How to Use Glazing Putty on Metal Surfaces

Glazing putty has many uses that can be beneficial around the home as well as in the garage. Glazing putty can be used to facilitate repair on brick, concrete, and metal. Glazing putty can be used to repair nicks, cracks, holes, and even rebuild an item that has been broken. Using glazing putty on metal surfaces is great for everyday repairs of anything metal which also includes your car. The following article will show you how to properly use glazing putty on metal surfaces.

Prepare the Area for Glazing Putty

In order for glazing putty to correctly adhere to metal, the surface has to be properly prepared. How you prepare the surface depends on the damage you intend to fix with the glazing putty. You first need to remove any oil or wax that has built up over time. Use the wax and grease remover according to the directions on the package. If the area you are working on has rust present then wash the area with oil-free soap. The next procedure is to sand the metal. This creates a texture for the glazing putty to adhere to. If you are working to fill scratches then use 240-grit sandpaper over the area.

For deeper gouges use an electric sander with 50-grit sandpaper to grind down the metal. In order to obtain a good finished job, you will need to feather the edges of the affected area. Sand the area down smooth with 80-grit sandpaper. Repeat by wet sanding with 240-grit sandpaper. Apply the rust deactivator to the metal according to the directions. When it has dried sand it down with 240-grit sandpaper, wipe it down with a terrycloth towel and then a tack cloth. Finish by treating with rust inhibitor primer.

Glazing Putty Application

Place a small amount of the glazing putty onto the rubber contour squeegee. Use medium pressure to apply the putty. Spread the glazing putty over the area with a fast scraping motion. Only apply the glazing putty in one direction and do not go over the area a second time. If you do so the glazing putty you had already put down may be pulled away. It is best to apply the glazing putty away from you.

Sanding the Glazing Putty

Allow the glazing putty to dry for at least a day before sanding. Wet sand the glazing putty with 240-grit sandpaper. As you sand the glazing putty use your fingers to feel the area. Do this to detect any high areas that remain in the putty. Continue sanding the glazing putty until you can no longer feel any raised areas. Wipe down the area with a terrycloth towel and then a tack cloth. Rinse the area down with water and dry off. Check for any voids in the glazing putty and repeat as needed. Apply the finishing primer.