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

Putty drying time – question

johnpjackson | Posted in Construction Techniques on December 21, 2008 11:27am

I’ve just gotten the glass back into 4 sashes. The putty directions say wait 7-14 days before painting. Should I keep the sashes aside to set or would it be ok to re-install them, wait a few weeks then remove them again to paint? It’s snowy and cold out but they’d be protected from the weather behind the glass storm windows on the outside. They won’t get to stay quite as warm or dry there though as just sitting in the shop for a couple of weeks. What do you think? Thanks for everyone’s advice! 🙂

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

Replies

  1. Piffin | Dec 22, 2008 12:14am | #1

    They can be painted immediately IF you use a oil based paint and if this is the oil based glaziers putty.

    The hard part is that it is still so soft that you might disturb it or leave brush marks showing, so you have to be gentle and let the pint flow on instead of pushing it.

    That's my experience anyways.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. User avater
      johnpjackson | Dec 22, 2008 12:25am | #2

      Whoa!! Now you've got me excited! The putty says it is made with soybean oil, paraffinic process oil and linseed oil. It also contains calcium carbonate and hydrous magnesium silicate.The directions say it must be painted over after it has skinned over and attained a firm set, approximately 7-14 days. It says to use an oil based primer and then an oil or latex based top coat.I have oil based primer and was planning on using Benjamin Moore exterior latex for the top coat. If I go ahead and use the oil based primer now, should I still then wait for a couple weeks before putting the latex top coat on? I'd really love to get the whole project wrapped up and done but I don't want sacrifice good results from being in a hurry.

      1. DanH | Dec 22, 2008 12:40am | #4

        You generally shouldn't wait more than about 48 hours between primer and top coat.
        The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one. --Wilhelm Stekel

        1. Piffin | Dec 22, 2008 01:21am | #6

          Time to disagree. This time of year, oil is a slow cure and it absolutely NEEDS to be cured before top-coating. Even in summer with UV hitting it, 30 days is the top end not 48 hours. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. HootOwl | Dec 22, 2008 02:41am | #7

            And the effective life of the primer won't even matter if you use a self-priming paint such as Duration.  Just wipe off any water or dirt and paint away.

          2. Piffin | Dec 22, 2008 01:23pm | #9

            But the putty would need to skin and cure before starting with the Duration. The oil skin of the linseed in the putty will combine with the oil paint, but will act to prevent bonding with the latex if it doesn't cure first. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          3. HootOwl | Dec 22, 2008 06:26pm | #11

            Yes, agreed.

            My comment was intended to be "additive" to yours concerning UV exposure on the primer.

            If I was facing this same new glazing situation and winter was upon me, I"d just lay down a nice coat of primer and mount the windows.  Come spring, I'd get out the Duration and finish the job.  As a matter of fact, I've done just that on numerous occasions and never yet "lost" the glazing as a result of primer only over winter.  (I wouldn't recommend putting the glazing out there without a skin of primer on it cause that can/will lead to dried-out/cracked glazing that won't likely last.)

            Then again, I can look at primed-only glazing over winter and it doesn't really bother me.  It would probably drive some folks nuts.  Or if the house is up for sale, things would look better/more appealing with paint on the glazing.

            Edited 12/22/2008 10:35 am ET by HootOwl

          4. User avater
            Sphere | Dec 22, 2008 07:28pm | #12

            See? Azek stops need no primer..LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

             

            They kill Prophets, for Profits.

             

             

          5. HootOwl | Dec 22, 2008 08:12pm | #13

            I may try them one day. 

          6. Piffin | Dec 22, 2008 11:28pm | #15

            Yeah, exactly what I'd do would depend on the job, time frame, type of customer or my house... 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      2. Piffin | Dec 22, 2008 01:10am | #5

        If you paint now, wait until it is firm and tough before the finish coat. 7-14 days is about right in the cold if you put it back in. three days in a warm shop. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  2. DanH | Dec 22, 2008 12:39am | #3

    You can put them back immediately. In cold weather you'll want to wait on the long side of the 7-14 day period for the glazing compound to set enough for painting. It won't be anywhere near "hard", but enough of the solvent should have evaporated to allow the paint to adhere.

    The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one. --Wilhelm Stekel
  3. paintguy | Dec 22, 2008 05:54am | #8

    We have been using Dap 33 for glazing.

    This has a more synthetic quality which allows it to do a couple of things conventional putty doesn't. First it expands and contracts better while maintaining a bond to glass and wood and secondly it allows us to prime with oill based primer and follow-up with latex top coat next day if the weather conditions are right.

    Piffin is right that this time of year 48 hours is questionable for linseed or oil putty. Try the DAP33 and you should see it firm up overnight and be ready for paint.

    Jon

    "There is no good answer to a stupid question"
    Russian saying
  4. woodturner9 | Dec 22, 2008 02:33pm | #10

    The putty directions say wait 7-14 days before painting.

    ---

    What type and brand of putty? If the directions say 7-14 days, they mean it - in a warm, heated dry shop.

    If you prime too soon, the putty will tend to separate from the glass and /or wrinkle. If you paint too soon, you will end up re-doing the putty.

    What the pros do is put a panel in the window opening until the sash is refurbished. Usually takes 4 weeks start to finish, due to drying time of the putty and paint.

    1. Piffin | Dec 22, 2008 11:26pm | #14

      I've never had the putty separate from the g;lass when using the primer too soon, but I have occasionally seen some wrinkling on the surface. Now I know why. But it is pretty seldom.Another thing to add on the subject for all the lurkers just getting ready to do this sort of thing is that the wood should be primed/sealed before using the putty to avoid separation from the wood muntin. I use a shellac based pigmented sealer for that 'cause it drys fast. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. User avater
        johnpjackson | Dec 22, 2008 11:51pm | #16

        I used a hardware store branded oil based primer on my muntins first and let it dry for a week or so. I'm going to give the putty a couple of days at least to see what happens and then try giving them a coat of the oil primer. If that goes well then I'll probably install the sashes for a couple of weeks, then take them out again for a latex top coat.

        1. KenHill3 | Dec 23, 2008 01:10am | #17

          I've had old-timers say to prime the bare wood rebates in the sash and muntins with linseed oil.

        2. HootOwl | Dec 23, 2008 07:39am | #19

          then take them out again for a latex top coat.

          Mind your ambient temps and dry/cure times on the latex or you'll be wasting your time or worse.  If the latex freezes before it's ready for  that, it won't last long.

          Edited 12/22/2008 11:39 pm ET by HootOwl

      2. woodturner9 | Dec 23, 2008 05:05am | #18

        the wood should be primed/sealed before using the putty to avoid separation from the wood muntin.
        ---Yes, definitely - otherwise the bare wood pulls the oils out of the putty and it doesn't cure properly.I like thinned penetrol as a sealer, but that's largely personal preference.

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

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

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