best way to get old window frames out cleanly?

I've done this a couple of times, and honestly, I'd recommend doing both. Last summer, I tried just using a pry bar on some old wooden frames, thinking it'd be quicker. Ended up splintering the wood pretty badly in a few spots - wasn't a total disaster, but definitely more cleanup than I'd hoped for. Next window, I scored around the edges first with a utility knife, just enough to break through the paint and caulk buildup. It took maybe an extra five minutes, but the frame came out way cleaner and easier. Less damage to the surrounding trim, too.

If your windows have multiple layers of paint or caulk, cutting first really helps. Pry bars alone tend to pull chunks of wood or plaster off if you're not careful. Learned that the hard way...

Definitely agree with scoring first - makes a huge difference. Also found that using a thin putty knife alongside the pry bar helps spread pressure evenly, reducing splintering. Takes a bit more patience, but worth it for cleaner results.

The thin putty knife is a good way to spread the pry-bar pressure, but I’d test the paint before scoring or prying if the frames are old. Lead paint can turn that “extra five minutes” into a dust problem, especially when cutting through several layers.

Use a lead test kit or have a paint chip tested, then contain the area, keep dust from spreading, and use appropriate respiratory protection and cleanup methods if it’s positive or uncertain. A sharp knife and controlled prying still make sense, but avoid dry sanding or aggressive scraping, and consider having a lead-safe professional handle removal if the paint is deteriorating.