Quick Fix Linseed Oil Putty Repair [On-site Visit]

Working with Linseed Oil Putty and Linseed Oil Paint for window restoration is pretty basic but sometimes something can go wrong.

Failure can look like cracking or separation between the glass and the putty. Separation can be caused by something as simple as the glass being dirty before glazing but cracking is usually from an application or product use error.

These are the 3 most common errors made when working with Linseed Oil Putty:

Was shellac used on the glazing grooves?

There are other methods but dissolved shellac flakes create a barrier, protecting the putty from drying out.

When was the Linseed Oil Putty painted?

Linseed Oil Putty should be painted immediately with Linseed Oil Paint. 

Glaze and then paint right away. This is not only efficient but the best set of steps when working with these traditional materials.

Was something added to the Linseed Oil Putty or Linseed Oil Paint?

Changing the formulation of either will impact results.

Use these traditional materials as they were intended in order to get best results.

Sometimes it is impossible to know what error was made, especially if someone was hired to do the work.

So what to do now?

All is not lost. Follow the quick-fix steps in this video to preserve the work that has already been done and protect the sash from future deterioration.

To prep, each sash should be gently cleaned to remove any dust, dirt, air-pollution build-up, organic growth, loose particulate, etc. 

Diluted Linseed Oil Soap can be used or a non-petrochemical liquid soap. Rinse well to ensure there is no soap residue.

Allow surfaces to dry fully before proceeding. 

DO NOT POWER WASH.  

Step 1:

Massage DANA Linseed Oil Putty and mix with Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil to a syrup-like consistency. 

Adjust consistency of putty as needed depending on the condition of the putty line.

Step 2:

Apply thinned Linseed Oil Putty to cracks in the putty line.

Pay special attention to any space between putty and glass. Be sure to fill.

For hairline cracks, the idea is to fill and offer a little structure before painting.

Step 3:

Wipe off any excess putty from the putty line.

Dust with chalk if needed.

Step 4:

Mix Ottosson Linseed Oil Paint well before each use.

Step 5:

Paint Linseed Oil Putty repairs immediately with a relatively thin even coat of Linseed Oil Paint.

Use a soft yet stiff bristle brush and apply in 60+ degree temperatures with good air circulation.

Paint 1/16-1/8 inch onto the glass if needed to ensure a good seal between putty and glass.

Let paint dry completely between each coat.

Apply 2-3 relatively thin, even coats of paint onto the putty line to provide repairs with adequate protection in the years to come.

Products used in this video:

DANA Linseed Oil Putty

https://www.earthandflax.com/product-...

Ottosson Linseed Oil Paint

https://www.earthandflax.com/ottosson...

Viking Purified Raw Linseed Oil

https://www.earthandflax.com/product-...

Allback Sash Brush - Size Small

https://www.earthandflax.com/product-...

Visit https://www.earthandflax.com/ to learn more about traditional materials and Swedish Windowcraft methods.

Email info@earthandflax.com with questions.

Special thanks to the Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society. Visit the historic and beautiful Haldeman Mansion in Bainbridge, PA.