October 20, 2011

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.

October 6, 2011

Today I’m going to tell you a secret….no not that kind of secret! Its about your pocket sliding door. People come in the store all the time and think they have a broken roller, because the door won’t easily open and close. Or they have a roller that just comes out of the track. Then they wonder how in the world am I going to fix this and am I going to have to take down the wall? The answer is no. The solution is so simple but no one really thinks about it. Where the door slides into the wall there are 2 pieces of moulding and there on the outside of the opening. Open the door and the door will slide into the wall. Now you are looking at the edge of the door- look to the right and left wide you will see a piece of moulding that is just nailed to the jamb. All you have to do it take off one side, pull the bottom of the door toward you and lift up and Bingo! Now you can lift it and put all the rollers back on the track. If you need to replace the rollers take one with you to the hardware store match it up then go home and put it back on the door. Take the time to use a lubricant on the door track and rollers when sliding it back in. But don’t use a grease, or WD – use a spray lubricant called Tri Flow. I like to call it liquid ball bearings. It is Teflon based and doesn’t attract dust. Put it all back like you took it apart and put the moulding back on. Now you just saved yourself a couple of hundred dollars or more. If you have a problem call me.

Now to the email…..

Question: My husband had tape over the kitchen cabinet and when he took it off some of the surface came off too. How can this be repaired? I would hate to have to replace or repaint all the cabinets. How does one repair the veneer in the bathroom cabinets? Is this easy to repair?
Answer: This is a job for Miracle Wood Filler. Just fill the damaged spot – sand, and paint or stain. Its that easy. Miracle Wood Filler is quick dry so your job will be short.

Question: Really enjoy your articles- keep em coming. When we built our home about 18 years ago they installed cultured marble bathroom countertop and tubs. I don’t know if it is still called that or not- however they are yellowing particularly the ones we don’t use much. Can you suggest a product that will take out the yellow as they are in good shape- I really don’t want to replace them.
Answer: That protective coating has yellowed probably from the lighting and time. You can try using Gel Gloss to protect them from getting worse. But that yellow happens when they get old. Sorry…

Question: Can you tell me what brand model ceiling fan has a blade pitch that moves more air than others? I didn’t save your column and now I need to replace one.
Answer: Regency Ceiling Fans are the best I could find and here is what you should look for when looking for a fan. First get a 52” fan- it fits any size room. Don’t mess with a 36” or 42” fan- you just won’t get as much wind chill. Next you want a 12-14-16 degree pitch on the blade. Then it should have 3 capacitors to keep the fan quiet, one for each speed. Then it should be reversing for the winter. If you need help finding them give me a call.

Question: We have silver fish in the house- I have some Shoo Fly …will that work? Second there is a strong odor under the bathroom sink. The cabinet is wood on the bottom about 2” above the tile floor. It doesn’t really smell like mildew or rot but I can’t describe the odor. I tried Bio Zapp and it worked for a couple of days. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Answer: The odor is coming from the concrete. You need to get the Bio Zapp down to the concrete under the wood. The concrete is very porous and the previous owners might have had a leak. But if you don’t get to the root of the odor- it won’t go away.

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.

October 4, 2011

I am going to write about a great product that is different than most and its called Miracle Wood Quick Dry Wood Filler. Its made from real wood and can be used for both interior and exterior repairs. Miracle Wood dries quickly, hardens like wood and accepts stain and paint. And here is how you use it: Clean the surface to be filled and fill with Miracle Wood Filler to slight bulge with a putty knife and sand smooth when dry. If you want to stain, then sand to open up the surrounding wood pores. Its smart to test your stain on a sample to make sure that the stain will match, especially on veneers. For deep patches apply in layers, allowing each layer to harden before applying the next layer. Miracle Wood Filler comes in one color – neutral light- and because it absorbs stain so well there is no need to have multiple colors. It dries quick and doesn’t flake or shrink. Miracle Wood is the one that professionals use, so I thought you would like to know. Since you are reading this article, you fall in the pro category!

Now to the email…..

Question: Thank you for your informative article. Our problem is that the two cupboards below my cooktop seem to get cockroaches in them. We have checked to see if caulking is okay and everything is sealed inside. Also sealed downdraft and vent hood. I have sealed all openings outside and put a fine wire mesh in all weep holes. But I still see droppings. I can’t use the space because of this problem.
Answer: I have tested a product called Shoo Fly Ant and Roach for many years and found it to be the best spray to get rid of pests. I don’t even use a pest control company anymore. It doesn’t tell you but it even kills scorpions. It dries in a few seconds but keeps killing for 4 weeks. If you can get the kick plate off the bottom of the cabinet – spray underneath the cabinet- they might be there. Also if you can drill a small hole in the back of the cabinet and the two side walls to get some of the Shoo Fly back into the back of the cabinet in between the cabinet and the brick wall. Then fill in the holes with a wood dough and sand. After doing all this – I don’t see how you can have a problem.

Question: How do you get hard water mineral stains off fiberglass sinks and tubs without scratching it? And how do you get hard water spots off of vehicle glass?
Answer: The only product that works to take hard water mineral stains off fiberglass sinks and tubs without scratching is a product called Bring It On. You can also try it on auto glass.

Question: I just bought a new breakfast room table and chairs. The care instructions say to use furniture polish or a damp soft cloth. An attached card also says to use coasters and place mats as required to protect the surface. Is there a product I can use to better waterproof the surface so I don’t constantly have to worry about leaving rings or other moisture damage?
Answer: There is a product called Feed and Wax that should do the job. It is a bees wax and not a paste that has to be buffed out. The Feed and Wax also brings out the patina of the wood., along with protecting the surface. There is a product called White Ring Remover that does remove rings left by glasses, in case that ever happens.

Question: Love your column, I want to hang pictures and mirrors on my indoor brick without drilling holes into it. Can you suggest something something that I can use and where to purchase them?
Answer: There is a brick hanger that will get the job done. It lays against the mortar and then wedges against the brick and that is what holds the weight. Most hardware stores have it in the picture hanger area.

Question: Could you tell me if you have any suggestions??? I have a flat glass stove top…I was cooking and it boiled over. I now have a partial half moon shape of the pan that will not come off of the glass stove top. I love coming to your store when I am in San Antonio.
Answer: My wife JoNell used Liquid Soft Scrub along with a straight edge razor blade. Hyde Tool Co. makes a mini glass scraper # 13020 that is perfect.

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.

September 28, 2011

Wow, I have had so many interesting questions that I just wanted to share them with you. I really like when you email before your project so that we can do the right thing the first time. Remember everything is easy, if you know how to do it, and you have the right product!

Question: I have an outside table that I would like to either put Pour On High Gloss Finish which is like 50 coats of varnish. My problem is that the table has a little bit of a contour. Will a self leveling product work for me? The other product I would like to try is called Giani Granite Paint- you wrote about it a few month ago.
Answer: Pour On will not work unless the surface is flat. My advice is that you make a cover to go on the table when you are using it. But as far as Giani, that will work inside or outside as long as you don’t allow water to puddle on the surface. You could make you picnic table look like granite counter top inside the house at a cost of about $89.

Question: I have a couple of chairs and the rungs are loose so the whole chair wobbles. Do I have to take the chair apart and sand the joints, apply the glue and then put it all back together?
Answer: You are so lucky because now there is a fast acting glue with a needle nose dropper that you can just shoot a little Wonder Lockem in each joint and bingo in about 2 minutes you have a tight chair. Wonder Lockem is a clear glue. It goes in the joints of a chair, or stair rungs any place that wood has come loose. And tightens up just like new. Clamp the chair first so that its straight when you apply the Wonder Lockem.

Question: I have a wallpaper seam that has come loose next to the ceiling. What can I do to seal it back?
Answer: Zinsser makes a product called Sure Grip. Its a wallpaper glue with a lot of adhesion. Just a few drops on the back of the wallpaper and hold it down for a few seconds and it will take hold. In the case of a vinyl wallpaper that is stiff and rigid- soften up the wallpaper with a little wet sponge and then go and apply the Sure Grip.

Question: I have a lot of faucets with hoses attached in my barn for my horses. During last winter they either froze or have been left on so long that I can not get them off. I’ve tried pliers, but it doesn’t work. I know I will lose all the hoses unless I can get them off the faucet. What should I be doing? And I saw a advertisement for the Emerge and I was wondering if I could use it on my red brick pavers. Will it hurt the pavers?
Answer: You and I had the same problem. I just got 2 big pipe wrenches so that I could get some leverage on the hose. Then after you break them loose, use a product called Tri Flo and spray it on both ends. You might have to clean them up first with a wire brush. I am checking out the Emerge right now, we will see how the pavers handle it. I will be in touch.

Question: The grout in my shower stall keeps developing cracks. Is there a product that is flexible enough to compensate for some movement of tiles? I live in Houston and the gumbo soil here expands and contracts causing movement of walls. Should I re-grout all the joints or can I just fix the ones that are cracked?
Answer: You know its always better to remove the grout. So that after you put your new grout in it looks the same. The one I would put in my bathroom is called Mildew Free Sealant and it comes in white and almond. Its guaranteed mildew free for 7 years- if it does mildew- they will pay to have it replaced. Now that’s a guarantee.

Question: We bought an older home and the previous owner had dogs that had accidents inside the house on the tile floor. We can not get the odor out of the tile and grout. I have heard of some enzyme cleaners and that they work on that- what do you think?
Answer: There is a great product made for a odor just like what you have. Its called Bio Zapp. It will completely neutralize the odor. Not mask it, or leave a fragrance – just no smell. Completely saturate the area where the odor is and let dry. T hats all there is to it!

Keep the questions coming…love my Houston readers!

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie’s radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (210) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.happyhandyman.com.

September 22, 2011

Back in 1960 the only way to clean mildew off a house was bleach, a bucket, and a long handled brush. Scrubbing off that mildew was a big job and you got bleach from your hair down to your shoes. We owned one small lumber yard back then and the lumber sheds had a real mildew problem. It was so thick that I finnally asked my paint rep what he would do. I just knew there had to be a better way that what we were doing. He told me that a man in Harlingen Texas that had put together a great new product to clean mildew off of homes and businesses. He called it Jomax. This was the formula, 1 pt of Jomax, 3 pts of bleach, put it in a 2 gallon pump up sprayer and fill with water. Well, I couldn’t get it fast enough. I filled my sprayer stood about 6 to 8 feet away from the lumber shed and cleaned off the mildew in no time. It was so much easier, 10 times faster than what we had been doing. Today the same product is still working. They changed the formula up a bit- but its still a cleaner that works. They make other cleaners and we sell them, that hook up to your garden hose (they cost around $45) – but Jomax does the same job for around $12 and faster too. Jomax is safe around all your plants and shrubs. Here is the formula for a 2 gallon pump up sprayer: 6 qts of water, 1 ½ gallons of bleach, and a 1 ½ cups of Jomax. Shop around for that pump up sprayer- you should be able to find one for less than $20.

Now to the email…..

Question: Our roof is original to the house built in 1983. It is aluminum. It doesn’t leak, it just looks bad. I have had 2 companies come out to give us estimates. They want to paint- but I don’t want to paint again in a few years- we thought this would be a lifetime roof. My question for you is what is the best procedure and what are the best products to use?
Answer: The roof on the Tower of Americas in San Antonio was painted with Coronado Paint originally back in the 1960s and 20 years later they painted again with Coronado. The product is called Crylicote and it will last 20 years for you too. Pick deep colors of green, brown, or blue or light colors but stay away from bright colors because they will be the ones to fade first. Buy the ready mixed color if your can because they last the longest. Give me a call if you need more help with this. Great question!

Question: Birds and squirrels are giving me a fit! The birds sit on areas around the house and squirrels are a mess they love my pecans even though they are green.
Answer: For the birds, use a product called Bye Bye Birdie- and for the squirrels use Critter Ridder.

Question: I have a slate roof and there is one place where it is leaking and has ruined the plaster ceiling underneath. We also have a flat copper roof that is over our morning room. It only leaks when it rains really hard. We need to know how to fix this problem, and it is going to be expensive?
Answer: Use a product called Through The Roof- you can brush it on the roof and it is clear. It will seal any leak on the roof. Just put it on nice and thick. It will stick to both roof types. It comes in a quart, gallon, and a caulk for larger cracks.

Question: I have a table that has been in my grandparents barn for years. I would like to remove the paint, but do not want to use a stripper. In your last article you mentioned Air Sponge and Stonetech- you must have been reading my mind- because I was wondering how to get the hard water stains off my granite.
Answer: Taking paint off anything is so easy these days- just use Soy Gel. It has no odor- its bio-degradable – you don’t even need gloves. Just apply a thick coat, go to the movie and dinner and then come home and test and see if you can see the wood- and then just wipe off the table with a wet rag. You don’t even have to sand afterward.

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie’s radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (210) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.happyhandyman.com.

September 15, 2011

A week ago we had a cool front move in to San Antonio, and it reminded me that soon- it will be cooler. And when it gets cool, we are all going to start painting again. Nothing can give a home a facelift like new paint. When you go and search for all your painting supplies and find that you accidentally forgot to clean off your favorite brush from last spring, don’t despair. There is a new brush cleaner that is water based, non toxic, non flammable and biodegradable. It easily removes latex, varnish, lacquer, shellac and polyurethane from synthetic bristle brushes and roller covers. Which are about 90% of the brushes that I sell. When we tested the brush cleaner we used it on a brush that had dried rock hard. In 2 hours that brush was as soft as the new brushes. The cleaner is called Supertuff Brush Wash. Supertuff Brush Wash retails for under $10.00.

Now to the email….

Question: How can I use the water from my washing machine to water my plants and to water around the foundation to help keep the ground around the foundation from drying out? Will the water from the washer drain harm my plants or grass? Is it legal?
Answer: What a great way to save water. If you have a top load washing machine you should save about 4 gallon each wash and rinse cycle. My grandmother used to let it run out on the grass. If your washing machine is closest to the wall just drill a hole to the outside add a longer hose to go around the house. Let it run along side the slab or water your plants. Remember this is the way we did it years ago, but check with your local water board and see if it is legal in your area. You could also run it to a rain barrel ( until it rains again) and then pump it out of the barrel and water the yard and plants. If you have a better idea on how to use this kind of water – email me and I will check it out. The more we save, the longer we have the water.

Question: My house is 11 years old and I am not having problems but should I have my central AC ducts cleaned?
Answer: The best way to keep your system clean is to use a pleated filter. Use a filter rated Merv 6-8. They should run about $5-$6 per filter and last about 90 days. If you are getting a musty smell in the house the best way to rid that is with an Air Sponge. Put it behind the filter in the return air and then turn your central AC fan to on, and let it cycle the Air Sponge all through the house for 24 hours. Also clean the coils in the AC with the Dirt Blaster. Doing all this- you will have a clean running system.

Question: Mr Chuoke, I have a 40 year old wrought iron patio set that needs re-painting. There is some rust and I would like to paint it dark green. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Have a blessed day.
Answer: Sand the rusty areas with an 80 grit garnet paper and then finish with a 400 grit all over. Remove all the dust. Now apply a product called Rust Cure. It comes in a spray bottle so its easy to use. Let dry for about an hour and then wipe off the oily residue. Wait for about a week, and let the Rust Cure turn a gun metal gray. Now you are ready to paint. Coronado makes a wonderful product called Rust Scat Enamel. Always give it 2 coats and now your furniture will last another 15 years.

Question: I have wood and wood look laminate floors in my house. I used a product to clean with but I had to rinse, and rinse and rinse to remove the tacky finish that was left. I guess I used too much product- but I know I don’t want to do that again. Is there a product that I could just lightly mist and clean my floor without so much rinsing?
Answer: Zep Laminate Floor Cleaner is just that item. But remember you just lightly mist on the cleaner and use a micro fiber floor cloth to clean with. It will even leave a soft shine to the floors and smells very clean. I like to use the micro fiber cloth that comes with the Quick Shine Mop. You can wash it up to 500 times.

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie’s radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (210) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.happyhandyman.com.