the windows aren't double paned. The installation of double paned windows requires the skills of a professional contractor. If you're replacing broken window panes, you need to clean the window frames before installing new panes. Remove any remains from the old window panes and scrape off any putty from the frames with a putty knife. You must also remove glazier's points, which are metal pieces underneath the putty that hold the glass panes in place.

Window panes
Window frames
Paintbrush
Linseed oil (optional)
Exterior primer
Putty
Glaziers' points
Putty knife
Rag
Exterior paint

Instructions

- 1
  Dip a paintbrush in linseed oil or exterior primer and wipe it all over the window frame where the glass pane will sit. This helps the new putty retain its oils and last longer. Leave the window frame until the linseed oil or exterior primer dries.
- 2
  Roll a handful of putty in your hand to form a tube the size of a pencil. Warm it up in your hand until it becomes soft enough to form any shape you want.
- 3
  Press the putty into the grooves in the window frame where the glass pane will site. Focus on filling the grooves to the edges and don't worry about the mess at this point.
- 4
  Place the window pane in the frame, pressing it against the putty. The putty should cover the slight gap between the glass pane and the window frame, keeping the glass pane in place. If you see any air voids, remove the glass pane and the putty, then begin placing the putty all over again.
- 5
  Place a glaziers' point on the glass pane, then push it with a putty knife until it's lodged in the side of the frame. Do the same with the other side of the glass to hold the glass pane in place. Continue inserting glaziers' points every 4 to 6 inches around the window frame.
- 6
  Knead another tube of putty in your hand and press it against the edges of the glass pane that meet the window frame. Do the same with the other side of the glass. This hides the glaziers' points and replaces all the putty squeezed out when you placed the glass pane in the frame.
- 7
  Press the edge of a putty knife against the glass pane and the side of the putty knife against the window frame at an angle. Drag the putty knife along the edges of the window pane to remove excess putty, leaving a triangular seal around the pane. Leave the window frame for at least one week to let the putty dry completely.
- 8
  Wipe any oil that the putty releases with a rag.
- 9
  Apply exterior oil-based primer to the putty with a paintbrush, letting about 1/16 inch of the primer get onto the glass to provide a tight seal for the putty. Wait for the primer to dry and brush on a coat of exterior paint.

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