DIY Network

Paint, Wallpaper and Driveways From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-430F

In this installment of Talk2DIY: Home Improvement, hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday answer viewers' questions on paint, wallpaper and driveways.

Brad and Lynda get right into the questions --

Alligator Texture on Walls

Problem: After painting my plaster walls, they have an alligator texture on them. How can I get rid of them?

advertisement

Solution:

• If the finish coat of the plaster wall begins to deteriorate, it will start cracking between the first and second coats and will cause a rough finish.

• To repair the cracks, try a plaster repair system such as Nu-Wall.

• Be sure to clean the plaster well with rubbing alcohol.

• Apply the plaster repair system -- follow manufacturer instructions.

Figure A

Bubbles in Wallpaper

Problem: How do you remove bubbles in wallpaper?

Solution:

• Bubbles are caused by either leaving too much adhesive behind the paper or it was improperly booked.

• To remove the bubble, make a small incision in the wallpaper at the bubble.

• Use a marinade injector made for cooking to inject a seam sealer product (mixed with water -- 2 to 1 ratio) in the small incision. Use a float to push the adhesive through the area (figure A).

• Let the adhesive set and then flatten out area once the adhesive is active.

Cleaning Paintbrushes

Problem: What is the best way to clean paintbrushes?

Solution:

• It is easier to clean the brushes out if you take proper care of them from the beginning.

• First, when using the brush, have a holder for it so you don't have to mush the bristles. Try adding a magnet into the inside of a bucket so it will hold to the metal part of the brush, or cut a portion of a milk jug so it will hold the brush at the top, and the paint at the bottom.

• To clean latex paint from a brush, dip the brush in a mixture of 1/2 cup of fabric softener and a gallon of water.

• Use a spinner to get the excess water out of the brush.

• For oil-based paint, first dip the brush into a jar of mineral spirits. Use a glass jar with a lid and it can be reused for several years. Spin the brush to remove excess moisture. Next, dip the brush in a 50/50 mixture of denatured alcohol and mineral spirits; spin the brush again. Lastly, dip the brush into a jar of denatured alcohol.

• Now that the brush is clean, dip it into the fabric softener to remove any denatured alcohol that will damage the bristles in time if left on.

• When storing the freshly cleaned brushes, cover the bristles with a cardboard sleeve. To dispose of the dirty liquid fabric softener solution, turn the liquid into a solid with kitty litter. This can then be thrown away without contamination.

Figure B

Making Your Own Border

Problem: How can you use pictures as a wall border?

Solution:

• Print your pictures on matte photo paper and attach it to the wall using a border adhesive.

• Apply the adhesive to the back of the photo, then apply photo to the wall (figure B). Use a level line to help you line up the border.

• Apply a glazing liquid over the top so you can clean the walls if needed.

Lead in Paint

Problem: Is there a way to remove lead from paint before repainting the wall?

Solution:

• You can encapsulate the lead paint with wallpaper.

• Clean the wallpaper well to prepare it for paint. Degrease with TSP using a sponge mop and then neutralize with a water and vinegar mixture.

• Next, seal the wallpaper with two coats of good oil-based undercoat, allowing it to dry between coats. Then you are ready to paint.

Figure C

Rust on Driveway

Problem: How can I remove rust from our driveway?

Solution:

• First, make sure you wear well-fitting rubber gloves and safety goggles (figure C).

• Try using a rust/lime remover made for removing rust in the bathroom.

• If it is not working, try a concrete etcher and rust remover that is heavy duty. Work the product in with a bristle brush, preferably attached to a stick so you can stay away from the product as much as possible. Clean with a water hose. Keep in mind this solution is strong and could damage any surrounding plants.

Cracks in Driveway

Problem: How can you cover cracks that are in the driveway?

Solution:

• Use a concrete resurfacer to add a layer of covering on the entire driveway.

• It can be poured up to about 3/8ths of an inch. Tape over the expansion joints so that you won't close them up. Applications vary, so be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Figure D

Building Additional Driveway

Problem: What is the best way to build an additional driveway?

Solution:

• Depending on the slope of the area, you have several options. If flat, try digging into the soil and adding a layer of gravel. If you have a slant, terrace the slanted side with a form made with timber and rebar (figure D). Use crusher run gravel, unless you have soft soil, in which case you will need larger gravel.

• Another option, other than the timber wall, would be a cinder block wall.

Removing a Driveway

Problem: How can you remove a driveway?

Solution:

• Use a circular saw with a blade designed to be used specifically for masonry or asphalt. You might consider renting a concrete saw at a rental house to ensure you have enough power.

• A flat bottom shovel will help in scraping up the small pieces -- a hot day would help too!

Mildew on Driveway

Problem: How do you remove mildew from the driveway?

Solution:

• Mildew is caused by water puddling on an uneven surface.

• To clean off the mildew, use a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. Scrub the area with a stiff brush. Go over the area again with a concrete degreaser to get it very clean.

• Next, seal the concrete with a sealer containing a mildew additive. Apply with a foam roller.

• To keep the puddling from happening again, try covering the low spot with a concrete resurfacer. This is a little more work than just applying a sealer, but it will actually fix the problem instead of just the symptoms.

Leveling Furniture on Carpet

Problem: What can you do to level furniture on carpet?

Solution:

• Use a threaded foot installed by a T-nut. Drill a hole down the center of the foot, tape the T-nut into place and thread in the foot. You could just install these on the back or front feet, depending on how uneven it is.

• There are several different variations of these leveling feet, choose the one that's easiest for you to install, but yet is still durable.

RESOURCES :

United Rentals Toll-free: 800-877-3687
For a location nearest you, log onto the Website: www.ur.com

Hitachi Drill
Hitachi
Website: www.hitachipowertools.com

Mil-Kill
Homax Products, Inc.
Toll-free: 800-729-9029
E-mail: homax@homaxproducts.com
Website: www.homaxproducts.com

RadonSeal
Radon Mitigation and Waterproofing Concrete Sealer Co.
Novion Inc.
18 L'Hermitage Dr.
Shelton, CT 06484
Website: www.radonseal.com

GUESTS :

Brian Santos
The Wall Wizard
Crystal Ball Productions, Inc.
Website: www.thewizardsworkshop.com