How to Repair A Stuck Wood Frame Window That Was Painted Shut

Painting rooms a different color often includes painting the wooden window frame as well. Unfortunately, most people paint the wooden window sash while the window is closed. As the pint dries, it forms a seal in between the sash and the surrounding frame. When you try to open the window, you find that it is stuck. Repairing a stuck window wood frame window that was painted shut depends on where the paint is adhering. Sometimes it is necessary to disassemble the frame slightly to free the window.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Pry bar
• Finishing nails

Instructions

1. Insert a putty knife between the window stop and the frame of the window sash form inside the home. The stop is the trim board on each side of the window frame that creates the track for the sash.

2. Slide the putty knife up and down the length of the stop on each side of the window sash. If necessary, tap the handle of the putty knife with a hammer to help break through paint.

3. Insert the putty knife in between the meeting rail of the two sashes. The meeting rail is where the top of the lower sash meets the bottom of the upper sash. Slide the putty knife along the width of the meeting.

4. Attempt to open the window sash. This is usually enough to free the sash.

5. Score the window stops where they meet the window frame with a utility knife, if the sash still does not open. Slide a putty knife between the window frame and the stop to create a small space for a pry bar.

6. Place the putty knife at the bottom of the stop, resting against the window frame. Insert the small pry bar between the stop and the putty knife. The putty knife protects the window frame from damage as you pry the window stop away with the pry bar.

7. Pry the bottom of the stop away from the window frame. Move the putty knife and pry bar up, and continue prying the stop away from the window frame. Once the stop is off the window frame, remove any nails with the hammer.

8. Attempt to move the sash again. If necessary remove the window stop on the opposite side. Grab the top of the sash and rock it back and forth until it breaks free from the paint.

9. Open the sash slightly and wipe away any tacky paint with a rag. Close the sash and nail the window stop back into place with finishing nails.

References

• This Old House: How To Open a Painted Shut Window; Tom Silva