DIY Network

Jay Baker Interview: Generators, Chandeliers and more From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-204

We've received emails from Wichita to South Carolina -- all about your home improvement questions. We've done the research, and come up with the answers for you. Home-improvement expert Jay Baker is ready to tackle the problems and set things straight around your house.

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Figure A

Q (from Jacqueline in Knoxville, Tennessee): We discovered a hardwood floor underneath the old vinyl tiles we removed in our bathroom. We would like to keep the hardwood but it has a buildup of adhesive. Do you have any suggestions?

Jay: This is actually a very common question. Adhesive on hardwood (figure A) can be tricky to remove, and you might find that the amount of work you are likely to do on the floor could out way the aesthetic benefits. There are some adhesive removers that will remove the adhesive but since you'll have to sand the floor to finish it, go ahead and rent a sander to remove the glue. Use a drum sander and sand with the grain. Remember not to hold the sander in one spot. If you do it will create an indentation in the wood.

	Figure B
	Figure C

Q (from Joanna from Wichita, Kansas): I'm thinking about a backup generator for emergencies. What size would I need for my home and how should it be powered?

Jay: An automatic whole-house generator will supply power to several circuits at the same time. But it's going to be expensive -- as much as $10,000 with installation. During an emergency, if you don't mind running just a couple appliances, a portable generator may be all you need. Here are some examples (figures B and C). The most popular gas powered size for home-emergency use is a 5,000-watt unit. It is large enough to power several circuits, including most refrigerators and freezers, and it will run up to 12 hours per tank. It will be heavy and noisy so get one with wheels. The most common way to use a portable generator is to place it outdoors, then run an extension cord through a crack in a window or door. A 5000-watt generator will cost between $500 and $2500.

A couple words of caution about generators: Be sure to keep the generator far enough from the house so the carbon monoxide doesn't get in. Also follow the directions closely so you don't wind up damaging the appliances that you are tying to run.

Figure D

Q (from Lisa in Beaufort South Carolina): Is it possible to paint my brass chandeliers without them looking awkward?

Jay: Before you paint, it's important to determine if it is solid brass or plated. Inspect the fixture closely (figure D).. To determine if you have a solid brass or brass plated item, find a spot on the back of out of view and scratch it with a knife. If the scratch exposes a gray or silver metal it's brass plated. If it's solid brass think twice before you paint it. It could be all you need is a good cleaning to make it look great. If you decide to paint it after all first rough up the surface with 320 grit sandpaper or steel wool so the paint will stick. Put tape inside the sockets so paint won't damage the electrical parts. Allow a metal primer to dry completely then apply two coats of a rust resistant enamel in the color and gloss you prefer. The most difficult thing about this project is deciding whether to use spray cans or brush on paint. I suggest a spray can for a smoother finish. Either way, paint the most visible part of the item last and follow the directions on the paint cans. Finally, consider applying a clear-coat finish to the item once it has dried.

RESOURCES :

HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV