Putty: newbie tips

[mike004]

Tips please on applying putty to window frames. In particular, how do I get a smooth finish?
The putty seems either to stick to my hands one minute, then won't stick to the wood the next minute.

I did a small frame last night -- after a lot of faffing around I got something reasonable. But the finish is not smooth. Should I wet the blade before finishing off?

Mike

 

[JohnD]

A new tub of putty is usually too oily. It might be that. You can pour off the excess, and roll the lump you are going to use in newspaper to absorb the excess.

 

[mike004]

>A new tub of putty is usually too oily<

Yes. I think that was part of the problem.

Mike

 

[BREAKALEG]

Work the putty well the bottom half of the tub will be dryer!
Keep an old towel or kitchen roll handy always keep your hands clean and use a 1" filler knife again kept clean.
Keep a steady hand and press the knife firmly, once its all on and looking decent give a quick brush over with a soft paint/dusting brush.