Mastering the putty finish
We know that the right tools are crucial for achieving perfection in glazing, especially when working with traditional buildings (plastic is not fantastic), . So in this section we'll guide you through some of the essential tools that ensure both stunning aesthetics, and lasting protection for your glazing projects.
Why the right tools make all the difference
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a keen DIY enthusiast, the finish of your glazing work is paramount. Using appropriate tools ensures precision, durability, and most importantly, maintains the authentic character of historical properties. Quality tools simplify complex tasks and elevate the final appearance, but some low quality tools are also knowing.
A "clipt" putty knife
Commonly known as a clipt putty knife, or sometimes called a stopping knife, is readily availalable both online and in store these days. Many have plastic 'moulded' handles, and are marketed (by Mark Eting) for comfort, (just click the link, and get the truth about our 'friend'). Without doubt the best handles are what's known as "Scale Tang" handles (as shown rignt).
Scale Tang knives date back to Medieval times, so are time proven, they are still manufactured today for many decorating tools, and we certainly endorse them.
Basically the knife blade extends (the tang) the full length of the tool, with two shaped hardwood sections (cut to 'scale' the 'tang') and held either side by fixings which connect through the blade (tang), but the 'tang' itself is only shaped/sharpened where necessary, and sometimes only serrated for specific uses, so no "wee wees" are necessary children! 🤣
The Hamilton brand was started in 1746, and since owning (and yes of course, using) Hamilton tools since our apprenticeship days over half a century ago means that we're more than happy, and experienced enough to promote Hamilton tools and brushes.
Hamilton also manufacture a wide range of great equipment, including scrapers, filling knives, broad knives, paint brushes, setting brushes ('wallpapering brushes' in armchair expert's language) with pure bristle fillings, so do check them out.
Glazing/ pin hammer
The tiny 15mm glazing sprigs must be tapped into position before the artists can create their immaculate aesthetics either their new putty knife, and for this a lightweight 'pin' hammer is sensible due to the risk of breaking glass! (And those tiny sprigs are 'fiddly', so care and patience really are key traits needed here.
Now, as your skills grow along with your confidence, you'll undoubtedly grow your own toolkit, so we're only highlighting the basics; chisels, small flatheaded screwdrivers, nail pincers etc etc, will come your way, and we very much promote thinking, so don't think this is the Law!