Jim,

I do not use silicone spray - it is a terrible contaminant for future paint jobs (and for paint jobs in the area in which you use the silicone). I use store-brand personal lubricant - it contains no silicone, and no petroleum based compounds, and it washes away because it is water soluble (many soaps and petroleum-based lubricants could degrade the windlace over time).

Another "trick" for moving the new windlace is to cut off a short piece (if a sufficiently long piece was sent to you). Then run that piece through the channel and pry open the channel where it pinches/obstructs the movement of the small piece of windlace.