Sometimes with a tight budget, it’s not possible to spend much on window glazing putty.
Therefore, users who need window glazing putty’s benefits are always searching for cheaper yet, effective window glazing putty alternatives.
In all honesty, when it comes to durability and quality, these alternatives might somewhat differ. However, the functionality and glazes are pretty much familiar.
So, bear with me as I let you in on all those affordable and effective substitutes.
What Can I Use Instead Of Putty?
Here’s a list of all the cheaper alternatives that you can opt for.
- Silicone Caulk or Acrylic Latex.
- Putty Replacements.
- Mitered Moldings.
- Wood Fillers.
- Linseed Oil.
- Dry Sealants.
Since the generic window glazing putty is not your cup of tea, I have searched for a few budget-friendly alternatives.
The best part is that you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to acquire top-notch putty quality. Let’s check out the options to know more.
- Silicone Caulk
One of the most renowned window putty alternatives is Silicone caulk, also known as acrylic latex.
If you’ve ever thought, can I use Siliconee instead of window putty, and will it provide the same benefits? Now is the time to find out.
Siliconee caulks are best known for being effective in providing a solid shield and seal for windows. It’s actually a great way to waterproof your windows.
After the window glazing has been installed, it can eliminate all chances of water seeping through the windows and destroying the interior.
Silicone caulks, or acrylic latex, are remarkably consistent, high in quality, and can serve users in the long run.
- Putty Replacements
Putty replacements are rather a modern take that is used regularly as an alternative to mastic or putty. These are made with high-technology ingredients ideal for new glazing, sealing, and insulating window panels.
The best catch about replacement putties is that they come in easy to use and transport bottles. Therefore, the applications are made more accessible and quicker.
You will need minimum preparation to permanently seal any visible splits or cracks on window panels as well.
Another point to note about such putty replacements is that they have high elasticity which serves well, especially if the user is dealing with recurring cracks or dents on their windows.
- Mitered Moldings
Often we feel that applying and reapplying putty can be highly time-consuming. Moreover, sometimes the waiting period to dry the putty takes longer than anticipated.
Thus, a quicker and easier option that can work instead of window glazing putties is mitered moldings.
Mitered moldings are used to hold glass upon the window frames without enduring the hassle and mess of dealing with window glazing putty.
Mitered moldings wood only requires a quarter of an inch to work. You can set the glass pane on any preferred caulk base and hammer in small brads.
You’re not required to use any glazing points. The tiny brads are used as a safety net to avoid any hazards and damage. Furthermore, you can opt for a brad pusher or brad nailer to get the job done.
- Wood Fillers
Wood fillers have to repair properties that can often heal the window’s wood from within.
The most beloved feature of wood fillers is that they can harden the windows and maintain the proper integrity of the wood’s life.
Moreover, wood fillers are extraordinarily sturdy and durable as they are made with non-shrinking ingredients.
Some benefits of using wood filler instead of window glaze putty are that it’s quick and easy to apply, they’re incredibly long-lasting, and they have waterproof capabilities.
Furthermore, they’re relatively cheaper and can be shaped and painted upon once dried.
- Linseed Oil
Linseed oil putty is extracted from pure linseed oils and can act as excellent replacement chalk. Linseed oil is utilized nationwide for installing glazing, repairing cracks and gaps on windows, doors, and other wooden frames.
Re-glazing with linseed oil also has the added advantage of being water-resistant.
Therefore, once linseed oil is applied as an alternative to window glazing putty, it can hold up surprisingly well against harsh conditions and weather.
- Dry Sealants
Dry sealants with a polyurethane base can provide ever-lasting protection to your windows.
When 100% polyurethane or a mix of polyurethane and latex is used in a dry sealant, it makes the mixture water-resistant, high in elasticity, flexible, and shrink-proof.
Not only are dry sealants one of the best alternatives used in place of window glazing putty, but these are also high in demand for fixing minor cracks and splits. These dry sealants have high adhesion abilities.
Therefore, they can accommodate multiple uses, such as installing windows. Lastly, users also love that dry sealants are extremely easy to apply and mostly need one clean swipe to cover up the required areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Window panes are usually surrounded with glazing compounds or also known as putty. These materials are well known for holding the window glasses in place. Moreover, these putties are also harsh weather-resistant, which can seal out water too. Glazing compounds are long-lasting and can be extremely sturdy.
There are two schools of thought for this. Some say window glazing putty and caulk are interchangeable while others are skeptical of the notion.
Often substituting one for the other does not seem like a viable option, especially if you’re not dealing with gaps that needs to be sealed. While working with open cracks or gaps, using window glazing putty will be more effective than using acrylic latex caulks.
Dry seals are modern technologies and a fantastic substitute for window glazing putty. Dry seals are best known for their optimized elastic abilities, which work great for window renovations and re-glazing.
Moreover, these are also known to have the upper hand on linseed oil putties which are yet another affordable alternative for window glazing putty. Dry seals are worth every penny because they come with UV rays protection and waterproof properties.
Follow these steps to reapply window glazing putty when the former putty has cracked.
1) Remove the existing layers of cracked putty. Use a putty knife to edge it into the cracks and wiggle it off. Don’t be too harsh while doing this step, or you might crack open the window pane.
2) Slap on some fresh putty on the affected areas. Apply a generous coating of the new putty by using the tip of a putty knife. Squish the putty into the gaps utilizing a downward motion or stroke.
3) Dip one end of the putty knife into mineral turpentine. This step is required to soften up the putty and smoothen the surface. Now repeat steps two and three until you have a clean line of putty.
4) Tidy up the knife lines on your putty and let it dry.
Conclusion
Even though we all love the generic ways of using and purchasing window putty, sometimes you just need to dig in deeper and know about the window glazing putty alternatives.
There’s no possible harm in expanding your palette of choices, right?
All the alternate products that I’ve recommended have top-tier quality, durability, and similar performance to putty.
Along with those benefits, these are much more affordable as well. So, you can grab any option without having to dent your wallet.
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Hi Den,
I’m replacing a 10×13 glass pane in a french door. It looks like the panes are bedded in a minimal amount of some kind of grey caulking or putty. Actually, not really bedded since there is just a tiny amount of it. There are wood stops (moulding) holding the panes in. They are held into the door with staples.
I’d like to use something to seal the panes, but not sure what. I want it to be somewhat reversible so if the glass needs to be replaced in the future, it won’t be difficult to remove the moulding and broken glass.
What do you recommend? If I used silicone would I be able to remove it from the wood frame when replacing the glass in the future? Should I just use window putty?
Thanks.
paint the door and moldings, make sure the paint touches the glass ,when you do this you are encapsulating the glass stops and water shouldn’t be able to get in, Don’t silicone be silicone is not paint-able and silicone will let go of the wood, silicone and wood don’t adhere very well