advice on using window putty

hi can anyone tell the tips on how to use window putty and how to get good corners and a smooth finish . i have bought a putty knife but to be honest i cant seem to get the hang of it . i have used a lubricant on putty knife when trying to tidy it up but it still look uneven ect any help would be appreciated

I prefer to use a flat knife. Practice is the main thing. When you first try it there is a tendency to go too carefully and push too hard with the blade. If you watch a glazier they draw the knife quickly down the pane. Playing around with the putty often makes it worse.

cheers for that, do you normaly put the putty all round then start to tidy up and how do you get a even edge on the glass

putty all round, rest your hand on the frame or next pane to steady you as you draw along/ down. I used to use a 1¼ inch sharp paint scraper.

the guy who showed me how to do it used a "finger trowel" which is a long, narrow trowel. It's designed to be used by bricklayers for repointing. So I did the same and it worked well. Not quite sure how you're meant to use a putty knife.

http://www.manchestertools.co.uk/finger-trowel-10mm-wooden-handle-p-28807.html

You know the basics? - knead the putty in your hand till it's stretchy and workable. (leaving it somewhere warm before hand will help). Stretch it out, stick one end down to the glass/wood then work your way round alternately stretching it along the joint and pushing it back into the joint.

corners - have to improvise a bit, use your fingers to shape it and then smooth it , maybe with your putty knife.

Helps if your putty is fairly new as it does go hard lumpy over time especially if kept in the cold (van/shed), work it for 10 mins or so and if you are slow at applying it it might be best to just do each side as you go.

I find a 30mm paint scraper which i have put a slight bend on works best for me keep it very clean!
Also after handling the putty clean your hands everytime!
Finally using a soft dusting/paint brush go around all the putty - just once dont play to much - be carefull cleaning the glass afterwards then stand back and admire

Oh there is better brands of putty also you are better buying it from a glaziers shop as its normally what they use some of the putty in the sheds is hard to work with.