A friend of mine claims he enjoys reglazing windows, but I’m not sure this is possible. Who could find anything to like about this hellish process?  Old putty is tough to remove, and applying fresh putty is not nearly as easy as it looks. Couldn’t we just get glazing compound in a tube that could be applied with an ordinary caulk gun?

Well, you can. In addition to its old standby 33 Glazing, which is oil-based, DAP (888-327-8477) has introduced latex window glazing in a 10-oz. tube that fits a caulk gun (photo right). According to DAP, both products are for use only as a window glazing, not a putty for nail holes and other defects in wood. Oil-based glazing compound can be worked in the hand until it is malleable enough to be spread cleanly with a putty knife. Ideally, you never have to handle latex glazing compound. A broad tip on the end of the tube is designed to make application a lot easier, and it cleans up with soap and water.

DAP says the biggest reason for using a latex compound is that it can be painted sooner than its oil-based counterpart. Latex paint may be applied in just three days, and oil-based paint may go on in one week. DAP’s oil-based glazing, however, should be painted with an oil-based paint only after it has developed a hard skin. That could take several weeks. For someone trying to reglaze and repaint windows in a big hurry, this is an advantage. The catch is that latex glazing is good for only five or six years, says DAP, before it starts to fail, while its 33 Glazing should last at least 20 years.

Glazing putty in a tube

Glazing putty in a tube is designed for easy application. It also can be painted sooner than standard oil-based glazing.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.

Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.

Buy at Amazon

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.

Buy at Amazon