Removing old door window putty/silicon

[Stephen B]

[size=12pt]

I am currently restoring an old cedar door.

In attempting to scrape old putty (and silicon from someone's 1/2 backed restoration), I have just cracked the glass. Fortunately the glass only covers top 1/3 and I am sure it can be replaced.

However for next time, and for removing what's left, does anyone know what will soften hard putty, or is it a matter of scraping,scrapping?!

It has just hit 40C here so will not be back to it today.

With appreciation.

 

[peter halle]

A heat gun will usually soften old glazing compound and allow it to be scraped out.  To be honest I haven't tried it for silicone.  There are products out know that will soften silicone to allow for better / easier removal.

Peter

 

[jools]

Heat guns and glass don't mix so only really useful on cleaning rebate after glass removal.  Softness achieved with heat depends on oil content/age weathering etc. I usually remove old potty with a hacking knife if glass not antique,and retained. If glass wanted remove with a Fein mm  Silicone responds better to mechanical scraping after it has been heated
Regards
Jools

 

[Motown]

I have just done this for french casement windows (swing open versus up and down) and because their were 137 total windows I used a piece of scrap ply and wrapped it in tin foil to protect the glass from cracking as i worked to remove the putty. Worked well.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]
Thankyou all for your ideas/experiences, much appreciated. [smile]

 

[Oops Now Fix]

Thirty years ago, I re-glazed an old house full of windows with the tool shown.  No longer manufactured, but it looks like they show up on eBay occasionally, selling for around $50.  It appears parts are still available; Google G&H Electric Putty Softener.

This tool works very well - no damage to glass, no damage to wood.  I would bet, however, that the insulating elements are asbestos.

Dick Beverly

 

[lillianhofstader]

My husband had used prazi usa's putty remover, it is attached to a power drill to remove stubborn putty. It also consist of a handle that helps the user to guide the drill, and the tool's rotating chisel cuts the putty from the window.

 

[Stephen B]

Thanks for that Lilian.

In the end, I found that Selleys Putty Remover was effective.

[size=13pt]
And welcome to the FOG.   [smile]