Why Windows Are Painted Shut And How To Open Them

Painted shut windows are a common issue, especially in older homes. This occurs when paint gets into the cracks between window sashes or frames, often during the painting process, or when paint is used to seal drafty windows. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, this can cause windows to become stuck shut, compromising ventilation and posing safety risks, particularly in the event of a fire. Fortunately, there are several techniques and tools you can use to free a painted shut window, such as a putty knife, window zipper, or utility knife.

Breaking the paint seal

Tools Required:

• Putty knife (flexible, about 1-and-1/4 inches wide)
• Window opener tool (optional)
• Window zipper (optional, but recommended if you have multiple windows that are painted shut)
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Dry lubricant

Steps:

• Slide a putty knife between the stop bead and window sash: Place the putty knife between the movable part of the window (the sash) and the wood stoppers on the wall. Tap the knife's handle with a hammer if needed to push it further into the joint. Move the knife all the way around the window to cut through the paint seal.
• Use the putty knife to open the joint between the bottom sash and the windowsill: Also known as the "stool," this is the part of the window where the bottom sash rests.
• Slide the putty knife along the meeting rail where the top and bottom sash meet: This will help to further break the paint seal.
• Attempt to lift the sash: If the window opens, great! If not, continue to the next steps.
• Locate the window stop and force a putty knife behind it: Window stops are the thin pieces of wood that hold the sash in place. You may need to use two or more knives to force it behind the stop.
• Pry the window stop from the side jamb using a small flat pry bar: Gently pry the stop away from the wall. Take your time and do not force it if it feels stuck.
• Remove any nails from the jambs using a hammer: Pull out any nails left on the wall after removing the window stops.
• With one stop removed, try lifting the sash: If the sash still won't move, remove the opposite window stop and try again.
• Wiggle the sash from side to side to break the paint holding it to the frame: This may be enough to break the paint seal and free the sash.
• Cut the sash cords and remove the sash if necessary: If the sash is still stuck, you may need to cut the sash cords and completely remove the sash. The sash cords are hidden inside the wall and can be accessed by removing the window stop.

After breaking the paint seal and freeing the sash, you can move on to cleaning and maintaining the window, which includes scraping and sanding the sash, priming and repainting, and installing new sash cords if necessary.

Removing window stops

Step 1: Remove any screws around the window frame

Check the tracks to the left and right of the window sash. If these pieces are held in place by screws, use a small Phillip-head screwdriver to remove them by twisting counterclockwise until they pop out.

Step 2: Slide a putty knife behind the left window stop

Place the putty knife in the joint between the panel and the wall. Move the knife along the joint to break the paint seal. Drag the knife all the way to the top and bottom of each panel. If necessary, hammer the edge of the knife to force it through tough spots.

Step 3: Pry the window stop from the jamb

Push the flat edge of a putty knife between the window stop and the wall. Wiggle the knife to move the stop away from the wall. For extra leverage, slide a second knife in place behind the first one. For tougher stops, use a pry bar. Set the pry bar between the knives to protect the wood from damage and hammer the end of the bar to wedge it in place.

Step 4: Pull out the nails from the jamb

After removing the window stops, locate any nails left on the wall and use a hammer to pull them out.

Step 5: Remove the opposite stop if the window is still stuck

Try to lift the window. If it doesn't budge, break the paint seal on the other stop and pry it off the wall.

Step 6: Wiggle the window sash to free it

Pull the sash gently towards you and then push it back. Do this a few times and then test the sash by attempting to lift it up. Use a putty knife to help break the paint seal around the sash’s top and bottom edges if needed.

Cleaning and maintaining the window

Once you have managed to open your painted-shut window, you will want to clean and maintain it to ensure it continues to function properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut the sash cords and remove the sash: If your window has sash cords, cut them and remove the sash completely. The sash cords are located inside the wall, hidden behind the window stop on the right side. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut through the cords, and hold onto the weights at the ends as you do so.
• Scrape the sash of all loose paint: Place the window sash on a flat, stable surface. Use a paint scraper or another tool to remove any excess material and loose paint from the sash. Be careful not to touch the glass with the scraper to avoid scratches.
• Sand the sash frame smooth: Use sandpaper (around 100-grit) to wear down the frame until it looks roughly level. Again, avoid touching the glass with the sandpaper. If there are any holes in the frame from rot, fill them with wood putty or epoxy, and then sand those areas flat.
• Prime and repaint the sash: Spread a coat of wood primer over the entire sash frame and let it dry for about 3 hours. Then, apply a coat of water-resistant latex paint. Allow the paint to dry for at least 1 hour. If a second coat is needed, wait about 4 hours before applying.
• Install new sash cords (if necessary): Purchase identical sash cords to the ones you removed. Loop the new cords around the pulleys at the top of the wall compartment and tie them to the weights. You can add a few drops of oil or lubricant to keep the pulleys in good working order.
• Replace the sash and window stops: Set the window sash back in place and return the window stops to the wall. Nail them in place with brad nails (about 3/4 inch long) to secure the stops without piercing the compartment with the sash cords. Space the nails about every 10 inches apart.

Safety Considerations:

When working on painted-shut windows, it is important to take some safety precautions:

• Protective gear: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from paint chips and debris. Also, wear work gloves to avoid cuts from sharp edges or broken glass.
• Lead paint: If your home was built before 1978, there is a possibility that the paint on your windows contains lead, which can be hazardous, especially for children. If you suspect lead paint, consult a professional and take the necessary precautions. Use a lead test kit, contain the work area, wear a respirator mask and disposable coveralls, and clean thoroughly with a HEPA vacuum and damp mop to remove all dust.

Safety considerations

When working on painted-shut windows, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind:

Protective Gear

• Wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from paint chips and debris.
• Put on work gloves to prevent cuts from sharp edges or broken glass.
• If your home was built before 1978 or 1980, there is a possibility of lead paint. Lead paint can be toxic, especially for children. Take the necessary precautions, such as laying out a plastic sheet, wearing a respirator with a HEPA filter, and using a HEPA vacuum to clean up paint chips and dust.

Tools

• Use a putty knife to break the paint seal. Avoid using extremely sharp objects like box cutters near the glass.
• If you need to cut through multiple layers of paint, consider using a multitool with Japanese teeth blades.
• For windows with multiple layers of paint, a heated putty knife can be useful. Heat the knife in hot water to soften the paint and make it easier to break the seal.
• A multi-tool with an oscillating blade can help cut through the paint seal without damaging the window or trim.
• For more than one window, consider investing in a window zipper, a specialty blade designed for windows that are painted shut.

Techniques

• Before starting, test for lead paint using a lead test kit available at hardware stores.
• Close off the work area to prevent dust from spreading.
• Wear a respirator mask and disposable coveralls to avoid potential lead exposure.
• Clean thoroughly with a HEPA vacuum and a damp mop to remove all dust.

Techniques for stubborn windows

If your windows are painted shut, there are a few techniques you can try to open them. Here are some methods to tackle stubborn windows:

Heated Putty Knife

Use a heated putty knife to soften the paint around the edges, making it easier to break the seal. Heat the knife in hot water for a few minutes. Ensure the blade is warm enough to soften the paint but not so hot that it damages the window frame.

Multi-tool with Oscillating Blade

A multi-tool with an oscillating blade can help you cut through the paint seal with minimal damage to the window or surrounding trim. The oscillating blade vibrates at high speed, allowing for precise cuts that won't splinter wood or crack the glass.

Chemical Paint Remover

Apply a chemical paint remover to soften the paint bond before attempting to open the window. Allow the remover to sit for the recommended time, making it easier to scrape away the paint and preventing potential damage to the window's surface.

Pry Bar

If your window is still stuck, try using a pry bar. Set the pry bar against the corner of the window sash and slide it under the bottom edge. Gently tap the pry bar with a hammer to get it further into the joint, then try to leverage the window up. Work on both corners before prying the middle section.

Breaking Paint Seals

Use a putty knife to break the paint seal. Slide the knife into the interior joints around the window sash and tap the handle with a hammer if needed to push it further into the joint. Move the knife all the way around the window to break the paint seal. You can also use a utility knife or a specialty blade called a window zipper to cut through the paint.

Lubrication

Lubricate the window tracks with a dry lubricant, such as WD-40, paraffin, or beeswax. Continue opening and closing the window to loosen it further.

Sanding and Repainting

Once the window is open, you may need to repair any damage. Scrape loose paint off the window sash and sand the frame smooth with sandpaper. Prime and paint the sash to protect the wood and match the colour of the rest of the window frame.

Frequently asked questions