How to Use Glazing Tools

One type of tool that requires a little bit of practice in order to use it properly are glazing tools. These tools are usually used with some arts and crafts when working with tiles. However, most of the time they are used to repair glass or install windows. The glazing tool can be purchased in any home hardware store and some craft stores. It is a tool that has two ends. Both ends serve two distinct purposes in glazing of windows or crafts. An angled blade is one end while a flat scraper is on the other. Knowing which end to use, and how to use them, requires some practice.

Step 1: Lubricate Glazing Tool

When using glazing tools you will be working with stiff putty. A tool that is not lubricated will not work through the putty enough to spread it evenly or easily. Linseed oil is the perfect way to lubricate the glazing tool for an efficient use. With the linseed oil on the tool you can work through the putty without it hardening up too soon.

Step 2: Spread Putty on Glass

A special glazing putty is spread out on to glass or tiles for a hard, but transparent coating. This coating is spread with the glazing tool's angled blade. Spread the putty along the glass surface. Keep the strokes small and even. Apply some pressure to the angled blade, but it should not cut down into the putty. It is angled to give the user a little bit of leverage for keeping the putty even.

Step 3: Work in Small Areas

One of the biggest temptations is to start at one end and then just spread out the putty in long strokes. When working with glazing tools it is much easier to be able to work in small sections. This will allow you to have better control over the blade and the surface.

Step 4: Start in One Corner

It is better to start in one corner and then work your way down to the other. Continually move over and start at the top while working your way down again. Work in this fashion until you get to the other edge of the window, or surface that you are glazing. Make sure to blend in each of the rows by mixing the previous line of putty with the new.

Step 5: Let Glaze Dry

A major temptation is to automatically scrape away some of the putty before it dries. It is important that the glaze dries before you use the other end of the glazing tool to scrape away the excess. When done before the putty dries you may cause damage to the glaze that you want to stay on the window.

Step 6: Scrape Away Glaze

Start at one side of the window and work away at scraping the excess glaze. Take your time while scraping so that you do not remove any glaze that should not be. An easy way to check your work is to look on the other side of the glass. If you see some excess glaze, scrape it away.