How do I unstick gloss painted windows?

petal_2

The house I am moving into looks like the gloss work on the windows has recently been painted (prob before the house was viewed maybe?).......and they are stuck solid! I can't open any of them!

It looks like there is years and years and years of paint on them!

Anyone got some tips and help how to get them open and get some fresh air into the 'sealed' house! Unfortunately I can't afford to get replacement windows.

The windows are single glazed and open out.

All help gratefully recieved!

The_Economist

Hi petal
what sort of windows are they? Wood or metal framed?

petal_2

Thanks for your reply The_Economist.

I'm not sure, oops I can't remember, I don't move in for another week or so, but thought I'd ask the question now as I won't have the internet for a week or so!

I'm pretty sure they are wood....its an ex-local authority house and looks like the window may have been replaced in the 70's?

I did try all of the windows and they were all stuck, painted and not opened to dry I fear!

TenerC_2

use a stanley knife to CAREFULLY cut the seal, don`t jab it in or the end might snap off just go along not pressing to hard, then you should be able to open the window, might take a couple of swipes

we had the same problem at the last place, and that is what we did.

red40

The hardest part is getting them free without breaking the glass and also if the windows have been painted shut, internally and externally. If you manage to free them the next problem is to remove the paint and make sure they are all sitting right.

When I have done this I have used a stanley knife, 25mm wood chisel & mallet, to very gentle tap the paint work itself. You should also take into count that they may have been nailed shut and paint over (nightmare).

But generally gently taping and breaking the seal should do the trick, then remove the paint, most probably the easiest way is lots of sandpaper.

petal_2

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Sounds like it's going to be quite a job and I'll have to be patient, but encouraged that at least it is possible! Thanks

Stanley to the ready..........:eek: and I think with your advice, as I'm a bit of a clumsy clot...I will wear some gloves!