DIY Network

Pet Problems and Furniture From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-426F

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

Dog Chewed Cabinets

Problem: My dog chewed on my kitchen cabinets. How can I repair the cabinet?

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Figure A

Solution:

• If cabinets are veneered, you will have to paint them once they are repaired.

• Use a two-part household epoxy that contains a resin and a hardener. Fill in the chewed areas with epoxy (figure A). Use sparingly.

• Once hardened, use a sanding sponge to sand down excess and match the original grooves in the cabinet door.

• Prime and paint the door with an oil-based paint.

Figure B

Dogs Turning on Outside Faucet

Problem: How can you prevent a dog from turning on the outside faucet?

Solution:

• Tie a string around the handle (figure B) so that you can take it off when you are not using it and hang it on a nail close by.

• Another option would be a foam faucet cover that is easily installed and then removed when you are ready to use the faucet again.

  DIY Tip: Is your dog a digger? Try laying some inexpensive poultry netting flat in your garden bed and cover it with mulch. When Fido starts to dig, he won't get very far, and he will move on to another spot -- one that is not in your flower bed!

Figure C

Protecting Doors from Paw Scratches

Problem: Is there any way to keep dogs from scratching doors?

Solution:

• If you cover your door with polyurethane, use a glossy oil base so that it won't show as much.

• You could also get a piece of Plexiglas (figure C) and attach it to the door with Velcro strips so it can be removed when you don't need it. Try to get Velcro that matches the tone of your door so that is isn't as noticeable.

  DIY Tip: Here's an easy way to get dog and cat hair off rugs and furniture. Wrap masking tape around a paint roller, sticky side out. Then just roll the sticky roller over your rugs and furniture.

Finishes for Dog Bed

Problem: What kind of finish is safe to use when building a dog bed?

Solution:

• Water based polyurethane is the safest for dogs. It is very easy to apply and holds up well.

Pet Odor

Problem: What is the best way to get rid of pet odor in carpet caused by pet accidents?

Solution:

• Try a product that gets rid of the crystals that contain the odor. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

DIY Tip: Try nitrogen loving plants with a strong fragrance, such as Jasmine, climbing Hydrangea or Honeysuckle in your pets designated outdoor bathroom. Nitrogen feeds the plants while the plants mask the odor.

Figure D

Broken Springs in Chair

Problem: How can you reattach springs underneath a recliner?

Solution:

• Replaceable springs and clips are available. Turn your chair upside down and investigate where the problem is and what springs or clips are broken (figure D).

• If you have a wood frame, it is an easy repair to reattach a broken spring, but if you have a metal frame, you will have to weld the clip back on. It might be a good idea to bring in a professional at this point.

• Use the undamaged springs as a guide to show you how the new spring should be attached. When installing new springs, use a screwdriver as leverage. Be sure to wear safety glasses.

Repairing Antique Couch

Problem: What is the easiest way to repair an antique couch?

Solution:

• Be careful how you fix antique furniture as it could affect the value of the furniture. To help maintain the integrity of your furniture piece, try to put the piece back the way it was attached originally.

• For the arm, remove the arm, glue the two broken pieces back together and reinstall the arm as it was before.

• Wood Swell & Lock is a good material to use as long as it is not an exposed arm. When choosing glue, make sure it will take a stain so you can match the original stain once the repair is made.

  DIY Tip: Restoration versus refinishing! Do you know the difference? To restore something is to bring it back to its original condition -- same finish, color and/or fabrics. Refinishing usually means to strip off the original finish and re-apply a new one.

Figure E

Replacing Button on Leather Chair

Problem: How do you replace a button on a leather chair?

Solution:

• When removing the back fabric of the chair, pay close attention to layer after layer of what you remove so you can be sure to reinstall it the same way.

• The back is put together with staples or a metal tack strip (figure E). A metal tack strip can be opened up with a screwdriver and can be reused when you are putting the chair back together.

• The buttons are held on by a string tied around the fabric or a piece of cardboard. When making your repair, mirror what is done on the buttons that aren't broken.

• Bodkins are available to fish your string through so you can follow the original hole without making a new one.

  DIY Tip: If you have never reupholstered anything, the seats of a dining room chairs are one of the easiest projects to tackle for a first-time! For a custom look, coordinate the fabric on your chairs with your curtains or wall treatments.

Figure F

Changing a Chair into a Rocking Chair

Problem: Can you please tell me how to change a chair into a rocker?

• Rockers are available through woodworking stores. Buy the length that would match the size of your chair (figure F).

• Cut the old legs down. Use the rocker as a guide to trace the profile. A handsaw or jigsaw will cut the legs off easily. Sand the cut surface.

• Drill a hole through the middle of the legs and rocker so you can attach the rocker with a dowel rod. Use plenty of glue on all surfaces.

• Once dried, cut the dowel flush to the bottom of the rocker.

Figure G

Removing Water Stains on Furniture

Problem: How can you remove water stains on a wood table?

Solution:

• Mayonnaise or corn oil and iodized salt mixture could help remove the white rings. White ring remover cloths are also available. These will work only if it's a surface ring. Deeper rings are harder to get out because they have worked up the finish.

• For deeper rings, get a paint stripper and strip the entire table. Lightly sand and apply a new finish (figure G).

• Be sure to use coasters, add a glass top or a two-part epoxy covering to protect the new finish.

  DIY Tip: If you spill hot wax on your furniture, take an ice cube and rub the spot until the wax hardens and chips off. Then polish the furniture with a cream polish.

Installing Buzzer for Gate

Problem: What is the best way to install a buzzer on a gate?

Solution:

• Battery-operated doorbells are available in single or double bells.

• Voice alert systems are also available that have sensors in different locations. If the sensor picks up movement, it will alert you.

• A bell on a string would work too!

RESOURCES :

Minwax® Company
Minwax Company (full name: The Thompson Minwax Company)
Website: www.minwax.com

Hitachi
Phone: 800-829-4752 (catalog)
E-mail: market@hitachi-powertools.com
Website: hitachipowertools.com

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

Urine-Off
E-mail: customerservice@urine-off.com
Website: www.urine-off.com

Voice Alert System
Cross Point Industries
2240 Encinitas Blvd.
Suite D
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: 760-633-3737
Fax: 858-756-7696
Website: www.voicealert.com

GUESTS :

Vicki Payne
Stained Glass Artist / Glass Crafter / Motivational Speaker
Cutters Productions Inc.
Charlotte, NC
Phone: 704-522-9900
Toll-free: 800-332-8427
Website: www.glasswithvickipayne.com