How to Open Stuck Windows Painted Shut

SAFETY ALERT
When working on glass windows always wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands in case of shattering.

Step 1: Cut Through the Paint

Carefully cut through the paint in the joint between the sash and stops with a putty knife. Hold the blade flat against the sash frame and slide it along the perimeter so the serrated edge cuts the paint bond between the sash and stops, and between the meeting rails of the two sashes (or wherever your window is sticking). Cut along both sides of each sash as many times as necessary until the blade penetrates about ½” and slides freely.

Step 2: Repeat

Repeat the procedure on the exterior side of the sash if necessary.

HELPFUL TIP
For stubborn jams, place a 2″ by 4″ wood block against the face of the sash and next to the window frame and tap the block lightly with a hammer. Move the block to another location and repeat as necessary.

Step 3: Check the Sashes

Move the window sashes up and down. If they move but not freely, try removing the sash and remove built-up paint off the sash or out of the channels with a scraper.

HELPFUL TIP
To keep painted surfaces from sticking together, lubricate the window channels and sashes with talcum powder.

Project Shopping List

Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project successfully.

• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Putty knife
• 2×4 wood block
• Hammer
• Paint scraper
• Talcum powder

Clean Windows

Project Shopping List

Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project successfully.

• Mild detergent and water
• Professional strength window cleaner
• Large squeegee
• Cloth
• Lint-free cloth
• Imitation chamois
• Crumpled newspapers

Minor Screen Repair

Project Shopping List

Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project successfully.

• Quick-drying household cement
• Piece of replacement screening (for large holes)

Hurried paint jobs can lead to stuck windows when paint gets between the window sashes (the moving frame that holds the glass pane in place) and the window stops (the inside edges of the upper and lower sash channel). When paint dries in these areas it sticks like glue. But don’t worry, it’s an easy home repair!

SAFETY ALERT
When working on glass windows always wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands in case of shattering.