"Homemade" Stained Glass Putty Recipe
Making your own stained glass putty (often called cement) is more economical than buying premade tubs and allows you to control the drying time and consistency for your specific project. Read on for an easy DIY recipe and links to the ingredients!
The "Standard" Putty Recipe
Most professional recipes rely on a combination of oils and powders to create a substance that is waterproof and structurally supportive.
Ingredients:
- Whiting (Calcium Carbonate): The main bulk of the putty.
- Raw Linseed Oil: Acts as the Whiting binder and makes the putty brushable.
- Boiled Linseed Oil: Similar purpose to Raw Linseed Oil and includes drying agents to help it set.
- Mineral Spirits or Turpentine: Used to thin the mixture for easier application.
- Black Pigment (Lamp Black or Stove Black): Adds the traditional dark color to match lead came.
- Optional: Plaster of Paris or Portland cement (added by some for extra stiffness, though experts caution that Portland cement can be too abrasive or permanent).
Mixing Steps
1. Combine Liquids:
- Mix the linseed oil (3:1 ratio raw to boiled). For a faster setting time use 2:1 ratio raw to boiled)
- Combine equal parts linseed oil mix and mineral spirits in a small cup.
2. Add Whiting: Slowly stir in whiting powder until you reach the consistency of thick icing or warm peanut butter.
3. Add Color: Mix in a small amount of black tint until the mixture reaches your desired shade.
4. Final Adjustment: If it's too runny, add more whiting. If it's too stiff, add a few drops of oil or solvent.
5. Resting: Many artists recommend letting the mixture sit overnight to homogenize before use.
Alternative: Modified Commercial Putty
If you don't want to mix from scratch, you can modify standard glazing putty (like DAP 33).
- Thin it: Add mineral spirits or turpentine to make it brushable.
- Color it: Mix in lamp black or black oil paint to darken it.
Pro Tips
- Safety: Always wear a mask when handling whiting powder to avoid inhaling dust.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container. To prevent it from drying out, some artists add a thin layer of water or solvent on top of the putty before sealing.
- Clean-up: After applying the putty to your window, sprinkle dry whiting powder over the surface to help absorb excess oil and make scrubbing easier.