Open Windows that are Painted Shut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q: We purchased a foreclosure to remodel, and most of the windows seem to be painted shut. What’s the easiest way to break the paint seal without damaging the wood of the window sashes?

 

A: There is a hand tool called a sash knife that is designed specifically for this type of job. The blade is offset from the handle to flush-cut the joint between the sash and the frame to penetrate dried paint. In a pinch, you might also try using a thin hack-saw blade, because the blade will bend. Very shallow paint lines can be cut with a utility knife, but because it won’t flex or cut flush, a razor blade can’t cut deeply dried paint without cutting into the frame or sash.

Hot Product

Maze Stormguard Nails
Maze STORMGUARD® Nails

Maze STORMGUARD® nails are double hot dipped galvanized and have a thick coating of zinc for maximum corrosion-resistance. All Maze STORMGUARD® Nails meet and exceed the ASTM A 153 specification for hot-dip galvanizing. Maze manufactures quality double hot-dipped nails for fiber cement siding, cedar and redwood siding, roofing, cedar shakes and shingles, PVC trim products, […]

Read More >>