Glaze or Caulk ?

Vikki
by Vikki
I am restoring an 1870's house and keeping this bathroom door. I'm hoping to clean it up a bit more around the glass and wondering if I should use caulk - which I prefer - or glazing compound?
  13 answers
  • William William on Sep 09, 2016
    There already is molding holding the glass in. Glazing points hold glass in windows and glazing putty creates a waterproof seal. Use caulk to fill in the joints and a wet finger to smooth it out. I actually even started using caulk in place of glazing putty on windows years ago. It creates a better seal, is waterproof, stays flexible with wood expansion, and can be painted. Glazing putty tends to dry out and crumble.
    • See 1 previous
    • PRESIDENTSAC PRESIDENTSAC on Sep 10, 2016
      You are exactly right. Metal Windows generally use a clear silicon caulk, while wood or vinyl do better with a better quality caulk. I'm partial to red devil brand because it flows a bit easier, but that is personal preference.
  • LibraryKAT LibraryKAT on Sep 10, 2016
    William gave you the right advice. It's not a hard thing to do, I've reset several windows after the glass was broken in some manner.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Sep 10, 2016
    William has brought you into the 20th if not the 21st century. The modern products often substitute well if not better than the original. But use the 'good stuff'.
  • Vikki Vikki on Sep 10, 2016
    Ready to caulk with silicone caulk . Any suggestions on how to get a clean line on this textured glass? I fear the painters tape trick will not suffice .
  • Archie Archie on Sep 10, 2016
    Painter's caulk is the way to go. Small opening in the tube and you should be good to go.
  • Louise albarella Louise albarella on Sep 10, 2016
    this really isnt an answer to your question but I have to share what I did to the glass in my door, I mixed elmers glue with water and glued a piece of lace to the inside of the door, I receive many compliments on it!
  • Jennie Lee Jennie Lee on Sep 10, 2016
    Lowe's sells plastic tools, one to remove caulk, and one to apply it. The application one is great! Basically, it's like a "plastic finger" that you use instead of your flesh-and-blood one. Not only do you keep your hands clean, the plastic doesn't stick to silicone caulk-you can wipe the excess right off on a paper towel and discard it! The tool stays clean-unlike fingers. It allowed me to do the neatest caulking job I've ever done. I liked it so much, I bought one for a friend who was planning to caulk something. It's cheap; definitely worth it.
  • Jacki Seaborn Turner Jacki Seaborn Turner on Sep 11, 2016
    The caulk would be tougher to remove and cleanup than glaze in the case of later re-restoration. Likely to cause significant marring to the wood. That's the only drawback I can see.
  • Mac6231 Mac6231 on Sep 11, 2016
    Professionals use glazing compound for a reason. Clean your surfaces, wash your hands squeaky clean and knead a ball of compound until it is supple and warm. Easy to work with, easy to clean up the glass. Just my opinion :)
  • Beverly Beamon Beverly Beamon on Sep 14, 2016
    By the date of the door, I agree with Mac6231. If you want to keep it close to original use the glazing.
  • Christine Styron Feit Christine Styron Feit on Sep 15, 2016
    I prefer glazing because it is nicer to paint over and it is the correct technical way to install.
  • Jackie Hendricks Jackie Hendricks on Sep 20, 2016
    Before that, I would remove as much of the paint as you can. Looks like it has many coats. Heat gun (hairdryer too) does well for removing excess paint. Sand, then repaint. You'll be glad you did.