Painted Windows

[retiredsailor]

I have an house built in '22 and it has a nice glass sunporch but, the windows have been painted shut over the years. Any suggestions to free up the windows, I would like to get them to open for fresh air. Found the screens stored in the cellar.

[Duckman1]

sailor,

You can try to remove the paint that is keeping the window closed. The panel is "painted to the frame around 3 sides and possibly to the top window panel. Cut along those area with a sharp utility knife. A blunt pointed instrument may work also to remove the paint out of the corner where the pieces meet. Once this is done try to gently rock the panel side to side to free it. A putty knife used to gently pry up on the window panel may help.
Work on the outside as will as the inside of the window.
It just depends on how much paint has been applied over the years. Paint stripper can be used as a last resort.


Good luck!

[soggybtmboys]

When you get the windows open, you can also soap the sides so it will open smoother and quieter. Will keep them from hanging up in the in the tracks as well. Just grab a bar of soap and rub it in.

[retiredsailor]

Thanks, I am going to try one at a time. Only painted on the outside. Nice fatima stain and varnish on the inside. It is going to be my "nature room".

[jpollman]

Here's a tool that should do the trick...

http://www.hydetools.com/data/detail.asp?SKU=45200

You can probably find one at any full service paint store, Home Depot, or Lowes.

Good luck!

John

[kroppe]

Good advice here. Use a painter's tool or sharp utility knife to cut through the paint to open the window.