I have recently put up some curtain poles that were painted white when I bought them, they have the rings also painted but it is impossible to draw the curtains as the rings just stick to the pole, is there anything anyone can recommend to stop this happening, did think about varnishing the pole but didn't know if this would just make it worse?
Try rubbing the top of the pole with a neutral quick shoe shine sponge. They contain mainly silicone which is an excellent lubricant.it works well on sticky zips as well as many other things.