Q: How do I get oil paint off my brass door face plate?A: First, remove the plate from the door. You don’t want to use a chemical on brass, so use a brass polish with a rotating tool and soft tip. If you really want to spruce up the faceplate take it to a brass shop and let them polish.
Q: The hinge on one side of our chimney damper is rusted. How can this be repaired?
A: Grab your gloves, eye and ear protection and a flashlight. Use a stiff wire brush to scrape away as much rust as you can. That may help it move easily and slow future damage. Do not add any type of oil or lubricant. They can be flammable. Over time without proper cleaning, the damper and the chimney mechanisms may fail. Have your chimney and damper inspected every couple of years by a professional.
Q: I know it isn’t pretty but my washer works great. Can I paint it?
A: Yes, painting appliances is very easy. Clean it well with soapy water and a metal pad. Let it dry completely. Move the washer outside, if it’s easy. If not, drape the area with cloth, open several windows and set up a box fan to help ventilation. Mask off the surfaces you don’t want painted using tape and plastic wrap. You’ll be able to find appliance paint at the home improvement center in spray cans. Use a rust inhibitor on rusty areas, then once dry, apply the paint to the entire washer. Follow the directions and dry times indicated on the can and it will look as good as it runs when it’s dry.
Q: Can I put a radiant heat system under carpet?
A: Radiant heat under feet feels fabulous. However, some floor coverings will cause a radiant heating system to work less efficiently. Wood and tile transfer the heat more efficiently than carpet and padding. The real key here is to use a lower pile carpet with a thin pad, no thicker than 3/8 inch.
Q: How do we remove an old cast iron tub that is beyond repair and too big for the doorway?
A: I encourage you to save it, reglazing a tub will make it look great, but if you’ve decided against that, then do it the right way. You’re not going to be able to cut it, even with a sawzall, so it needs to be broken and it’s best to have a professional do it. They’ll be able to do it quickly and probably haul it away as well.
