How do I unstick painted shutters so they open?

Hi y’all, We have pocket shutters which have been painted shut (3 layers of paint, some caulking, and in some some stucco, and one nail so far). I’ve been trying to open them by breaking the seal between shutter and frame with a sharp utility knife, carefully, but the wood is still splintering at several points and I’m afraid that I’m ruining them. After cutting the paint out from between shutter and frame, I pry them open with a slim putty knife. The wood is pretty brittle and I can’t tell how much damage I’m doing, because the action is happening in the invisible space between shutter and frame. But there is damage being done. The last ones are quite high and very tightly closed, with some stucco on it. Can anyone recommend a better way of doing this without damaging the shutters? Thank you very much – in advance!!!!

citizenjane

in Doors & Windows 10 years and 9 months ago

11

Please log in, in order to post replies!

11 replies

Newest Oldest

ParkSlopePS | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4938 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1512"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "ParkSlopePS"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$ByqYBF34UXDFf/maHuwc7V7m6qTy.y1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "parkslopeps"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "dean@restoreny.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(53) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/parkslopeps/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:39"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "ParkSlopePS"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1512)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

also be aware that heat gunning old paint will most likely release lead into the environment- either by vaporizing it if the heat gun burns too hot, or by having the paint chips fall to the floor and cool, and then break into smaller and smaller pieces, and create dust. www.WeStripWood.com

rh | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3878"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(2) "rh"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BL48JCuNvr9CIMtn9XLzqcR6qYGkGS1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(2) "rh"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "info@reclaimedhome.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "https:www.reclaimedhome.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:12:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(2) "rh"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3878)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Don’t use the heat gun and stripper together! Use the heat gun to free it up first. That will melt the caulk as well and take off multiple layers. Don’t keep it in the same area for too long as it will burn the wood. You want to get your knife heated as you push that along under the paint. Use the chemical stripper to strip the shutters once they’re down. If you lie them out flat, you can apply a thick layer and leave it sit for a couple of hours to go through multiple layers of paint. If you pour it on about 1/2 thick, it won’t dry too quickly and it will continue to do the work so that’s less work for you. Good luck and don’t burn your house down!

crownheightmrs | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5111 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "182398"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(14) "crownheightmrs"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B73L0P5hHwv.CvuKYu9zDSSeUuk3l8."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(14) "crownheightmrs"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(27) "juliabrooklyn1711@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:26:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "crownheightmrs"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(182398)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It’s an annoying process because you basically have to work blindly.

citizenjane | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5119 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "181789"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "citizenjane"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZ4g7kHJ8pePsT.RGk7DUIh3ZbuaPG1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "citizenjane"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "allisonanywhere@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:11"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "citizenjane"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(181789)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks everybody – and such quick responses too! I will try both paint stripper and a heat gun – although I guess that both together might cause burning! HomeDepot has one online for $20 that is highly rated – sounds like it will more than pay for itself. And the technique for jiggling out the nails is worth a try. So far, I’ve only encountered one nail, but there could be more. It was totally invisible on the surface of the window frame, but perhaps others could be pushed out by pushing in the shutter during opening. Thanks also for the recs for stripping – phase two! Again, I’m grateful to this community and members like you. 🙂

Arkady | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5120 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14677"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSLpIhH1FLNbV2Qdpb/F67tu7brrgw1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "rkdillon@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/arkady/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-08-04 21:50:38"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "HL9P1Plx6tnm1l8GiJvd"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14677)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I used Da Gamba in the Slope.

no-permits | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5119 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5111 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176811"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "no-permits"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BQ0OH9Ih5gOlNPyiuMv52Zag/olDYr1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "no-permits"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "c90027@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(25) "/forums/users/no-permits/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:14:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "no-permits"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176811)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

dip n strip is great. there’s a guy they use who will even pick up and deliver for a reasonable price.

catboot | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5121 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "56593"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "catboot"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BpNT9tJr3JaPXhWfSFer5U2OsVO9Md1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "catboot"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "fejamieson@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(49) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/catboot/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:38:14"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "catboot"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(56593)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

like nalusurf, some of our shutters were also open. Once you remove some of the paint, you’ll find the nails. I stripped a set of them myself (a huge pain), and not the most rewarding stripping project, in the grand scheme of things. I’m having the remainder sets dipped. Heard good things about Dip n’Strip in NJ, but have not used them (yet).

ProHeights66 | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5122 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "65769"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "ProHeights66"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BwE99zwfugIDoO8XSw3RKllH7dRTbp/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "proheights66"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(26) "peggy.mcguinness@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/proheights66/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:18:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "ProHeights66"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(65769)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Arkady- Where did you have your shutters stripped? I need to do that to two sets of mine. Thanks!

nalusurf | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5119 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5123 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176812"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "nalusurf"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B3EsFpsqLLNliF0qOma5D0JRgCjxE11"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "nalusurf"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "peterh.walter@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/nalusurf/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:48"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "nalusurf"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176812)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Just did this last year on two floors of our home. It takes patience and time. A sharp utility knife, small scraper and a hammer are what I used. Despite the many layers of paint it was really the 3-4 finishing nails in each shutter that held mine closed. After breaking the paint seal I worked gently to pry the shutter loose, and then tapped it back in place with the hammer. Repeating this moving along the shutter’s end usually exposed the heads of the finishing nails. Once I was able to remove the nails, they opened fairly easily. I did and still do have to replace some hinges as the many layers of paint rendered them useless. If you look closely you may even be able to see the nail heads through the paint. Work slowly and carefully, and if it isn’t moving, don’t force it, something is holding it in place and all you will do is damage the wood. Good luck.

rh | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5117 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5124 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "3878"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(2) "rh"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BL48JCuNvr9CIMtn9XLzqcR6qYGkGS1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(2) "rh"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "info@reclaimedhome.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "https:www.reclaimedhome.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:12:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(2) "rh"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(3878)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Heat gun.

Arkady | 10 years and 9 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5116 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5125 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14677"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSLpIhH1FLNbV2Qdpb/F67tu7brrgw1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "rkdillon@verizon.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/arkady/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-08-04 21:50:38"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "HL9P1Plx6tnm1l8GiJvd"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Arkady"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14677)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It’s been a long time since I did mine but I think I used paint stripper after incising w/ a razor blade. Mine were so painted in I hadn’t known I had shutters for a while. I think, too, that I eventually worked towards removing the entire assembly from the niches & then had them professionally dunk/stripped.