How to open a painted shut window?
 

The window frames in my office have been painted in such a way that the window will no longer open. Consequently I am slowly suffocating. One of my colleagues is gradually chipping away at the paint round the edge with a penknife, but there must be a more effective way. Anybody know the 'easy way'?

Hi,

Get a utility knife and plenty of blades.

Very careful, with the knife parallel to the window, run it along the sides and bottom. Keep in mind where the open space should be. Don't try to do it on one cut. It'll take several passes. Do it slowly so you don't end up slicing the trim or your hand or something.

Don't forget to also make a cut between the inner and outer sashes. Cut very carefully at the top sides.

It isn't a fast process so don't try to do it quickly, okay? I'd feel bad it you posted in a couple days asking how to get blood off the walls ;-)

A rock or brick should solve the problem.

Or do what he said ^. A pubby knife could help loosen things between the window and frame.

Don't forget to lubricate the track. After you get the paint out, it could still be stuck on the track. Pull up evenly, it is impossible to raise a window if one side is higher than the other. Good luck

Be really careful with the window itself. Its not that hard to break a window by pushing up on the sash. I'd use leather gloves and a sharpened putty knife, very carefully. Goggles wouldn't hurt either. Stuff happens, make it be the other guy who it happens too.

Damn!! Beat me to it.
:D

May I suggest a Sawzall?

Our apartment windows were painted shut, and a box cutter (which I guess is also a called a utility knife? I dunno...they're both sharp :p )...I didn't think about lubricating the track, though, and there was a lot of pushing and wheedling involved. Oh, and the blade broke a couple of times...

Good luck :)

Use some paint remover, the kind of stuff that makes the paint blister, and apply it to where it's fused. Use a thin blade to wedge it between the window frame and sash. Drive a couple of screws in near the bottom of the window frame, leaving enough room for a screwdriver. Use the screwdriver like a lever using the screw as a fulcrum, and pry on either side until the damn thing wiggles free. This works every time but you'll have some painting to do.

Here be the tool you want. Called a 'window opening tool' (how original) it will do the job very nicely. You should be able to get one at Home Despot or a paint store. I wouldn't try to get on a plane with one in your bag, though. :thumbsup:

Hey, that's darned cool. I'm going to look for one tomorrow. Thanks for posting that!

Just make sure you're not completely naked, wear saftey glasses!!! :D

Or get your self a heat gun from a hardware store and a little bit of time, heat up the paint around the window and slowly work the window up till the paint pulls away.