If you’re using an oil-based product, like plumber’s putty or glazing compound, you could just seal the lid tightly when you’re done and hope that when you come back in a year or two the putty isn’t rock hard, but there’s a better way.

If you’re like me, you buy a product like plumber’s putty or glazing compound, you use it once, and then you don’t need it again for five years. And, sure enough, when you come back, it’s dried up and you have to go buy some more. Well Mike Guertin, of East Greenwhich, R.I., has figured out a way to keep these oil-based products fresh for however long he needs to keep them that way. He takes a little bit of water, pours it on top of the putty to create an air-tight seal, and he snaps the lid on and walks away. And he knows that, no matter how long he waits, when he comes back, all he needs to do is open it up, pour the water out, dab it with a paer towel, and he’s good to go.

Pretty clever tip, Mike. Thanks for sending that.

Kevin Ireton is editor-at-large and a good friend and former colleague of Chuck Miller’s. Keep your eye out for more Better Way videos from Kevin and several of our other regular contributors in the near future.

_________________________________________________

Attention all tipsters!

We’re looking for any smart idea that would make a great There’s a Better Way Video or that could be featured in the Tips & Techniques department in Fine Homebuilding magazine.

We pay for any tips that get published

You can post tips in our submit a tip blog, or just email them to Fine Homebuilding care of Chuck Miller. Thanks!

Plus, browse 30 years of great ideas in our Reader Tips department.