Free a Stuck Painted-Shut Window

Category: Windows · Difficulty: Intermediate · Time: 1.6h · Estimated cost: $28

Tools needed

Tape the glass edges
Tape painters tape on the glass right against the stops so you don't gouge or scratch the glass during cutting.
Duration: 10 min
Score the paint
Run the window zipper or a sharp utility knife along the seam between the sash and the stop on BOTH sides and the top of the lower sash. Cut through every paint film.
Duration: 30 min
Tap from the outside (if possible)
Outside the window, place a putty knife in the seam and tap gently along the entire seam with the mallet. Listen for the sash freeing.
Duration: 20 min
Pry up evenly
Inside, slip a putty knife under the bottom rail at both corners. Pry up gently and evenly — never just one side or you'll split the sash.
Duration: 15 min
Wax the channels
Rub the paraffin wax block firmly up and down the side channels where the sash rides. Wax slicks the friction.
Duration: 10 min
Spray silicone and operate
Mist silicone on the tracks. Open and close the window 10 times. It will get smoother each cycle.
Duration: 10 min

Pre-1978 paint may contain lead — wear a respirator and don't sand or scrape large areas without lead-safe procedures.
Never use a hammer directly on the sash — only tap a putty knife shim.

Sash cord broken inside the weight pocket, or window frame visibly rotted — call a window restoration specialist.