How to Remove Old Putty From a Metal Frame

Reglazing a metal-framed window can be a difficult chore when the old window putty becomes brittle and hard. The putty still seems to cling to the metal frame long after it has dried out. However, it can be removed with a bit of careful scraping. The old putty must be completely removed so that the new glazing putty can form a tight seal on the window frame to keep out water and prevent leaks.

2-inch sharp putty knife
File
Heat gun
Masking tape
Small brush

Instructions

- 1
  Sharpen a 2-inch putty knife by laying it on the edge of a worktable so that the blade hangs over the edge. Hold the knife in place with one hand. Pick up the file with your other hand, and slide it away from you over the putty knife's blade a few times. Do not slide the file back and forth. Flip the knife over and file the blade a few times again.
- 2
  Work the putty knife blade gently into the hardened glazing putty on the metal frame of the window. Lift up on the putty knife handle, and remove the pieces of old putty. Work your way around the frame, prying up and removing the old putty. Stop when the putty knife blade starts to get dull. Sharpen the blade with a file again, and continue to remove as much of the old putty as you can.
- 3
  Heat up any putty remaining on the metal frame with a heat gun. Use your fingers to pull off the softened putty. Keep moving the heat gun up and down the metal frame if there is still window glass in it to prevent heating up the glass and cracking it.
- 4
  Scrape the metal frame once again with the putty knife to remove any remaining putty. Brush away any remaining debris from the metal frame with a small brush.

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