DIY Network

Restoration From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-410F

Figure A

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the questions --

Restoring a Stone Foundation

Problem: I have a stone foundation that's turning to powder (figure A). What can I do to remedy the problem?

Solution:

• You could build another foundation inside the existing foundation.

• Another option is to re-point the rock foundation:
  1. Clear away old debris with a broom or wire brush.

  2. Hose off the wall to clean off the dust.

  3. Use mortar mixture either N or S for the re-pointing.

  4. Use a re-pointing trowel and a hawk to re-point the bricks.

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Figure B

Brick Fireplace

Problem: What's the best way to clean paint off of a brick fireplace?

Solution:

• Use a product called Peel-Away 7 that is not caustic.

• Apply the product to the painted brick, about 1/8" thick.

• Put the paper over the product.

• Let it set anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours.

• Remove the paper and scrape off the paint with a plastic putty scraper (figure B).

• Neutralize with de-natured alcohol.

Restoring Marble Bathtub

Problem: My marble bathtub has stains. Is there an easy way to remove them?

Solution:

• Use hydrogen peroxide on a paper towel and soak it on the stain.

• Use chemical cleaners and restorers.

• Use soft sponge to clean -- rough sponges can scratch the marble.

• Finish with a marble protector.

Refurbishing a Staircase

Problem: I need to restore my staircase, but I don't think I have all the parts to do so. Do you have advice for me?

Solution:

• If you don't have all of the parts, go to a salvage yard to get the spindles and rails.

• You need to make sure when you install the spindles that they are 4" on center -- so that something 3-1/2" can slide in-between.

Restoring Hardwood Floors

Problem: My hardwood floors are starting to really look bad, and I'm not sure if I should spot stain them or sand the whole floor? Do you have any suggestions about using sanders?

Solution:

• Drum sanders are not so great for homeowners because they can get away from you and easily damage the floor.

• Using a pad sander, which is just a large floor version of a random orbital sander, is a better way to go.

• You can rent them for around $50 a day.

• Get different grit sandpapers starting with course and going to fine.

Painting Vaulted Ceilings

Problem: My home has vaulted ceilings that were originally spray painted. Is there a trick to re-painting them?

Solution:

• Use a 1/2" or 3/4" knap roller on textured ceilings.

• Be sure to cover floors and furniture with plastic or cloth drop cloths.

• Use an extension to roll your ceiling.

• Maintain the pressure to get a good even coat of paint.

Removing Wallpaper from Paneling

Problem: I need some advice on removing wallpaper from paneled walls, please.

Solution:

• Don't use a paper tiger because it could damage the paneling.

• Try to find a seam and use a single-edge razor to get up underneath the paper -- and then you can spray hot water and vinegar underneath.

• That will loosen the paper and it should begin to come off.

• Once the paper is removed, clean the walls with TSP.

• You can fill in the grooves -- or leave the grooves and paint.

Figure C

Painting Volcanic Rock

Problem: How do you paint volcanic rock to lighten it?

Solution:

• If you are going to paint it, use an acrylic masonry sealer on the rock and the grout.

• Then use two coats of paint.

• You can use a painter's mitt for a smooth look.

• Another option is not to paint it, but to use steel studs (figure C) to frame a wall in front of the rock.

• Volcanic rock is very porous, and once it's painted, you won't ever be able to completely remove the paint.

Painting Over Bathroom Wallpaper

Problem: My bathroom walls are wallpapered everywhere. Can I paint over the wallpaper?

Solution:

• Yes, if the paper is on very well.

• But you should use a bathroom paint that blocks mold and mildew.

• If you do decide to remove the paper, patch any damages in the wallboard with joint compound.

Figure D

Repainting Shellacked Wall

Problem: What is the best way to paint over a wood wall that has shellac on it (figure D)?

Solution:

• Test to see if it's shellac by putting denatured alcohol on a cotton ball. If the cotton ball has color in it is shellac.

• If the shellac or poly is many layers thick (or if it is damaged or has brushmarks), remove it with a paint and poly remover like Formby's paint and poly or Star 10.

• If it is in good enough shape to paint over, you should prime with a shellac primer -- or a good oil-based primer.

Septic Tank

Problem: Is there an easy way to locate a septic tank in your yard?

Solution:

• Use a fiberglass rod, not a metal rod, so that you don't damage the tank.

• Look for where the grass is greener and put the rod in the ground near that area.

• Septic tanks are usually around 10' away from the house and approximately 8" to 24" underground.

RESOURCES :

Peel Away
Dumond Chemicals, Inc.
1501 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-869-6350
E-mail: plaway@aol.com

Stonecare Marble Cleaner
Toll-free Phone: 800-839-1654
Toll-free Fax: 800-SCI-6646
Website: www.stonecare.com

Franklin Bender (specialty paint roller)
Franklin Tool Systems
Toll-free: 800-238-8404
Website: www.franklintools.com

Formby's Paint and Poly Remover from Minwax®
Minwax Co.
Website: www.minwax.com

Star 10 Paint Stripper
575 W. Hume
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Phone: 231-830-8070
Toll-free: 800-726-4319
E-mail: sales@starten.com
Website: www.starten.com

GUESTS :

Chris Brazie
Technical Representative
The Pratt and Lambert Paint Co.
101 Prospect Ave., NW
Cleveland, OH 44115
Toll-free: 800-BUY PRATT (800-289-7728)
Website: www.prattandlambert.com