I've got these windows that are getting super stubborn lately, you know, sticking and squeaking every time I open or close them. Did a bit of googling and seems like silicone spray and dry lubricant are both popular choices. I've used silicone spray before on other stuff around the house, but never tried dry lube. Anyone have experience with both? Curious if one lasts longer or attracts less dirt...
I've used silicone spray plenty of times, and yeah, it works alright at first, but I feel like it doesn't last as long as I'd hope. Never tried dry lube myself, but now you've got me wondering if it'd hold up better over time. Does anyone know if dry lube is easier to clean off later if you need to repaint or something? Silicone residue can be a real pain...
"Silicone residue can be a real pain..."
You're spot on about silicone residue—it can really mess things up if you ever need to repaint. Dry lube is definitely easier to clean off later, in my experience. I've used it plenty of times on window tracks, and it holds up pretty well without attracting dirt like silicone tends to. Might not feel as slick initially, but the trade-off is worth it for less hassle down the road. Give it a shot, you might find it's exactly what you're looking for.
I've had similar experiences with silicone spray—works great at first, but the residue can really become a headache later on, especially if you're planning to repaint or refinish. Learned that the hard way when I tried repainting some window frames last summer. Even after cleaning thoroughly, the paint just wouldn't stick properly in spots where I'd previously used silicone spray. Ended up having to sand down way more than I expected, which was pretty frustrating.
Dry lube has been a better choice for me too, though I agree it doesn't feel quite as slick initially. But honestly, that's a minor trade-off considering how much easier it is to deal with down the line. Plus, I've noticed it doesn't attract nearly as much dust and grime over time, which is a nice bonus.
One thing I'm curious about though—has anyone tried graphite powder for window tracks? I've heard it's great for locks and hinges because it doesn't gum up or attract dirt at all, but I'm not sure if it'd be practical or effective enough for window frames. Seems like it might get messy or blow around too easily... Has anyone given it a shot?
Good points about silicone spray causing issues with repainting—I hadn't considered that. Graphite powder might work, but I suspect it'd be tricky to apply evenly and could get messy. Dry lube seems like the safer bet overall, especially for long-term maintenance and efficiency.