How to Open a Painted Shut Window

Freeing Painted Shut Windows

Introduction:

If you have painted your house lately it is quite possible you have a painted shut window. Double hung windows are particularly easy to paint shut during house painting. The paint can collect at any point around the window sashes causing it to stick as fast as if it were glued. Getting it unstuck can be done by cutting through the paint around the window sashes that are sealed by paint with a utility knife. If this does not work here are a few useful tips to help you get the job done.

Tips on how to open a painted shut window:

1. If you do not have a utility knife available there is a special little tool that looks like a serrated metal spatula called a window saw which can be purchased at any paint or hardware stores. The saw is specifically made to cut through dried paint around movable window sashes. Be careful not to leave any areas uncut on the inside and outside of the window and so you do not do damage the painted surface of the window.

2. Insure the window is unlocked and that there are no nails or screws securing the sash to the jamb. If there are, remove them. Then try to force the window open with abrupt force using the heels of your hands in and upward motion. Be careful that you don’t break the glass.

3. If that doesn’t do the job try to free the window with a wood block and a hammer but be careful not to jar the window so hard that you break the glass. Once the window is open brush away the loose paint and debris.

A painted shut window can be annoying but with a little patience you can free the window without breaking the glass or damaging the window frame.

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