Windows Painted Shut
by Chuck Lunsford

Lets be honest. This repair should never really happen if some basic precautions are made before painting the house. A little painters tape and plastic go along way to preventing extra work. Now if you just purchased the home and are doing some handyman jobs then the following should help. First, make sure there are no nails or other objects keeping the window from opening. Score the paint with a utility knife all the way around and in the middle of the window where the sash and frame meet.

Remember to cut both the inside and the outside of the window. Then gently hammer a putty knife into those cuts to loosen the paint even more. If the window still does not open, access the window from the outside and use a thin pry bar leveraged by a small wood block to protect the sill and gently force the window open. Start by lifting one side of the window and then the other. Work slowly and evenly so as not to break the window or damage the sash. Once you've raised the window enough with the pry bar gently lift the window. You may have to wiggle the window a bit to get it moving. Spray lubricant (WD 40works wonders) may also be used to encourage movement.