Apply a thin bed of putty inside the frame’s rabbet, press the glass gently into place, and insert new glazing points every 6–8 inches to secure it.
Roll a rope of putty between your palms, about ½ inch thick. Press it firmly along the glass-to-frame joint. Then, smooth it with a putty knife held at a 45-degree angle, creating a neat, sloping seal that sheds water.
Scrape away debris, rust (on metal frames), or old paint. For wooden frames, apply a thin coat of boiled linseed oil or primer to prevent the new putty from drying out too fast.
A few hours with fresh putty can add years to your windows, and the satisfaction of a clean, tight seal is something you’ll feel every time a storm rolls in.