DIY Network

• Tape off around the top of the nightstand, so that you don't remove the finish anywhere else than where you need it.

• Remove the finish by sanding and/or using a striping agent.

• Reapply stain. Try using stain colorants to match the stain already on the furniture piece.

• Cover and protect with a layer of polyurethane.

Getting a Darker Stain

Problem: I am staining a new wooden box, but the cherry is too light. How do I make the stain darker?

Solution:

• Try adding one more coat.

• Also, try a mahogany stain if you still want it darker. Mahogany will be darker than cherry.

• For a nice look, condition the wood with a pre-stain conditioner.

Figure B

Same Look for Different Woods

Solution:

• It's easier to go darker to lighter, than lighter to darker. If woods are different, you will get a different look also.

• Try a faux finish wood grain.

• First, you have to add your base coat, like paint.

• Then add the gel stain and bring the graining tool through the stain (figure B).

Flipping Cedar Siding

Problem: Can you flip cedar siding?

Solution:

• Yes it can, but you will probably have to replace siding cut around the window. Use hot-dipped galvanized nails so they won't rust.

• You could also try an algae/mildew cleaner applied with a garden sprayer or power sprayer with scrubber.

Figure C

Snaking Problems with Toilet

Problem: I'm having problems snaking my toilet. Any ideas on what to do?

Solution:

• You could be hitting another pipe or elbow, or you could be hitting tree roots.

• There are chemicals to help get rid of roots, but mechanical as well.

• At this point, you would probably want to call a professional. They would use a power snake with a drill bit at the end (figure C) to drill through the root.

Clogged Sink

Problem: My kitchen sinks gets stopped up all the time. Any suggestions as to what could be causing it?

Solution:

• Check the stopper in the sink. Remove the stopper from below the sink and see if a clog is attached to the stopper.

• Also, check the "P" trap. It gets clogged easily.

• Finally, a drainpipe could be clogged, therefore the pipes would need to be replaced.

Figure D

Pump for Bathroom

Problem: Is there any special pump needed for installing a basement bathroom?

Solution:

• Yes, you will need a sewage ejector pump (figure D). Several types are available, depending on what you need. Make sure you call a professional for this.

Figure E

Changing Bathroom Faucet

Problem: What would I need to do in order to change the faucet in my shower?

Solution:

• The plumbing inside your shower wall would have to be redone in order to work in a shower pipe.

• An easier option would be to add a bathtub spout with a diverter that has a showerhead attached to a hose (figure E).

Outdoor Laundry Sink

Problem: What is the best choice for an outdoor laundry sink?

• A stainless sink mounted to the wall is a good choice.

• Or, you could build your own with tub, frame and plumbing supplies.

Extra DIY Tips:

• When refinishing or repairing chair legs, use tin cans to secure the chair. Mark the position of the legs on your workbench, and attach the tin cans to the tabletop. This should keep the chair from slipping while you are working on it.

• Don't throw out those old socks -- save them for the shop. When worn on your hand, they are great for rubbing down or polishing a finish. You can also wipe excess stain off with them. When your project is finished, just throw them away.

• After sanding, but before applying a finish, it is a good idea to change clothes. This will help keep dust to a minimum -- and means you will end up with a smoother finish.

• To temporarily fix a leak in a water pipe, get a small piece of garden hose and a hose clamp. Place the rubber over the leak and tighten the clamp. Remember, this is just a temporary fix. Call a plumber as soon as you can and have the leak fixed properly.

• Make a preventive drain cleaner for the sink. Mix one part each of baking soda and table salt and a quarter part of cream of tartar. Mix in a jar and shake. Use only a quarter of a cup at a time, followed by two cups boiling water. After a minute, run the faucet. Repeat monthly for a clean drain.

• An easy way to clean a showerhead is to put vinegar in a plastic bag and tie the bag around the showerhead. Leave the bag on and soak a few hours to clean the mineral deposits.

RESOURCES :

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

Minwax® Stains and Finishes
Website: www.minwax.com

Karcher Pressure Washer
2170 Satellite Blvd., Suite 350
Duluth, GA 30097
Toll-free: 800-537-4129
Website: www.karcher.com

Graning Paint Company
311 N. Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-546-4881

Zoeller Pump Company
3649 Cane Run Rd.
Louisville, KY 40211-1961
Phone: 502-778-2731
Website: www.zoeller.com

Utility Sink
Luxury Home Products
380 S. State Rd.
434 #1004
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Toll-free: 888-880-9469
Website: www.luxuryhomeproducts.com

GUESTS :

Jamie Clarke
Jamie Clarke's Interior Concepts
180 Dean Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32503
Phone: 850-380-9041
E-mail: clarkejamesm@aol.com