Christmas is just around the corner- 8 weeks- can you believe that? I mean we just were having 106 degree weather in San Antonio 3 weeks ago. But now the weather has cooled and before you know it – Christmas will be here. We lived in a little suburb when the kids were little and the whole subdivision decorated for Christmas. We had cars by the 1000s that went through the area. So you always had to decorate for Christmas. And it was always a hassle. You would have to use a ladder and all types of hardware to get it to fasten to the house. And then there was the “yard art”- always difficult. So when I came across this new lighting for Christmas – I just laughed. Then I bought. Now I am going to share. I found string of lights that goes on the house or in the yard that is magnetic. There is a strong little magnet on the back of each light bulb so that all you have to do is lay it against the metal edging on your house. And then it stays there no matter if its windy or stormy. They are called Lite-Netics. And it was patented right in Texas outside of Austin. Its consists of C9 or C7 bulb strands that have that patented socket that provides a magnetic connection at each light bulb. No more shingle tabs, clips, glues or any other things we use to hang the lights with. And no more dangling lights that have fallen down- Lite-Netics stick right where you put them. Lite-Netics comes in a roll and you just cut you the length that you need and add the ends to connect to the electricity. No more buying more than you need- just the right length to do the job. And if you want to line the driveway – you attach them to gutter spikes – and that holds them up for a real finished look. And if you are a business and own a metal building there is no limit to what you can do. Now here is the fun part- when its time to take it down- just give it a little tug and then roll them up for next year. You don’t even have to get on a ladder. And it cost about $1 a foot. I wish I had this 30 years ago. Hey I just may hang lights this year!
Now to the email…..
Question: Last spring I replaced the fence in my backyard and installed a sprinkler system. Since them the water had made marks on the fence. Is there anything I can do to remedy this? I enjoy reading your column weekly.
Answer: The best wood cleaner that I have found and tested is made by Duckback. Its called Exterior Wood Cleaner. First you spray the fence with water and then spray with the Exterior Wood Cleaner- wait about 15-20 minutes – then rinse with clear water. The container covers about 200 to 400 sq ft.
Question: What is the best cleaner for my natural birch wood cabinets and what should I put over them to keep them looking good?
Answer: The best cleaner and the easiest to use is called Fine Wood Cleaner. Its made by Holloway House. After cleaning the cabinets then use a product called Feed and Wax to protect.
Question: A few months ago you described a product that can seep through a clear coat an color the wood to re-stain wood. I have a 7ft diameter circle dining table that need help. The table is beautiful but has endured our kids art projects and abuse. It has some superficial scratches that I would prefer to re-stain rather sanding and starting all over. The current color is dark walnut. Do you recall the product you described awhile back.
Answer: The product that you want is called Restore A Finish. It goes through the varnish and colors the wood underneath. Just apply it with a soft rag, let dry and then apply the Feed and Wax to protect.
Question: I have a wooden desk that my cousin tried to iron a shirt on and the end result is the surface turned white. I have tried furniture polish and it doesn’t work. Do you have any ideas?
Answer: Use a product called White Ring Remover. What your problem is that moisture has been caught between the coats of varnish and now looks terrible. And you want to take care of it now because if moisture sits on the desk for a long time, it will turn dark and then you have a whole different problem.
Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie’s radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (21) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.happyhandyman.com.