TOOLS
• Utility knife
• Block of wood
• Hammer
• Scraper

1. At a sharp angle, run the utility knife where the sash (the framework that holds the pane) meets the sash groove (aka window channel). Work gently—it’s the paint you’re going after, not the frame.

2. Hold the block of wood against the sash of the window and lightly tap with the hammer in the direction the window needs to move in order to open. This should do the trick.

3. Once the window is open, pass the scraper up and down the sashes to scrape off the built-up paint.

Lubricating Window Channels

TOOLS
• Graphite spray lubricant

If paint doesn’t seem to be the problem, you’ll want to work on the window channels (sash groove). Spray them down with graphite lubricant. I specify graphite because it’s known as a “dry” spray—it’s greaseless and won’t pick up dust or grit, which would exacerbate the sticking.

Widening Window Channels