DIY Network

Ladies Day From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-424F

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

Reviving Kitchen Cabinets

Problem: My kitchen cabinets look dull. Any suggestions on how to spruce them up?

advertisement

Figure A

Solution:

• You could strip the old finish off the cabinets and put a new finish on. To strip off the old finish, try a stripping product. Spray it on, wait for it to activate and scrape off the old finish.

• A staining option for the cabinets would be pickling. You just apply the pickling product and wipe off the excess (figure A) -- much like staining.

• Cleaning could also make a big difference as the cabinets can get dingy.

• Painting also makes a great updated look. Be sure to prime the cabinets before you paint.

Messy Caulking Job

Problem: What is the best way to repair messy caulking?

Solution:

• Scrape the bad caulk off with a window scraper, being careful not to damage the surface.

• Caulk removal products are available too.

• To reapply caulk, you have many choices of applicators and caulk.

Board Foot and Linear Foot

Problem: Could you tell me the difference between board foot and linear foot?

Solution:

• Board foot is 12 x 12 x 1 -- it is a volume measurement.

• Linear foot is a linear measurement. A piece of molding 12" long for example is a linear foot.

Figure B

Mildew on Drywall

Problem: How can you remove mildew from drywall?

Solution:

• Remove the base molding and drywall screws or nails holding the drywall into place.

• Using a level, mark an even area above the mildew and use a drywall saw to cut the damaged area off.

• Remove the old part.

• Clean the area with water and bleach mixture (figure B) and add a new piece of drywall.

• Cover the joint with mesh tape and joint compound.

• Make sure the drywall is about 1" to 1-1/2" off the floor so moisture won't wick up the wall.

Repairing Crack in Ceiling

Problem: How do you repair a crack in a smooth sheetrock ceiling?

Solution:

• For a small crack, try some elastomeric caulk -- which is a flexible caulk. Make a small band and smooth it over with a wet putty knife. Be sure to use paintable caulk.

• If there are bubbles under the original joint tape, score and remove the tape. Apply joint compound and cover with mesh tape. Cover with more joint tape and let it dry. Sand and paint.

Figure C

Solar Motion Sensor Light

Problem: Where is the best place to find a solar motion sensor light?

• Solar motion sensor lights (figure C) are available at most home centers or online.

• The lights are attached to a solar plate and many different styles are available.

Figure D

Concrete Retaining Wall Makeover

Problem: How do you cover a concrete retaining wall with textured paint.

Solution:

• Prepare the wall first with a degreaser and etcher. Apply with a garden sprayer, scrub with a brush and rinse very well.

• Fill any holes with concrete surface bonding.

• You can make your designs with caulk. Dab colorings and stains with brush, then scrape off caulk (figure D).

Floor Tiles for Backsplash

Problem: Is it possible to use floor tiles as a backsplash in my kitchen?

Solution:

• Do not use floor tiles for a backsplash because the seams would cause you problems with mildew if it gets wet.

• Laminate covering is good -- use a contact adhesive on the covering and the wall. Once it's dry, press it onto the wall with a roller.

Figure E

Antiquing a Garden Statue

Problem: Do you have any suggestions on how to antique a garden statue?

Solution:

• Faux paint it by sponge painting it with different tones of green (figure E).

• Another idea is to make a milkshake! Use real moss that you find in a shaded area and mix with water and yogurt -- ten to one water to yogurt. Mix in a blender and pour over the statue. The moss will stick to the statue and begin to grow over time.

Figure F

Installing Shelves on a Slope

Problem: We want to build shelves in our attic. What is the best way to install shelves on a slope?

Solution:

• Build a shelf frame with angles cut for the angled ceiling (figure F).

• If the attic isn't finished, be sure to cover the floor with plywood so you won't walk through the ceiling!

Extra Home Improvement Tips:

• To create the biggest eye appeal improvement to your manufactured home, upgrade to a full-size fireplace mantle. Replace the floor registers with new ones.

• There are 209 different abbreviations for lumber, covering types of wood, sizes, measurements, cuts and quality. Here are a few of the most common:

  BD FT = board feet
  BM = board measurement
  EB1s = Edge bead one side

• To easily remove popcorn texture on ceilings, apply a water mist with a garden sprayer and use a squeegee to remove the bumps.

• Moss is another option for covering a retaining wall. Hasten the growth of moss on any surface by making and applying this recipe. Crumble moss in a blender, then add buttermilk and water in equal parts until creamy. Apply this mixture wherever you want moss to grow.

• To make saw blades a bit easier to operate, apply two coats of paste wax over the blade. Let the wax haze over and then buff the blade with a soft dry cloth. Not only will the wax allow the blade to cut smoothly, it will help keep it free of rust and corrosion.

• When storing things in the attic, make sure they are not obstructing the airflow at the soffit or gable vents.

RESOURCES :

Tomboy Tools
Tomboy Tools, Inc.
Website: www.tomboys.com

Dap, Inc.
2400 Boston St.
Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21224
Toll-free: 800-543-3840
Website: www.dap.com

Aqua Lock Paint
Insl-X
50 Holt Dr.
PO Box 694
Stony Point, NY 10980
Phone: 845-786-5000
Fax: 845-786-5831
E-mail: customercare@insl-x.com
Website: www.insl-x.com

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Forestry, Ecology and Management
1630 Linden Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
Website: www.forest.wisc.edu

Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home 0060959843
Julie Sussman, Stephanie Glakas-Tenet
September 2002
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
HarperResource

Rosies Coveralls
3416 Via Lido, Suite F
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Toll-free: 866-ROSIE-44 (767-4344)
Website: www.rosiescoveralls.com

GUESTS :

Stephanie Glakas-Tenet and Julie Sussman
Dare to Repair
PO Box 59000
Potomac, MD 20859
Website: www.daretorepair.com