FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

**GRAY** glazing putty

JohnD1 | Posted in General Discussion on May 6, 2008 08:02am

I have some

Pella windows.&

#160;  (Never again, but that is another story).  The glaxing compound is cracking around the windows.  Still soft, but cracking and disappearing all along the outside.

I go to find new glazing compound.  All I can find, either at my local independent hardware store or at any of the Borgs, is white.

Any thoughts as to where I can find a gray glazing compound?

(I actually thought about using gray butyl caulk!  But only for a few minutes, as I remembered how I sealed the windshield of my old ’68 GMC pickup using that stuff, and how hard it was to clean off the glass so I could see to drive.)

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Hudson Valley Carpenter | May 06, 2008 08:12pm | #1

    web.pella.com   is the place to start.  Check warranty info under "products".  There's also a "Support" heading and well as a "contact us" link.

    Edit: They have a very high customer satisfaction rating, which they're proud of so I'd suggest that you push them for satisfaction if you believe that the product is not what it was represented to be. 



    Edited 5/6/2008 1:15 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter

    1. JohnD1 | May 06, 2008 08:21pm | #3

      A short rant regarding Pella and "Support":  They have someone come over and that person supports you when they tell you what they will charge.

      The windows are 15 years old; Pella does not warranty anything after the written period. 

      (1) For instance, after about 7 years, the cheap plastic corners on their screens failed due to sunlight embrittlement.  Pella's solution:  "Buy new screens".  Our local hardware store's solution:  "Here are metal corners that fit.  Unfortunately, you will have to put new screening in because they can't be fitted in.  But that will still cost a lot less than a new screen from Pella".

      (2) For instance, several windows have rotted out because when Pella in the factory used so much sealant that they sealed up the vent holes, so moisture sat in there.  Pella's reply:  We will give you a discount on new windows (material only).  My solution:  Anderson Renewal.

      But, for grins I will check out Pella and report back what they say.

  2. User avater
    BillHartmann | May 06, 2008 08:13pm | #2

    Are these insulated glass units? If so they don't have "putty" in them.

    .
    .
    A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
    1. JohnD1 | May 06, 2008 08:23pm | #4

      All righty--"glazing and bedding material".   ;^)

      These are the double pane windows, but the glass is still bedded into the wooden frame.  And there is (for lacke of a better term) bedding material on the outside edge that seats against the glass and the metal trim.

      Edit:  And, I am having a leak in this very area.  It might be the initial installation, but it might be something else.  A little sealant is an easy fix if it works.

      Edited 5/6/2008 1:24 pm by JohnD1

      Edited 5/6/2008 1:27 pm by JohnD1

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | May 06, 2008 08:31pm | #5

        I am not sure, but I think that butly is one of the materials that can be used for a sealant.It has to be compatable with the sealants used on the glass units.I belive that silicon can be used also, but you need to verify that.And I have seen aluminum silicon. But that is probably a bright gray and I suspect that you are looking for a dark gray..
        .
        A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

  3. kate | May 06, 2008 09:34pm | #6

    If all else fails, & you don't get help from Pella, you can add colorant to the putty in the can to match any color you need - a tube of universal color from a decent paint store, or a tube of lampblack or carbon black oil-based pigment from an art supply store.

    It will be messy, so wear gloves if you care about your manicure - take a glob of putty, work it until soft, roll a ball, flatten it into a pancake, add color, & keep mushing until the color is even.  It will lighten just a bit when it cures, so make it just a tad darker than you want it.

    You are certainly right to resist the temptation to use caulk...

    1. DanH | May 06, 2008 11:49pm | #7

      Or you could break down and take the sash to a local glass shop. They'll likely have the right stuff.
      What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite. --Bertrand Russell

      1. kate | May 07, 2008 12:00am | #8

        Well, you could, but then you probably couldn't post here any more...

      2. JohnD1 | May 07, 2008 12:31am | #9

        This might be a bit impractical.........

        The window is a fixed half-circle atop other moveable windows.  I would have to disassemble the house to bring it in [grin].

        1. frammer52 | May 10, 2008 01:48am | #10

          actually you don't have to take it all apart, but I can't remember how we did it.

    2. painter | May 10, 2008 03:25am | #11

      You could also mix some black glazing compond (sterling corp makes one) with some white

  4. HootOwl | May 10, 2008 06:29am | #12

    If you're looking for a conventional glazing compound in a grey color......SarcoSeal is just that.  Suitable and intended for either wood sash or metal sash.  Try your local glass shops first.  I have some over at my shop.  It's great stuff and has lasted here and on other houses where installed for over 20 years so far with zero failures. Far superior to Dap33 or similar.

    If the material in question is SarcoSeal and is still visibly grey on the exposed surface.......then it means that it was never primed or painted in a timely manner.  Any glazing compound will fail under those circumstances.

    This may be helpful since you're in the Chicago neighborhood.  http://www.thebluebook.com/ch/htm/0023564000000.shtml



    Edited 5/9/2008 11:59 pm ET by HootOwl

    1. kate | May 10, 2008 04:39pm | #13

      ...and to painter -

      Thanks! Learned something new at BT yet again!

      1. HootOwl | May 10, 2008 06:30pm | #14

        Here's the stuff.

        1. kate | May 12, 2008 04:19pm | #15

          Thanks!  I had no idea that stuff existed.  I'm (slowly) reglazing all the windows in my house - 6 over 6, true divided lite - & paint them all, so white has not been a problem for me - & I have a large supply of Dap 33 to use up, but I'll keep this in mind.  Lampblack is so hard on the manicure!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Fight House Fires Through Design
  • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

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

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data