Question (from Paula in Amherst, Massachusetts) : I was wondering if I can paint or wallpaper over paneling?
Jay: Well, Paula, that's a question we get a lot. The answer is "yes," you can paint or wallpaper over paneling, but you may not like the results. If you are a perfectionist, then you may not like the finish because the lines and seams of the paneling will show through. The best thing to do is cover the paneling with wall-board before you paint.
Scott : One thing that you could try is using caulk or spackling to fill between the gaps in the paneling before you paint -- but you're still likely to get some imperfections. For wallpaper, you'll need to apply a paper liner over the paneling to hide the gaps, then apply your wallpaper.
Question (from Ed in Little Rock, Arkansas) : A light bulb exploded in my outside light fixture. The glass part is gone but the metal fixtures remain. How do I get it out so that I can replace the bulb?
Scott: Well, if you can believe it, the solution is a potato. A broken light bulb is a common problem, and a potato is a common solution. First, turn off the power to the light fixture at your circuit-breaker box or (in the case of a lamp fixture) unplug it. Cut the potato, and push it onto the fitting, then use the potato to unscrew the threaded metal portion of the light-bulb (figure A).
Jay: If you don't have a potato handy, you can use a pair of needle-nosed pliers to grasp the metal portion of the bulb and unscrew it, but first be certain that the power to the fixture is shut off . An effective technique for this is to stick the tip of the pliers down inside the broken fixture, expand the tips of the pliers to apply outward pressure on the threaded metal portion, and carefully turn the handle of the pliers to unscrew the fixture (figure B).
Question (from Sharon in Frankfort, Kentucky): I have water spots on my textured ceiling from the roof leaking. Now that the roof is fixed how do I get rid of the water spots. Do I have to re-paint the whole ceiling?
Jay: You took the right first step to fixing those stains by finding out where the leak was coming from, and then putting a stop to it. There are a couple of options to clean up the stain. For lighter stains, you can use a bleach-and-water solution to help remove the discoloration. In a spray bottle, mix four parts bleach with six parts water. You'll probably want to put a drop cloth on the floor underneath the stain so the bleach doesn't come in contact with it. Then, spray a light mist of the bleach solution on the stain. You might have to try it a couple of times to get rid of the stain.
Scott: But for darker stains, you're going to have to paint over the stain. First us a stain-killing primer. After the primer dries, paint over the area of the stain with a quality latex paint.
Jay and Scott's Insider Tip: Getting Rid of Ants Without Using Poisons
Jay: Hiring an exterminator to get rid of ants in your can be expensive. Before you call one, try one of these money-saving do-it-yourself solutions to fight ants.
Scott: First try to find where ants are getting in. They usually follow the same trail to get in and out of your house. Once you find where they're getting in, use caulk to seal the hole.
Jay: There are some homemade solutions that you can sprinkle around the foundation to help keep ants from getting inside in the first place. Those include:
- Used coffee grounds;
- ground cinnamon
- talcum powder or
- red pepper mixed with sugar (equal parts).
Any of these can be used to "break the line" of ants on their march into your home.Scott: Try one of these tips before you pick up the phone, and you might just save yourself a lot of money.
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