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Ask the Diva

If you have a home-related question, then this is the place! Send your queries to our DIY Diva and we will answer them as best we can. If we don’t know - we’ll find out for you. Submit your question and we'll post and answer. In this way we can build up a comprehensive library of information that everyone will be able to access.

Name: Email: Your comment:

New posts...

Heather
30 December 2010 09:54 AM
How to make slipcovers

comment=Congrats on a wonderful website! I'm addicted! Would like to know if you could assist me in making some slip covers for a one and two seater suite.

Thank you once again!
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Hi Heather,
Thank you!

The easiest way is to use brown paper to make a pattern on the couch and then transfer this to your fabric - allowing for seams of course. I prefer to make it piece by piece and then fit each piece as I go along. It helps to keep track of what needs to be done next.

Janice
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Amanda
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 10:03 AM
Rusted photo frames

How can I make photo frames that looks rusted and very old?

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Hi Amanda,
Rust-Oleum previously had a kit that was affordable and easy to apply, but I see that it is no longer part of their range. There are products on the shelf - try hobby and art stores - that are applied to create a faux rust finish.

Janice
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Colette
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 10:27 AM
How to treat rust on metal

I recently bought woven metal words on the street and did not realise it was rusted - as I was at the robots. I would like to know how I can remove the rust and then also treat it so that it does not rust again.

Thanks
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Hi Colette,
Rust-Oleum has a Rust Remover that works fantastic for removing rust on metal. You can also use a Rust-Oleum clear spray that would protect the metal and prevent rust in the future. You will find the full range of Rust-Oleum products at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
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Daniel
Monday, December 13, 2010 3:06 PM
Built in cupboards

I bought a house with bedroom cupboards that have been painted over in the same colour as the walls of the house - with normal PVA paint. The doors are an old type of supawood, but not wrapped doors, and hence I am afraid to strip the paint off for fear that the laminate cover of the door will be removed, revealing just the fibrous internals. How can I safely modify the cupboard doors to give it a wood finish again? Can I use varnish with a mahogany stain on it? The cupboard doors are cream in colour.

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Hi Daniel,
First off, if the doors are painted supawood you can easily sand off the old paint. If, however, they are melawood, which is chipboard with a thin laminate or foil paper on top, you only need to sand off a layer or two of paint for a smooth surface. Giving it a wood grain finish can be done if you think that you can tackle paint techniques. You will need a 'paint rocker' (www.harlequin.co.za) in order to create a faux wood grain effect. It might be a good idea to practice on small pieces of wood until you get the hang of it.

Alternatively, you could cover the sanded doors with self-adhesive vinyl with a wood grain pattern, or simply paint them in a nice brown colour.

Janice
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Corne
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 9:06 AM
White floor tiles in rental home

I'm renting and HATE the white kitchen floor tiles, what can I do?

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Hi Corne,
If you are renting there isn't much you can do other than a few cosmetic additions. Builders Warehouse have vinyl floor tiles that you could stick over the white tiles. Just bear in mind that you will have to remove them (and the glue) when you move out. You could also purchase a large coir or sisal rug to cover up the tiles - not quite as permanent as vinyl tiles.

Janice
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Noni
Tuesday, December 07, 2010 5:03 PM
Restore wooden furniture

Hi,
I would like to ask if you have the contact details for a person who can renew my wooden furniture

Thanks Nonie
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Hi Nonie,
It isn't hard to restore wooden furniture and you will find plenty of articles on the Home-Dzine website. However, if you don't feel capable of doing it yourself you can try to hire a handyman or do a Google search for a furniture restoration company in your area. Unfortunately I do not have any details.

Janice
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Tendani
Tuesday, December 07, 2010 10:53 AM
Right colour for curtains

I have a challenge with finding a right colour of the curtain to match the wall. The colour on the wall is deep peach, between peach and pink. I have the dark mahogany rod and cream white material. Will these do.

Pls assist
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Hi Tendani,
The colour of the walls is a dusty pink with cream curtains with a dark mahogany rod. The colours all work well together but the rod is going to stand out quite a bit as you can see from the colour visual below. If you have dark furniture in the room that will not be bad, but if the furniture is a light colour you need to lighten the colour of the curtain rod.

Janice
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Audry
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 3:52 PM
Projects and ideas for everyone

Thank you so much for such a fabulous and handy booklet. I do appreciate all your tips and details. I have sent the food item as a safety topic, the bench detail to my husband (hint hint) and the lovely decorated tables to my sister in law. Thank you for the information and inspiration. Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas season.

Kind regards

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Lizette
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 1:27 PM
How to tile a table top

I would like to know the right procedure about tiling a wooden table top, and what I would need to do it please!!

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Hi Lizette,
The easiest way is to use No More Nails - Exterior to attach the tiles to the top of the table, especially on a table made of wood or board product. Spread No More Nails over the top of the table and start to lay out your tiles - you can also do this with mosaic. Fill in any gaps with No More Nails for a waterproof finish.

Janice
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Janine
Monday, November 29, 2010 10:35 AM
Wax on concrete floor

We floated our concrete floor 2 days ago with normal cement and would like to know how to seal it with wax and what wax product to use after we stained it. Is warm wax better than cold wax? How do I apply warm wax?

Janine
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Hi Janine,
Rather than use a wax product I would recommend that you use a sealer on the concrete - it will last much longer.

Wax will wear down fairly quick and resealing interior concrete can be a nasty, smelly job that you want to avoid if possible. Visit the www.tilecare.co.za website to see the range of TFC sealers that you will find on the shelf at your local Builders Warehouse store.

Janice
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Charisa
Wednesday, November 24, 2010 1:42 PM
Adding curb appeal to outside


Hi
Our house has a very blank looking front. It is white and brick and too plain and too white for me. Paint would've done the trick, but we're renting and are not allowed to paint. How can I dress these walls up?

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Hi Charisa,
The problem lies in the fact that it is a rented house, so there isn't really very much that you can do. Why not plant decorative shrubs along the wall and make it look pretty with landscaping?

Janice
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Sam
Saturday, November 20, 2010 9:38 AM
Dirty patio table

Hi,
I have a supawood patio table, that now has grease marks on it after a braai we had and greasy fingers touched the table! I have tried washing it with dishwashing liquid, but those marks are still there. What would be the best way of getting rid of them?

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Hi Sam,
I would use a product such as Clean Green, which is a heavy degreaser and should clean off any grease from the table top without damaging the surface. There are plenty of degreasing products on the market and you will find a wide selection at your local Builders Warehouse. The only other solution would be to lightly sand and paint the tabletop. You could use Rust-Oleum spray paints for this - also at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
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Catherine
Friday, November 19, 2010 11:27 AM
Ideas for a dark and dingy kitchen

We live in a flat with a very small, shoe-box type kitchen. There is minimal natural light provide by a window, at the end of the kitchen, opening onto the shaded corridor. We hope to refurbish the kitchen, from tiling to cupboards to painting, and are looking for ways to "lighten" the kitchen, to prevent it from being dark and dingy. Do you have any suggestions?

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Hi Catherine,
Millions of ideas. You will find quite a few in the Kitchen Section. Keep to light and bright colours for the kitchen walls or tiles. You can also paint cabinet doors in a light colour to brighten up the room. If you have a bit of budget - go for glossy white countertops and cupboard doors to create the illusion of a bright and airy space. You can easily paint cabinet doors using Rust-Oleum spray gloss - white. It's also easy to replace kitchen countertops - costs around R600 for a 3.6 metre length. Or go for a natural bamboo countertop.

If the room lacks natural light make sure that you have plenty of light fittings in the kitchen to reduce dark corners and shadows. A simple fluorescent strip light on the ceiling, and LED lights under or over countertops would really brighten things up.

Janice
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Vanessa
Thursday, November 18, 2010 11:40 AM
How much wood do I need?


How do you work out how many wood panels you will need to make a cupboard?

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Hi Vanessa,
First off, you need a design or plan that you will follow for the project. This plan will show the measurements of the cupboard that you want to make. Once you have the measurements you can take it along to your local Builders Warehouse and they will work out how much timber or board is required for the project.

Janice
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Michelle
Monday, November 15, 2010 8:05 AM
Tiles that have faded

Hi Janice,
My boyfriend bought a loft bachelor flat, the tiles have lost the shiny layer. We can not seem to get them clean! Tried most things I can thik of. Retiling is too expensive is their a paint we ca use on the tiles? How long will it last? At the moment the floor always looks dirty no matter how much we scrub or which products we use. Any help will be appreciated!

Thank you so much
Michelle
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Hi Michelle,
You don't mention what type of tiles they are. Your best bet would be to get in touch with the guys at www.tilecare.co.za, or pop into your local Builders Warehouse store and take a look at the TFC range of tile and floor products. Painting of floor tiles is not really an option, it doesn't last very long and looks terrible when it starts to wear off.

Janice
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Des
Friday, November 12, 2010 11:45 PM
Tile over MDF?

About a year ago we put tiles on to the sill and inside the frame of our bathroom window. They are now coming loose. We tiled over MDF board and think that this is where we went wrong. What can we do now to retrieve the situation? After removing the tiles can we seal the MDF board and retile, or do we need to replace the MDF with a more suitable substrate? This could be a big job as the bathroom walls are tiled around the window frame. Can you give some advice on what we should do?

Des
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Hi Des,
The MDF is definitely the problem. It sucks all the moisture out of the adhesive, causing it to dry too fast and not bond properly. Add to that the fact that the MDF will continue to absorb ambient moisture and swell, and you have loose tiles all over the place.

If removing the tiles to replace the MDF is a big job, you could try using Pattex No More Nails - exterior - to refix the tiles. It's not the perfect solution but will remedy the problem. If you opt to replace the MDF, use cement fibre board instead.

Janice
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Esmerlda
Friday, November 12, 2010 8:41 AM
How to I make place mats?

Morning Janice,
Absolutely love your site!!! I would really like some help please. I recently acquired a whole batch of raw boards from a company that closed down (the kind that Spur uses for their menus) and I was thinking of making place settings (placemats) with them. Problem is I am no artist, so drawing/painting is out of the question. Could you give me some ideas about how to go about it please. This is my first craft project, but I am just itching to get started. What materials would I need?

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Hi Esmeralda,
Thank you. There are so many options for making placemats. You don't need to be an artist these days to create a work of art! You can download and print out images from the Internet, use scrapbooking or wrapping paper, even fabric can be used to make placemats.

Cut out the medium to fit onto the place mats, use ModPodge or white PVA glue to affix to the surface, and finish off with 3-4 coats of ModPodge or Acrylic Sealer (buy at Builders Warehouse).

Janice
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Steven
Tuesday, November 09, 2010 12:07 PM
Kitchen and bathroom makeovers

Hi Janice
Thanks for some super ideas in your online editions.

I have two pending projects for which I would appreciate some advice. Firstly I'm thinking of gutting my kitchen and going for concrete. I read up on concrete tops in one of the old editions. What would you suggest as far as shells go? I'm really tired of melamine board splaying because it has been affected by damp. In Durban it is always damp - its just the degree that varies. Is it possible to use concrete or possibly brick to construct the shells?

Secondly I'm looking at updating my en-suite bath room. At the moment it is tiled floor to ceiling with small rectangular tiles which are starting to lift. My idea is to remove all of these and to skim or paint the walls. What would be product suggestions? Also on this project, my wife wants the ceiling flat skimmed and painted with something like velvaglo to prevent mildew. I tried skimming my other bath room ceiling with rhinolite. Im not too happy with the finnish - it still need some work to get it really smooth. What other products are out there? I skimmed the whole area. Not sure whether this was really necessary or if I should have just concentrated on the joints.

Thanks and brgds
Steven
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Hi Steven,
Way to go!

I must mention Bamboo countertops. My local Timbercity just received stock of bamboo countertops from www.oriental-bamboo.co.za - absolutely stunning. Not affected by moisture either, so would be perfect for Durban. Get in touch with these guys to see the range they offer - I'm sure you will be able to purchase in the Durban area.

Concrete is also great but not quite as nice. It's not as warm and welcoming as bamboo. You would make the frames out of shutterply, nailed together to form the shapes that you need. The only disadvantage with concrete is that you have to wait for it to cure before you can finish the kitchen.

Tiles are out for bathrooms - at least I think so! Cementitious plasters are so much nicer and eco-friendly. Get in touch with www.Cemcrete.co.za to see the various options for bathrooms.

Rhinolite is a bad idea for bathrooms - it absorbs moisture like a sponge. Rather also use a cementitious plaster, or finishing plaster, and then paint over. Bear in mind that most enamel paints age and change colour over time, so what might be a lovely white ceiling now will be a dingy yellow colour a couple of years down the line. Stick with ceiling paints, something like those offered by www.Prominentpaints.co.za that have an added fungicide to prevent mould and mildew.

Janice
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Pieter
Monday, November 08, 2010 7:07 PM
Damp in crawl space

Hi,
I have a problem that our house has wooden floors. We had black mould in the bathroom. We ripped out everything and cleaned it properly, the bathroom has a cement floor with tiles, but we suspect that there is mould under the wooden boards in the crawl space through the rest of the house. How can I treat it and what is the easiest way to confirm this infection. There is no access door into the crawl space.

Thanks
Pieter
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Hi Pieter,
You find these crawl spaces under the floor in quite a few older homes and the walls are probably damp, which is a lovely breeding space for mould. In order to confirm your suspicions you may have to remove some of the boards to check the situation in the crawl space. A dampproofing company will be able to assist and provide the best solution, as I am sure you don't want to crawl through there yourself.

Janice
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Shirley
Monday, November 08, 2010 1:46 PM
Kitchen renovation

I stumbled across your site looking for ideas to revamp my kitchen for about R30 000. I have a bee in my bonnet, the cash in my purse and am truly fed-up with the way my kitchen looks - it’s now or never. I am a self taught DIY-Diva and have a pink tool box to prove it too!

Your website is fabulous – its’ information overload and I don’t know where to click first!!! Just have to fetch the kids from school quickly, plan supper, then I’ll be pouring myself a cuppa tea and surfing your site!

Regards
Shirley
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Hi Shirley,
We are always glad to welcome new DIY Divas, especially if they already have a pink toolbox!

Welcome aboard and look forward to receiving your before and afters. BTW... I totally ripped out and revamped my kitchen for R25,000 - click here to see the result and feel free to ask any questions.

Janice
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Grace
Friday, November 05, 2010 8:43 AM
Slippery tiles

I have tiles going down to the pool which are very slippy when wet. Is there anything I can treat them with?

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Hi Grace,
I know that TFC have a non-slip tile treatment (www.tilecare.co.za) but I'm not sure if it is a do-it-yourself product or if it has to be applied. You can also purchase self-adhesive strips that can be stuck onto tiles. You will find these at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
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Dominique
Wednesday, November 03, 2010 1:37 PM
What material for bathroom vanity

What wood would you recommed I use for a bathroom vanity cabnet? Would Supawood with a melamine outer finish be okay?

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Hi Dominique,
You have to bear in mind that supawood is like a big sponge - if there is any moisture in the room the supawood will soak it up, even if coated with melamine. Try to cover every single edge and raise the vanity off the floor to prevent any contact with moisture.

I recently had a meeting with Oriental Bamboo { http://www.oriental-bamboo.co.za/ } and was extremely impressed with their product. You will be able to buy 16mm and 20mm boards at most hardware stores, and have it cut to size. Bamboo will not be affected by moisture or dampness and will last considerably longer than most other board products. You are going to be seeing quite a few projects using bamboo in the future.

Janice
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Dolly
Monday, November 01, 2010 3:04 PM
Sliding doors for closets

Dear Janice.
We have a space problem in our house. Is it a good idea to replace the built in wardrobe doors with sliding ones. We want to do this as to optimise the space in the bedrooms. This will help whenever the doors are opened so that we can have more space for movement. Do you know of any place where we can get sliding doors or sliding mirror doors.

Thanks
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Hi Dolly,
Having sliding doors on the front of your cupboards is a big spacesaver. You can get in touch with companies such as: http://www.mirrordoor.co.za/ and http://www.finelinemir.co.za/.

Janice
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Carrie
Monday, November 01, 2010 8:59 AM
Install a dimmer switch

Hi Janice,
I'd like some advice on how to install dim lights in my home.

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Hi Carrie,
Installing a dimmer switch is a fairly simple DIY task, but not one that I would like to put onto the site as a project. You have to have a basic understanding of the wiring in the home and the safety procedures, etc, involved before you tackle a project where electricity is involved.

I would recommend that you visit an electrical supplier and let them explain face-to-face the procedure involved for fitting a dimmer switch.

Janice
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Ruth
Friday, October 29, 2010 3:06 PM
Solution for window treatment

Hi Janice,
It has taken 4 mths to get my cabinet sorted – we don’t have a very reliable construction pool for small jobs in Durban, but the guy I got did a stunning job and we can up with a solution for my hairdryer as well. We have not painted the room yet because we wanted to get a rounded view with the cabinet in. This being said, we have created a slight problem, because the cabinet doors against the wall at the window have forced us into a no space situation for our window treatments. Your previous suggestion was for a valance/pelmet, but I don’t have the space now to do this on this window. Any suggestions? I am not sure what solutions exist for inside the window frame.

We are willing to look at changing colours etc.

Regards
Ruth
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Hi Ruth,
Lovely to hear from you again and to find out that you managed to get the storage problem sorted out. The new built-in cupboards will definitely provide for ample storage. I love how the bathroom door has been disguised to be part of the BIC's - very neat idea!

Although the cupboards look very nice, you need to soften the look. At the moment I'm sure that the cupboards are the centre of attention and it would be nice to make that one window above the bed a feature, as I explained previously (see below). Although there is no space down the side of the window next to the cupboards, you could still pop a small valance on the top and have blinds fitted to the window. Wood or aluminium Venetian blinds would probably be the best for down at the coast. Or even an attractive Roman blind made from fabric to match the colours in the room.

Although the last time we talk about using cream and dark brown in the room, why not add a splash of pale green to lighten up a bit. A very pale green valance would work nicely with light cream curtains with a pale green pattern, and it would help to soften and brighten the room, and bring a bit of outdoors indoors.

Janice
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Lyn
Friday, October 29, 2010 1:53 PM
Can I use supawood outdoors?

I have 2 large superwood boxes outdoors which double up as a seat and a storage unit and they only have a thin varnish on. I would like to seal them from water damage (rain etc) and then paint them bright colours. Could you please advise what type of sealant to use and what paint I could use.

Thanks so much
Lyn
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Hi Lyn,
You are really going to have to slap on an awful lot of varnish. Supawood is like a sponge, it soaks up moisture for anywhere. I have often thought how well it would do outside if you have to put on lots of varnish but haven't yet tried out a project to see if it would work.

If you want to paint them in bright colours you can try using oil-based/enamel paint. Be sure to cover everywhere so that there are no gaps left where moisture can get into, or they will swell up. Apply at least 2 to 3 coats of paint. Let me know if they last.

Janice
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Michelle
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 12:48 PM
Smell in kitchen cabinets

Hi Janice
I have not mailed you for some time, but have a very urgent problem. We moved home about two months ago. Lovely place – lots of work!

My problem – one of my kitchen cupboards smell very badly of mould. I can’t see any traces of mould, the cupboard does not appear to be wet, but I can definitely smell it. The cupboard is nowhere near a tap, so I don’t know where the damp would be from. Please help – how do I get rid of the smell??

Regards
Michelle
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Hi Michelle,
Glad to hear from you again.

You will need to try and find the problem if you want to get rid of the smell. Tap the wood in the cabinet to see if you can pick up any areas that has previously been wet and absorbed moisture. It could possibly be that something was spilt on top or inside the cupboard and this has been absorbed into the chipboard.

If all else fails, pop and onion or lemon in the cabinet overnight and see if that helps. Another solution (just thought of it) is to try the new Henkel Stop Moisture. I believe you can buy this in the supermarket. It has a block that absorbs ambient moisture and works well in wardrobes - so it might work in your kitchen cabinet.

Janice
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Yolandi
Monday, October 25, 2010 10:28 AM
Install own kitchen cupboards

Hi,
I bought a flat last year and there are no kitchen cupboard or a sink. I got a few quotes but the prices are very expensive (and some down right ridiculous). I did think of buying the wood, get the timber company to cut them to size and then put them all together, this will be much cheaper. I just have a few questions: What wood do I buy, the best kitchen cupboard wood and what paint do I paint it?

Thanks
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Hi Yolandi,
Sounds like you have quite a job on your hands. You don't necessarily need to make your own kitchen cabinets, you will find that there are plenty of companies that manufacture the cabinet carcass (or frame) and all you have to do is attach a door. Doing it this way can sometimes work out cheaper than buying the wood and having everything cut and edged. Google "DIY Kitchen" to find a local supplier or pop into your local Builders Warehouse - they do have quiet a selection. You can also ask for their prices on doors as well.

Janice
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Nadia
Friday, October 22, 2010 4:33 PM
How many bricks to fill up a door space?

I Would like to completely build up - close a balcony door. It is leading from my little girl's room, and we don't really see the point of this. How many bricks would I need to fill up this door space?

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Hi Nadia,
You can work on 51 bricks per square metre and a door is normally 900mm wide. Allowing for knocking out down each side of the door to tie the two walls together, you will probably need 150 bricks for the job.

Janice
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Nonkululeko
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 12:04 PM
How to screed a cement floor

Where would I start looking for ideas and ways of screeding a cement floor? I'm in Centurion.

Thank you kindly
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Hi Nonkululeko,
If you have a basic knowledge of working with cement and feel confident enough to tackle screeding a concrete floor as a do-it-yourself project, then you can refer to sources such as www.cnci.org.za and there is an article on the Home-Dzine website.

If you have never worked with concrete before, then this is a project best left to the professionals and you can find yourself a reputable handyman to tackle the project for you.

Janice
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Amanda
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 7:35 AM
How to waterproof IBR roof

How do I waterproof my IBR roof? can I use some type of sealant? Where do I get the sealant, etc, to do this?

Thanks
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Hi Amanda,
Your local Builders Warehouse has a wide range of products that you can use to waterproof an IBR roof. If you have existing flashings around the perimeter of the IBR you can simply apply membrane waterproofing products onto this. If you don't have flashings it is recommended that you install these as they serve to prevent moisture from seeping around the edges of IBR sheeting.

I have previously used a.b.e products with very good results. You will need to use a.b.e SuperLacryl with membrane.

Janice
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Ann
Thursday, October 14, 2010 1:28 PM
Stain an oak TV unit a darker colour

Hi Janice,
I have a TV unit in oak veneer that I would like to refurbish to a dark colour. Which is the best way to tackle this task?

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Hi Ann,
Are you sure you mean veneer and not melamine? There is a big difference between the two when it comes to refinishing. Veneer is very thin and extreme care has to be taken not to sand away the veneer surface, whereas melamine can be given a light sanding to de-gloss before painting over. Use a 180-grit to sand either surface before wiping clean and painting.

Rust-Oleum Painters Touch has two lovely shades of dark brown: Espresso and Kona Brown. I cannot rave enough about this product - it's easy to use, doesn't run or drip when applied properly, and you only need a maximum of two coats to cover anything.

Janice
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Sharon
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 1:27 PM
Shelf for car

Hi Janice,
My backboard which housed my speakers of my VW polo was stolen with my radio! please could you tell me what the best wood is to make a new one, and do you have any suggestions on how to go about it.

Thanks very much
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Hi Sharon,
Normally I would say - use the old one as a template! Measure the dimensions of the space and transfer this onto a piece of 6mm supawood. Cut out, making it slightly larger to start and making any adjustments to fit. You can go shopping at your local Builders Warehouse for brackets and pins that will work to attach to the back of the car.

Janice
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Andi
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 7:36 PM
Bathroom is full of mould

Hi,
I've recently moved into my new home and the shower is appalling, there's a fungus everywhere and the shower door is milk white with soap scum build up. I have tried everything to remove the soap scum but to no avail: Mr muscle shower cleaner, easy off bang, window lean, bleach (that includes domestos) and handy andy bathroom cleaner. I've ran out of ideas, my shower looks terrible, help!!

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Hi Andi,
There are quite a few articles in the Lifestyle section that deal with the problems that you mention with your bathroom. It sounds like it has been left for a long time without a good clean and you are going to need to use a fair amount of elbow grease! The best treatment for scum and hard water stains is old-fashioned vinegar. The acid in the vinegar eats away the residue. Bear it mind that it may not work one hundred percent the first time and you may have to repeat the process to remove all the scum.

Get into cracks with an old stiff toothbrush. The trouble with mould is that if you don't get it all it is likely to grow back again. Be persistent and keep up the cleaning until everything is removed and then regular cleaning will surfice.

Janice
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Lynne
Monday, October 11, 2010 12:57 PM
Faded and scratched countertops

How do I get rid of small scratches and get a shine back on my formica kitchen counter tops. The tops are about 15 years old and have become very dull.

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Hi Lynne,
If your countertops are scratched and faded there isn't anything that you can do to restore them, apart from replacing, tiling or painting over them. You can buy a Rust-Oleum Countertop Kit, but not having used this myself I cannot guarantee the results. The best option would be to replace your countertops with PG Bison Formica Lifeseal. It's not that expensive as a 3.6 metre length costs around R800 and is fairly easy to fit yourself if you have the tools. Alternatively, it's a simple job for any handyman.

Janice
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Yodwa
Friday, October 08, 2010 9:50 AM
Privacy solution for sliding door

We have a sliding door that overlooks the pool. Currently we have thin cream vertical blinds and they are just not flattering to the sliding door - we want to change them. What other suggestions do you have for our 2.1 height and 2.7 long sliding door that will not clog the space and allow easy opening and closing.

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Hi Yodwa,
There are some very nice solutions for adding privacy to sliding doors without taking up any space or blocking out light.

http://www.home-dzine.co.za/decor/living-privacy.htm

http://www.home-dzine.co.za/home-Improvement/improvement-door.htm

Janice
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Sue
Wednesday, October 06, 2010 8:41 PM
How to clean melamine with stains

Have just moved into a home which is approx 10yrs old. On the built in cupboard (Melamine) in the bedroom, there are lots of marks (yellowing) from the wood filler. How do I remove this.

Thank you
Regards Sue
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Hi Sue,
If normal cleaning hasn't removed the stains in any way you could try a little acetone (nail varnish remover). Use a soft cloth and only rub lightly. If that doesn't work you could consider painting the melamine cupboard doors. Give the doors a light sanding with 180-grit sandpaper to de-gloss the surface before painting, and use a foam roller and non-drip enamel in your choice of colour. It works extremely well and your cupboard doors will be as new. You can also view this article on Home-Dzine.

Janice
======

Kay
Wednesday, October 06, 2010 12:35 PM
How to restore old chairs

I have bought two very old solid wood chairs and would like to refurbish them. They are still relatively in good condition, the bottom of the chairs are gone. Chipboard squares have been placed as support for the seats. The one leg has a small crack. The back rest of the chairs had twine/pleated woolen rope that has frayed off over time. I plan to sand the chairs, then stain it with a stain and sealer in one which I got from my local hardware.

What grit sandpaper should I begin with? I read somewhere I should start with a lower grit then go to a higher grit. The chairs are unpainted, and have signs that they were at one point varnished. What kind of rope can I use as support for the back?

Thanks Janice. Absolutely love your magazine. Have you not got a hardcopy version we could subscribe to?

======

Hi Kay,
This looks like fun project!

The first step will be to sand the chairs - and yes, you are right - with 80-grit sandpaper. This will remove any old varnish and dents in the wood. Next you will use a 120-grit sandpaper and finish off with 240-grit. To repair the broken leg you can use Alcolin QuikWood. It's an epoxy-based product that you knead to mix and then apply where needed. It cures to the same density as wood and can be sanded, painted or stained.

Not sure if you can, but it would be better to remove the seat back and replace with slats, which can be stained to match the rest of the chair. It will look far more attractive than having rope. I am sure that the original design of the chair didn't have the straps at the back.

Janice
======

Cheryl
Monday, October 04, 2010 4:21 PM
Muddy walkway

At the entrance to my townhouse there is a flower bed on the left and the garage on the right. When the rainy season arrives, you can imagine the mud. I have stepping stones from the door leading to the front door and would like to know how to place gravel in this area interspersed with round stepping stones stones or even cement blocks. Something that will be appealing to the eye but also practical.

======

Hi Cheryl,
Gravel or pebbles would probably be the easiest option and you can purchase nice coloured pebbles at your local garden centre. There is no special technique involved other than placing the pebbles around the stepping stones. You may have to dig out a bit of soil for the pebbles to be at the same height as the steps.

Janice
======

Alberta
Monday, October 04, 2010 10:02 AM
Problems with painting exterior of house

Dear Janice
Could you please give me some advice. I am busy having my house painted. The painter did a good job inside, but another story outside! He started with the window frames, but instead of scraping and sanding the frames to an even finish first, he painted over the old paint which is now thick and uneven, he also got some paint on the windows. What can we do now to rectify the matter. I’m also worried that he’s not going to do a proper job when it comes to the walls.

We have also outside wooden beams which we have just "painted" with Woodoc. Do we need to treat them with anything else before the rainy season starts?

Many thanks
Kind regards
Alberta
======

Hi Alberta,
Some of these painters take chances and hope to get away with it. The window frames will need to be done again. There's no point in painting over old paint which has already degraded. He must sand the frames down as far as possible. If he gets to the metal he will need to re-apply primer before painting. Don't worry about paint on the windows, you can buy a paint scraper at your local Builders Warehouse for around R20 to scrape the paint off the glass.

If he has already tried to take short cuts with the window frames, chances are he's going to do it again with the walls. Take a look at the August and September issues of Home-Dzine-Online.co.za. Both issues have projects that cover exterior painting and the various products for problems, etc.

On the wooden beams, as long as the Woodoc was applied in accordance with the instructions (3 coats with sanding between the 1st and 2nd coat) and an exterior sealer was used (Woodoc 30, 35, 50 or 55) you should have no problems.

Janice
======

Dolly
Monday, October 04, 2010 8:37 AM
Creating a picture wall

Hi Janice.
Thank you for your ever helpful answers. I would like to have a feature wall where I would hang my framed photographs. Should they be of the same size or can I use different sizes. Should the frames be the same in terms of colour. How can I go about this. Can I mix antique look with modern looking frames. Although my home is more modern in terms of the deco I like the antique looking frames.

Thanks once again.
======

Hi Dolly,
You can create photographic feature wall however you like. I have seen some stunning walls where all the picture frames were different sizes and styles. The general rule is to set everything out in a defined square or rectangle, but to use different sized, colours and styles of frames for effect.

Janice
======

Agnes
Monday, September 27, 2010 2:07 PM
How can I lighten terracotta tiles

Hi Janice,
We have brick terracotta tiles in our entry area and kitchen. The house is a bit dark, and we do not want to retile. However is there a way to lighten up terracotta tiles, i.e. bleach or other?

Thanks for any advice
======

Hi Agnes,
Because terracotta tiles are made using a clay - what you see is what you get. There aren't any bleaching or lightening products that you can use, but you could always use a paving paint in a lighter colour. I have used Prominent Paints Paving paint for several projects. Be sure to prepare the surface with a good scrubbing to clean, and let dry thoroughly before applying the paint.

Janice
======

Dolly
Monday, September 27, 2010 11:27 AM
How to paint bedroom furniture

My son's bed is painted white and lime green and is losing colour, especially on the places where he steps on. What can I do to repaint it. I would also like to find out how I could turn the drawers that slide under the bed to a single bed so that I am able to create more sleeping area. This would be a pull out bed. The bed is a double bunk and has sliding drawers underneath.

======

Hi Dolly,
You can repaint the bed using Prominent Paints UltraGloss or Prominent Sheen finished off with two coats of Prominent Acrylic Sealer. Before you paint, lightly sand with 180-grit sandpaper and wipe clean. Use a foam roller to paint. Your local Prominent Paints Decorating Centre can mix the paint to any colour if you want to try and match the colours.

To make a pullout bed, take a look at the www.Design-A-Bed.co.za website for ideas. It shouldn't be too difficult to make if you have some idea of woodworking techniques and a few basic power tools such as a drill-driver. Make a rectangular frame with a baseboard and add wheels to be able to slide in and out.

Janice
======

Fran
Saturday, September 25, 2010 10:20 AM
Can I paint fibreglass sheeting

I have a sloping roof/awning outside my kitchen - made of perspex sheeting I think. During the summer loads of flies gathered under the awning and I used fly spray to get rid of them. This has left terrible spray stains on the sheeting. How can I remove this?

======

Hi Fran,
You most probably have fibreglass sheeting as a roof and unfortunately you cannot paint this. What has happened is that the solvent in the fly spray has eaten into the surface of the sheeting, leaving stains behind. The only solution would be to replace the damaged sections, or hang something underneath so that the stains are no longer visible.

Anyone have any other ideas!

Janice
======

Elbe
Monday, September 20, 2010 2:33 PM
Slippery, sloping driveway

We need urgent help with our driveway: Imprint paving with very steep slope.
Our cars slide ( extremely dangerous) on paving on rainy days. If we paint the paving we cannot get out of our garages. It but looks extremely shabby and neglected. Any suggestions what we can do about it?

In the past you were of great help - the reason why I try this route again.

Kind Regards
Elbe
======

Hi Elbe,
Painting a steeply sloped driveway is obviously not going to work if you say that the cars slide down it! Have you considered an overlay on top of the concrete, such as Tarmac, or perhaps a concrete mix containing a fair bit of grit to give increased grip to the surface?

Janice
======

Claire
Monday, September 20, 2010 10:44 AM
Painting of kitchen tiles

Hi There,
Thanks for such a great, informative newsletter and website. I was particularly interested in this week's R1000 kitchen makeover. I was wondering if you could give me some advice...

My husband and I bought our first home in January this year. We've made a lot of changes on a relatively small budget. I've re-painted the kitchen cabinets and the wall is a vanilla colour. The only thing I'm unhappy about is the colour of the tiles on the wall. Is there a way to paint tiles that doesn't end up with the paint flaking off after a few months? I would absolutely love to put some mosaic tiles as a border around the edge of the kitchen, but these tiles go too high up the wall and we really can't afford to have the whole place re-tiled...

I was watching a DIY programme on TV the other day and they mentioned a product called True Granite. It was a spray-on paint-like product that they used to paint some tiles in a bathroom. Unfortunately the show was an American show (Bathtastic), so I don't know if this product exists in SA, and particularly Port Elizabeth yet!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Kind Regards
Claire
======

Hi Claire,
I have been testing various methods of painting tiles and the best by far is by using Rust-Oleum Painters Touch spray paint directly onto the tiles. It works like a dream. Looking at the pics you sent the tiles in the kitchen are not high-gloss and should work perfectly. The tiles need to be clean and dry. I cut a frame out of cardboard so that I would not spray over the grout, and then used a grout pen to touch up any overspray. I can shoot myself now for not taking pictures of the before. The other product that worked well was Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile - similar to Bathtastic - or Appliance Epoxy spray. It's an epoxy paint and will therefore stay on forever. The only problem is the limited colour choice.

You can buy Rust-Oleum at Builders Warehouse or get in touch with www.tilecare.co.za - the local suppliers.

Janice
======

Jill
Friday, September 17, 2010 2:55 PM
Sealing of slasto around pool

What a great site I've stumbled onto, do hope you can help me. The area around my swimming pool has been slastoed. There is no chipping, etc, but the colour is very dusty and old looking, so would love to spruce it up! Don't want to re-tile - but if I did could I tile over it?? First choice is to seal it but I'm scared in time with the water it will start chipping and pealing.

Thank you so much
======

Hi Jill,
Take a look at the www.tilecare.co.za website - They offer a natural stone sealer that would be perfect for the slasto. As you apply, you will see that it brings out the glorious colour of the slasto. As it is absorbed into the stone, you don't have to worry about the pool water. You can purchase TFC products at any Builders Warehouse.

Janice
======

Tebogo
Thursday, September 16, 2010 11:25 PM
Waterproof outdoor skirtings

J.
How do i waterproof the skirtings that are exposed to water. Which sealer will be apropriate?

======

Hi Tebogo,
I would recommend Woodoc 30 to seal those skirtings that are exposed to the elements. You can use it clear or add a stain concentrate to match the existing skirtings in your home.

Janice
======

Kay
Thursday, September 16, 2010 4:05 PM
Restore old pestle and mortar

Hi,
I have an old wooden pestle and mortar that my mom gave me. I would like to restore it, stain it a darker shade just to give it a newish look. How do i go about it, and still be able to use to safely grind spices etc....

Thanks k
======

Hi Kay,
If you want to use the pestle and mortar to prepare food you need to use a non-solvent based product. The best solution is to use a natural oil, but it has to be one that doesn't degrade or go "off". The best oil to use is grapeseed oil, but you can also use avacado oil. By oiling the mortar and pestle you will restore the natural colour of the wood and it will go darker.

Janice
======

Drienie
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 8:01 AM
Replace putty on window frames

How do I put putty in my windows if the old ones is falling out and which putty is the best to use?

Thanks
Drienie
======

Hi Drienie,
There is an article on the Home-Dzine website: http://www.home-dzine.co.za/diy/diy-window-pane.htm

It is best to remove all the old putty - scrape it out - and put in new putty around the entire glass. Any window putty is fine - you can buy in a packet at Builders Warehouse. Roll into long, thin sausages and push around the frame, making sure that you don't miss any bits and that is it pressed hard against the glass and frame. Now use a putty knife to scrape off any excess and smooth the surface of the putty.

Janice
======

 

Ann
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 10:23 AM
Tiling on steps

Hi Janice,
I'm preparing a small entrance area-1m sq.and 2 steps for tiling. Please give me tips on the best way to go about tiling the steps.

Thank you so much
Ann
======

Hi Ann,
Lay the tiles on the top of the steps before you do the riser part, and allow the tile to hang over the step by the same thickness of the tile, so that you will have a neat finish and no edges visible when you pop in the cut-to-size piece for the risers. I prefer to lay the tiles on the step without adhesive so that I can mark the sides for cutting. That way you have whole tiles in the centre.

Good luck with your tiling project!

Janice
======

Gill
Monday, September 13, 2010 3:23 PM
Battle to remove hard water stains

What a fantastic site!

Please help me - we use borehole water and I have tried vinegar , salt and all sorts of recommended cleaners but I still can't get the hard water marks off glass shower doors and bathroom fittings . Tiles do well with vinegar and salt.

======

Hi Gill,
If vinegar hasn't worked for you, there is a kettle cleaner that you can buy at the supermarket for removing limescale in kettles and irons - that should work. If you can remove the fittings and let them soak in the solution, and for the shower door use an old toothbrush or Woodoc fine steelwool (not to be confused with normal scouring steelwool).

Janice
======

Tracey
Monday, September 13, 2010 12:37 PM
Repair cracked perspex dome

Hi there, Is there a product available to repair a crack in a perspex roof dome?

Thanks and Regards
Tracey
======

Hi Tracey,
Perspex requires a special adhesive and I have myself tried various alternatives. The only one that worked was Pattex Epoxy Glue - in a red double-tube pack. You squeeze both tubes and mix together before application. Give it a try. Alternatively, get in touch with www.Maizey.co.za and ask what they recommend or use.

Janice
======

Kathy
Thursday, September 09, 2010 10:33 AM
Coprox for swimming pool

Just love your site. Every chance I have I connect. Three years ago I coproxed my pool and it worked wonderfully. However, one morning recently, I woke up to find half my pool water had disappeared. I have now emptied the pool and cannot see any visible large crack. I want to coprox again and wonder can I paint over the coprox. I did not do that the last time. Pools are a nightmare especially when no one uses them!

======

Hi Kathy,

Thank you.

Only last week I finished relining my own pool with Cemcrete PoolCrete - you will see the full step-by-step project in the October issue of Home-Dzine Online. Previously, the pool had also been leaking and no visible cracks were found, but the fault was around the weir box on the inside of the pool - tiny holes where water was escaping into the ground. I used Alcolin AquaMend (on the shelf at your local Builders Warehouse) to fix around the weir box and it worked perfectly. It comes in a roll and you simply break off a piece, knead it and apply it. Look around your weir box, any light fitting and even the pressure spout where the water enters the pool. It only needs a small hole for water to start vanishing.

Painting the pool is another story. The reason I relined my pool was due to the fact that the previously applied epoxy pool paint started to peel off, and it was an absolute nightmare to remove the damn stuff - definitely do not recommend it! However, get in touch with Coprox { http://www.coprox.com } to see if they can offer a solution - or contact Cemcrete { http://www.cemcrete.co.za }.

Janice
======

RS
Thursday, September 09, 2010 9:49 AM
Want to paint floating shelf

Hi, I would like to paint the outer borders of my floating shelves which is currently white to red. What type of paint/brush can I use and what is needed to do this?

======

Hi RS,
If you are only painting a thin area around the shelves, you can use a small artists paintbrush and acrylic craft paint, or you can use Rust-Oleum paint pens, which are like a thick marker pen but contain paint. You will find everything you need at your local Builders Warehouse or contact www.tilecare.co.za direct for the paint pens.

Janice
======

Michele
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 9:45 PM
What's new on Home-Dzine

Dear Home-Dzine team!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING website full of ideas and decorating tips! I am hooked to your website and can't wait for every new email from you guys!

You're the best!

Michele
======

Hi Michele,
Thank YOU and thank you to all those that have sent compliments. It makes all the hard work worthwhile to know that you enjoy the website and magazine.

Janice
======

Khensile
Friday, August 27, 2010 12:18 PM
Update a kitchen on a budget

I am currently busy with the renovations to our family home. I can't afford to spend a lot of money on something that will never be mine and that I can't sell, but in the meantime while I live there I would like to give the place my own touch. I have kitchen cupboards that are not built in and traditional table and chairs. I want to have a kitchen island built in the middle of the kitchen, which is fairly small, and to just buy bar chairs. I can't afford fancy and expensive countertops so I am looking for something that will serve the purpose will look nice but won't be too expensive. Bear in mind that this is for a house in a rural settlement of whom the owner just love modern things.

======

Hi Khensile,
There are plenty of projects on the www.Home-Dzine.co.za in the Kitchen section - even some that show how you can easily make a kitchen island without spending a fortune - we even have a project to make your own bar stools. Formica Lifeseal countertops are not that expensive - around R800 for a 3 metre length in various designs and these will really give your kitchen a new, modern look and feel. You can buy these at larger hardware stores and your local Builders Warehouse.

And you will find more projects in the Home-Dzine Online magazines.

Janice
======

Natalie
Thursday, August 26, 2010 3:53 PM
Remove paint from marble tiles

Hi Janice,
Please can you tell me how to remove paint marks off my marble tiled veranda.

======

Hi Natalie,
You can use Plascon RemovAll to remove paint from marble tiles. This eco-friendly paint remover is perfect for the job.

Janice
======

Jo-Ann
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 4:31 PM
Help with various home projects

Hi Janice
Please can I ask you a few DIY questions:-

1) I have laminate doors on my kitchen cupboards and I see in a previous answer you say it is very difficult to laminate again in order to change the colour, could I not paint the doors, rather than replace them? If so what kind of paint?

2) I have a cast iron bath, which has been badly eroded by lime borehole water. There is still no metal showing thru but I would like to try and repair it before it gets any worse. How do I re enamel my own bath. Luckily it is white.

3) I have the old fashioned knotty pine look in my town house and would like to whitewash it to update it, but it is rather a large area and too much for me to do. Could you suggest someone who could quote me for this job, but not charge a fortune or make a mess of it.

Jo-Ann
======

Hi Jo-Ann,
Thank you for your email. To answer your queries as best as possible ...

1. Relaminating can be a tricky project, especially if doors are not flat. You will need to remove and lightly sand down the doors with 120-grit sandpaper before painting with Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel spray or Painters Touch. While the Protective Enamel takes much longer to dry, it does provide a much more durable finish.

2. Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile is ideal for cast iron baths.

3. This is a difficult question. You could try to hire a painter who knows how to whitewash/distress, or find someone intelligent enough to train. There are plenty of how to's on the home-dzine website.

Janice
======

PS. Rust-Oleum products are available at your local Builders Warehouse or Builders Express.

Annah
Monday, August 23, 2010 2:50 PM
Where to buy self-adhesive vinyl

Can you tell me pls where I can buy self-adhesive vinyl? I liked your craft on adding privacy to a glass door using same, wonderful!

Hi Annah,
If you have difficulty finding at your local Makro or Builders Warehouse, you can contact the suppliers direct: www.gordons.co.za.

Janice
======

Ann
Thursday, August 19, 2010 2:38 PM
Recycled rubber bricks

Hi Janice
Do you know where I can purchase recycled rubber paving bricks? I live on the East Rand.

Thanks,
Ann
======

Hi Ann,
I have come across these bricks on www.One Shop.co.za but not seen them anywhere else. If you want to use recycled rubber bricks as an eco-friendly building alternative, it sounds as though these products are currently imported from China, which doesn't really work at reducing the carbon footprint. Hopefully a South African company sees this post and sees the possibilities of doing this locally.

Janice
======

An
Thursday, August 19, 2010 12:35 PM
Decorating for a baby

Hi Janice,
Your site is great. It makes us all think we can do it too. Hubby and I have been inspired to do it ourselves too. There is one place we are stuck though. We are currently baby-proofing our home, for when we finally get going with a little one. The cupboards, with your site and google, we have been able to do. A shopfitter is helping us with the things we are not confident to do ourselves.

We want to use a single bed instead of a cot for the baby. We have checked to see that the mattress is suitable for infants to sleep on. We have researched the safety standards for cots. The thing is, we do not know how to actually put the whole thing together, so that the bed will be able to be used as a bed when needed. Also, we are not sure about those sliding things you see on cots. What are they, where do you get them and what are the weight limitations. A cot side the size of a single bed side might be too heavy?

I am beginning to feel the bed conversion might be beyond us. Can you help?

An
======

Hi An,
Have you taken a look at the www.Design-A-Bed.co.za website.

The latches that they use on a cot are very difficult to find and most have to be imported.

What might be easier to do is to make one side panel for the bed that folds in half lengthwise - using a piano hinge to join the two sections together. This could then be lifted and latched into the top and bottom using a latch.



Janice
======

Lize
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 10:16 AM
Ideas for the perfect deck

Dear Janice
Thank you very much for your great magazine with inspiring ideas.

Since I started reading it, we have "tackled" several projects in and around our house which we bought 2 years ago. I love the "before and after" pics. One of these projects is a balua deck we built last year (inspired by one of your articles). The deck is just outside the living room and is great for our 2 kids to spend more time outdoors. We are now busy putting up the roof of the deck. We bought silver IBR sheets as it was the most cost effective, with perspex sheets which will be placed opposite the living room door and window. We hope this will let enough light in to keep the dining room light and airy. Can we spray/paint the silver IBR sheets to give it a more warm and natural look? We would also like to cover the IBR sheets underneath to get the same effect-what would you recommend-wooden poles? We were advised that spanish reed would not last very long.

Any suggestions on creating a fabulous looking deck where our family and friends can enjoy many glorious summer days and sunsets would be much appreciated.

Thanking you in advance,
Lize
======
Dear Janice
Thank you very much for the useful tips.

Coincidentally, my husband who works for Telkom, visited a house this morning and sent me these photos of their deck which he loves. We will definately go with your suggestion-it is stunning and the quote I received from Builders Warehouse is very affordable (just like you said). Can we put the bamboo mats without spraying the underside?

I would like to ask two more questions:
(1) We also built a braai room (7x3m), the roof covered with perspex sheets (the floor is tiled). Problem is in the winter it is too cold and in the summer it is so hot that you dont even want to go in there. Is there something we can put above or below the perspex sheets to solve this dilemma?

(2) Do you do private home/room/outdoor make overs?

Thank you very much,
Lize
======

Hi Lize,
Thank you.

You can spray both sides of the IBR sheeting, but do bear in mind that the top gets extremely hot in the summer months and you may end up painting it on a regular basis. Prominent Paints offer Prominent Trade Roof - a affordable quality and durable UV resistant emulsion that is ideal for galvanised roofs.

To cover the underside of the IBR you could use bamboo mats, which will probably work out a lot cheaper than most other alternatives and looks extremely attractive. You will find in the garden section of your local Builders Warehouse.

You definitely need to read the September issue of    Home-Dzine-Online, which I am currently working on. Not only does it focus on entertaining outdoors, but I am busy doing to great projects for patios - just what you need.

Janice
======
Hi Lize,
The bamboo does look nice and it will last forever.

I have a similar type of setup - my garden room has a perspex roof and also gets hot during the summer months. I am going to be designing and making a water feature to see if that helps to cool down the room, and will feature the project in the magazine. The only other alternative would be to install a fan!! Have already tried quite a few other options without any success. You won't need to spray the underside of the IBR if you put the bamboo there.

You are more than welcome to send me pics of rooms you need advice on, and I can look at them and make suggestions.

Why haven't you entered your new deck into the Bosch Hamper Competition? There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs. Send me pics and a story of what you did and how you did it.

Janice
======

Chantel
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 1:09 PM
Hide wires from home theatre

Hi there.
Luv this website.

I need some help. I stay in a small townhouse and SPACE is a problem. Firstly we have a home theatre system underneath the staircase. There is lots and lots of wires laying all over the place. Please help with ideas on how to hide them. Also I have a beige suede lound suite that just looks horrible. Any suggestions to how to clean it and keep it clean.( I have 2 kids 6mths and 4 yrs).

======

Hi Chantel,
The easiest and most practical way would be to install an electrical conduit pipe or cable tracking system - both of which are available at your local Builders Warehouse at reasonable cost. Use a hot glue gun to attach the pipe or track to the wall.

Janice
======

Stelios
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 11:48 AM
Build a lean to roof over patio

I want to build a lean to roof over a patio - 5m long by 3m wide. What is the cheapest and lightest construction materials to use (galvanized sheets, poly translucent sheets?) and what specifications for the rafters battens etc - size, distance between rafters etc etc - thanks. I have searched the net but not come up with anything useful. You can use steel brackets to attach the beams to the walls, or chisel out and mount into a single brick width in the wall. For the open side you can use telegraph-type poles sunk into the ground at least 300mm with a concrete mix poured around and left to cure, or build brick pillars to support the beams. For a 5m long roof you should ideally have 3 poles/pillars with a cross beam running from post/pillar to post/pillar, again mounted using steel brackets on the top. I personally prefer the poly-sheet, as it does not block out light, but that is a personal choice best left up to you. Poly is slightly more expensive than tin.

======

Hi Stelios,
You definitely won't find any local information, and most of the overseas stuff is pretty much useless to us!

If you have a Pennypinchers/Timbercity close to you grab yourself some fairly thick scaffolding planks - they make perfect roof beams and are not too expensive.

Janice
======

Valerie
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 9:54 AM
How to kitchen makeover

Do you have any ideas or suggestions to give an old kitchen a make over covering old tiles (half tiled) with foil or aluminum sheeting and what colours will match the rest of the tiles.

======

Hi Valerie,
Have you visited the Kitchen Section - there are tons of ideas and inspiration for kitchen makeovers. Instead of sheeting you may find it more practical and affordable to use Formica Laminate, which you can have cut to the exact sizes required and comes in various metallic designs. You can use Contact Adhesive to glue the sheets to the tiles. DO apply according to the instructions and apply pressure when bonding to the tile.

Janice
======

Alison
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 7:02 AM
Upstairs patio that leaks

I have an upstairs patio that leak into the room below when it rains. Can someone help please please!

======

Hi Alison,
You will need to identify exactly where the leaks are. Go over the patio floor to carefully inspect and find out where the leaks could be coming from. It could be loose grouting around tiles or around the edges of the floor. You can use an exterior silicone sealer around the edges of the patio as precaution and see if this helps for the time being, and if not, closer inspection will be needed. If the grout is old and crumbly, replace with new grout.

Janice
======

Meagan
Tuesday, August 17, 2010 12:53 PM
Stencils for walls


Hi,
I want to paint our lounge wall and then stencil some pictures on it. I know how to do this but where would i buy stencils and what paint should be used for stencilling. I am very excited and want to do this quite soon.

Thanking you for your advice.
Meagan
======

Hi Meagan,
I have found that it is just as easy to make your own stencils if you cannot find nice ones. All you need is a piece of cardstock, a sharp craft knife and a cutting board. You will find millions of designs on the Internet that you can print out - or design your own. Any acrylic paint is perfect - matt for a flat finish or sheen if you want it a little more shiny.

Janice
======

Shahistha
Monday, August 16, 2010 1:55 PM
Decorate an ugly bathroom in rented flat

Hi,
I am renting a flat that is in urgent need of a makeover. I have approached the owner but he does not want to invest any money in the flat. The biggest disaster is the bathroom. Before we moved in, the geyser was changed. It was placed horizontally along the ceiling above the tub. It is quite an eye sore. I need ideas on how to hide this as well as make this little room more presentable. I am too embarassed to invite anyone to my home as it is quite shabby looking. The tiles were painted over but the paint is now starting to peel. I have researched the articles on your website and have replaced the tabs in the tub with a hand held shower. The tub is quite old and stained so I will be purchasing Rust Oleum Tub and Tile Kit as suggested on the website.

Kind Regards,
Shahistha
======

Hi Shahista,
It can be extremely difficult to upgrade a rental, especially if the landlord doesn't want to do his bit!

If the geyser is not too low, you could consider making this an attractive feature rather than an eyesore. Build a box casing out of PG Bison BisonBord V313 that can be mounted to the wall to completely cover the geyser. You may have to put a 'drip tray' under the geyser (and at the base of the box) to catch any drips and protect the box casing. The box casing can be painted - or even tiled - to match the bathroom.

For the bathroom tiles that have been painted and are now peeling, give these a sanding to remove the old paint and slightly roughen the surface of the tile, and paint over again if the tiles are not nice. Use Prominent UltraPrime on the tiles and then paint with Prominent UltraGloss in your choice of colour.

Janice
======

Melanie
Monday, August 16, 2010 12:33 PM
Painting wood

Hi there,
I would like to paint stencils on wood. Firstly what is the best type of paint to use for painting indoor wood furniture? I know that acrylic paint tends to crack on wood after a while. Also, I have been practising with spray paint but can't seem to get rid of fuzzy edges. What is the best technique for not getting a halo edge around my picture?

Would I still need to use a sealer on wood with acrylic paint? And do I put it on before or after the paint job? Also, if I use mdf board, do I sand and prepare mdf like any other wood?

Thanks!
Melanie
======

Hi Melanie,
You can use acrylic paint on wood but it is best to do it in thin layers rather than coats. The wood absorbs the paint rather than it sitting on top of the wood and eventually cracking. If you use a sheen acrylic paint - I like to use Prominent Paints sheen - it provides a fairly washable surface. Most other paints do require that two coats of acrylic sealer - clear - be added to provide more protection.

When using spray paint I spray some Bostik spray adhesive on the back of the stencil and this stops it from flooding into the surrounding wood. The glue spray is easily cleaned off once the paint is dry - use an eraser.

Supawood (MDF) is a lot different from wood. Firstly, do not sand the surface of the wood - only the edges to make them smooth for painting. Also, when buying Supawood, be sure to specify that you want PG Bison Supawood, as many hardware stores sell cheap MDF that they try to pass off, and the surface is never smooth and spoils the painted finish. On Supawood, the first coat should be watered down slightly, but otherwise paint as normal. Builders Warehouse stock 12mm and 16mm Supawood.

Janice
======

Chantal
Monday, August 16, 2010 8:23 AM
Backing for silk rug

Hi Janice,
I bought a silk rug yesterday. It is very thin. The guy at the shop said I could put a lining on it to give it some body but he seemed very concerned about the glue seeping through to the rug. Please advise if there's anything I can do with it as right now it looks a bit like a blanket on the floor.

Thanks
======

Hi Chantal,
You definitely will not be able to use glue - or any liquid-based adhesive - on the back of the rug as it will spoil the silk. However, you could try using carpet tape, which is a double-sided - very sticky - tape that is used to fasten down carpet. I also thought about iron-on webbing, but not too sure about this.

Janice
======

Shahista
Thursday, August 12, 2010 10:15 AM
Care for parquet floor

I am renting a flat with parquet floors. It was polished before I moved in. How do I care for these floors so they do not get damaged?

======

Hi Shahista,
Parquet floors are easy to care for and regular cleaning needs to be done with a soft sweeping brush or dry mop. Clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining the floor. It also helps to put felt or carpet scraps under chair legs and furniture to avoid scratching the floor. If you need to polish the floor you can hire a floor polisher for the day and apply a quality wax polish to bring out the shine.

Janice
======

Cheryl
Thursday, August 12, 2010 9:04 AM
Slasto on patio

Have slasto veranda that I want to uplift and redo. Suggestions please.

Tks
======

Hi Cheryl,
So many options for you to choose from. I think that first and foremost you need to decide what type of flooring you want to put down in place of the slasto. If you visit stone suppliers, such as Mazista { http://www.mazista.co.za/ } , you will see that they offer a wide range of materials that you can choose from. Other alternatives would be to lay a concrete slab - leave plain, stain, incorporate a mosaic pattern, and so on, put down real or cement flagstones, lay a brick patio, etc.

Lifting the existing slasto floor can be done with a hammer and chisel. If the floor is still stable and in fairly good condition, you could alway lay the new flooring over the top.

Janice
======

Maryna
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 1:40 PM
Rust-Oleum stone spray for countertop

Hi there,
Can the rust-oleum stone spray be used on a counter top in a bathroom? Will it be "waterproof" enough?

Maryna
======

Hi Maryna,
Unfortunately not, unless the countertop is not subjected to constant water. You can use a Rust-Oleum Countertop Paint, which you will find at your local Builders Warebouse, or contact the supplier directly www.tilecare.co.za.

Janice
======

Lore
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 10:57 AM
Sealer for concrete floor


My workshop is built near underground springs so when the water table is high the workshop floor (which is concrete) is very damp. What sealer should I apply to the floor to keep the damp out?

======

Hi Lore,
With the complication of having underground springs close to your foundations, I would recommend that you get in touch with a reputable waterproofing contractor, who will be able to advise on the best possible method of sealing - or alternative - the concrete floor.

Sorry that I cannot be of more help.

Janice
======

Jacomien
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 9:15 AM
How to remove double-sided tape

Double sided horror! How do I remove double sided tape from walls and cupboards?? I recently moved into a new home but the previous owners seemed to have been hooked on double sided tape and there are pieces all over the walls and cupboards. Please help... it looks horrible!

======

Hi Jacomien,
Grab yourself a can of WD-40 - it works wonders for removing double-sided tape, plus there are 100's of other uses for WD-40 around the home.

Janice
======

Hilary
Monday, August 02, 2010 4:40 PM
French polishing on replica furniture

I would like to learn specialized paint techniques on replica french furniture as well as where to purchase the furniture to be painted?

======

Hi Hilary,
French polishing is a technique that results in a very high gloss surface. It is achieved by applying many thin coats of shellac dissolved in alcohol using a rubbing pad. The finish is considered to be one of the most beautiful ways to finish highly figured wood, but it is also recognised to be sensitive to damage. It is softer than modern varnishes and is particularly sensitive to spills of water or alcohol, which often produce white cloudy marks. However it is also simpler to repair than a damaged varnish finish, as patch repairs to French polish may be easily blended into an existing finish. [wikipedia]

DIY Divas do not offer a workshop on this specialist technique - we focus on more traditional and easier methods of wood finishing. You will need to shop around the various antique dealers to find suitable pieces to work on.

Janice
======

Barbara
Monday, August 02, 2010 11:39 AM
Difference between sanders

Hi Janice.
I need some advice on the different hand held sanding machines. I am usually sanding wooden furniture for maintenance and sometimes to remove varnish. I would like to know the difference between a belt sander, orbital sander and a a random orbital sander?

======

Hi Barbara,
First off you get a Multi-Sander (resembles an iron) - These sanders can remove paint and varnish on small or large surfaces and in hard-to-reach areas like corners. Definitely need one of these for general sanding.

Next comes an Orbital Sander (comes in all shapes and sizes) - These are ideal for where you are sanding a flat, even surface and will also remove paint and varnish.

Thirdly, a Random Orbit Sander (circular shape) - I use this for all my final finishing or polishing sanding. It is called a random orbit as it moves in an ellipse and never covers the same area twice, reducing the normal very fine scratches of an orbital sander, which is why it is excellent for final finishing.

A belt sander is the big mother of all sanders and will quickly strip away - not only paint and varnish - but wood as well. Unless there are layers and layers or paint and varnish, be careful when using a belt sander for general sanding, as they can quickly spoil the surface of the wood. I use a belt sander where raw wood needs to be smoothed down.

Bear in mind that sandpaper is just as important as sander. Use a 60- or 80-grit to remove thick layers of paint or varnish. Then sand with 120-grit to repair the damage, then finish off with 180- or 240-grit for a smooth surface.

Janice
======

Romana
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 2:11 PM
Restoring secondhand furniture

Hi there
I bought a piece of furniture at a second hand store with the idea of using an Antiquing technique, please can you give me any tips on how to do this successfully and what paint to use, as I seem to be getting conflicting opinions from all?

======

Hi Romana,
There are no hard and fast rules for antiquing, which is probably why you are getting so many different opinions. There are quite a few techniques that you can use - all depending upon the finish that you want. Rust-Oleum offer Kits that make antiquing very easy and fool-proof (if that's possible!). One is Distressed Ivory that replicates the look of French Polishing, Shabby Chic or distressed, then there is Antique Blue, Green, Black and Red for a colonial finish (all kits available at your local Builders Warehouse), and then there are the DIY antiquing techniques that you can use: Article 1 - Article 2 -

Janice
======

Ann
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:07 AM
Refurnish oregon pine bedroom suite

Hi there.
I have an oregan pine bedroom suite that I would like to refurbish. Is it necessary to sand it down totally before staining / painting it darker?

Best regards,
Ann
======

Hi Ann,
It would all depend upon whether or not it has been varnished. If varnished you will definitely have to sand to remove all the varnish before you can stain or paint. If only sealed, you can use Woodoc steelwool and mineral turpentine to wipe down the surface before applying Woodoc 5 or 10 with an added stain concentrate, or painting with an acrylic paint with 2 acrylic sealer coats on top.

Janice
======

Jennifer
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:40 AM
Ugly fireplace in dining room

Hello Janice,
We got final word that the house is now ours but we are stuck with these 2 things. The previous owner had a jetmaster and took it out and just layed cement down which is level with the tiles. Till such time comes to maybe re-tile we are stuck for ideas. This is going to be our dining room section. Then secondly, there is a small fireplace in the corner

regards
Jennifer
======

Hi Jennifer,
My experience has always been that you have two options:

1. Disguise it
2. Make it a feature

Fireplace
You can actually turn this into a very attractive feature using large pillar candles and bark chips. What about putting shelving above the fireplace and adding decor accessories that go with the room itself.

Jetmaster
Was it allowed to be removed, as it was a fixture? There isn't much that you can do there except try to hide it as much as possible. Looking at the tiles they should be fairly easy to source to fill in the blanks. Alternatively, a large rug or carpet to cover as much as possible.

Janice
======

 

Connie
Monday, July 26, 2010 10:25 AM
Problem with stray cats in garden

Good Day
I have a problem with two stray cats. They scratch around the garden, do their business on the veranda as well as underneath the bedroom window. They also carry on in the veggie garden. How can I get rid of them - is their any powder or liquid that we can spray or sprinkle around the garden without damaging plants or chasing other birds? (we have 4 tame birds/parrots in the house). My hubby is getting tired of their mess.

Thank you for helping
Connie
======

Hi Connie,
Cats will always be a problem, whether stray or owned. I have had a neighbours cat eat my canary! Unfortunately there isn't much that you can do bar scaring them away until they get the message. Try to make your garden beds less attractive by placing a layer of pebbles over the top so that they can't dig into the soil. The most effective solution would be to get a small dog and train him well!

Janice
======

Rob
Saturday, July 24, 2010 9:46 AM
Metal effect on wood

Hi,
I was wondering how I could do a chrome finish on my cupboard doors (Wood), please could you give me some helpful tips, because, I really like the idea.

Many Thanks
Rob
======

Hi Rob,
I would definitely recommend that you use the Rust-Oleum spray metallic range - buy at your local Builders Warehouse. They offer quite a selection and you can use on various surfaces, especially wood. Alternatively, you could use a Formica laminate that is glued using contact adhesive.

Janice
======

Nandi
Thursday, July 22, 2010 3:32 PM
How can I paint my fabric awning

Hi,
How do I / what paint should I use to paint my outdoor awnings (sail like material) to match my new walls? If it is possible.

Thanks
Nandi
======

Hi Nandi,
I have previously used Rust-Oleum Painters Touch spray paint to change the colour of my garden umbrella - similar material - and it worked out very well. You can buy Rust-Oleum at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
======

Wilna
Thursday, July 22, 2010 1:42 PM
How to remove hard water stains from shower

Please tell me what I can use to clean shower doors? They glass and no matter what I use they look really terrible in two days. The cleaning products are so harsh and I gag in the small shower and my chest close up from the fumes. Surely there is something I can use that allows me to breathe while I am doing it?

======

Hi Wilna,
You will find that most of the products are a bit smelly. The easiest is to use white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray this over the area. The acidity of the vinegar will help to break down the mineral deposits that cause hard water stains. Use an old toothbrush, nailbrush, or very fine steelwool to remove the stains. Alternatively, make a paste with white vinegar and baking soda and rub this onto the area with an old toothbrush. Now take a deep breath ...

Janice
======

Emma
Thursday, July 22, 2010 1:39 PM
My toilet sounds like a vuvuzela!

There is a loud strong noise like a vuvuzela coming when I flush my toilets and sometimes when I open a tap. How do I get rid of it please?

======

Hi Emma,
No more vuvuzelas ... please! I'm sure that many of us are glad that the World Cup is over purely for the fact that we don't hear vuvuzelas all day long. How unfortunate that your toilet sounds like one! The problem could be caused by something as small and simple as the ballcock valve. The what? If you lift the lid off the water tank you will see a large - normally orange or black - ball. This is the ballcock.

Sometimes this assembly becomes loose or bent and it does not allow water to flow freely into the toilet and subsequently causes a vibration or loud noise. Turn down the water supply to the toilet and flush to see if this reduces the noise, or see what happens if you slightly bend the ballcock. If the noise goes away, you can buy a new ballcock assembly at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
======

Suki
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 9:21 AM
Adding on a bathroom and new geyser

Hi Janice
We need to add a bathroom area to our outside room, which already had plumbing plans approved by the previous owner, but was never completed. We were thinking that instead of adding a new geyser, we could simply connect to the current water supply and add a "hotbox" to the hot water taps. Or will we have to get new plans approved first? If this works, we were considering adding hotboxes to our kitchen and bathrooms and shutting off the geyser in the main house. Is this advisable and, more importantly, is it legal?

Thanks Suki
======

Hi Suki,
Any changes that you make to the existing plans have to be approved first. I know it's a pain, but it is especially important when you are changing the plumbing or electrical supplies, or altering the structure in any way. By 'hotbox' I am presuming that you are referring to a stand-alone hot water heating system. I don't see how such a system can be illegal as long as the product complies with municipal and SABS specifications. You will probably need to pop into your local municipal offices and ask them - much better than trying to reach them on the phone.

Janice
======

Marilyn
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 6:42 AM
Laundy in bathroom

Hi Janice
I am renovating my bathroom and need to incorporate my laundy into it as well - I don't where to start - and also I dont want it to impact on the look and feel - I am striving for clean lines.

Thank you
Marilyn
======

Hi Marilyn,
The success in integrating a bathroom and laundry lies in planning how you're going to fit everything into one space, yet still have it looking like a bathroom. The images below show how you can build-in laundry appliances, which is a great idea as long as you provide sufficient ventilation to the outside to avoid overheating and moisture buildup. At the very minimum, ensure that you install exhaust fans that vents to the outside.

Plan for easy access to the bathroom and the laundry function. A long benchtop can serve as the main bathroom grooming area and you can also conceal laundry appliances as well as cabinetry underneath.

Janice
======

Anita
Saturday, July 17, 2010 4:36 PM
Repair wooden door frames

The wooden door-frames inside my home are looking shabby from dents (when moving furniture through the doors), and puppies chewing the edges - what is the best way to patch them up ? Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards
Anita
======

Hi Anita,
Easily sorted. You can buy a product  "Alcolin QuikWood"  that will easily fix up dents and gouges in wood. It's an epoxy product that, when mixed together, hardens solid. You press this into any areas that you want to fix and sand smooth once cured. Do, however, be careful not to apply too much as it is also hard to sand off. Now you can apply Woodoc 5 or 10 - with or without stain concentrate - to finish off.

Janice
======

Gerty
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:38 AM
Sealer to use over a plastered wall in bathroom

I have plastered the bathroom with cement and white sand and it really looks beautiful. I am not going to paint it as I want the textured, weathered look. I know that what I need now is the perfect sealer. I have asked around but get so many answers and tips that I am now confused. Some experts (Earthcote) recommend an expensive sealer which prevent the cement from darkening and then on top of that another sealer to make the surface around the bath and in the shower waterproof. Also a different sealer on the floor than on the walls. I need a non glossy, non-yellowing affordable sealer that will enhance the cement - is there any product on the market that you can recommend?

======

Hi Gerty,
Phew - I had to do quite a bit of research for your query but finally have an answer. You can use Prominent Paints Surface Sealer. This is a silicone-based product and you need to apply 3-4 coats in order to ensure 100% waterproofing. If you use it in a shower you need to apply 5-6 coats. This is due to the porosity of the cement plaster. Both Earthcote and Coprox offer textured sealers, but these will hide the effect that you want to show on the wall.

Janice
======

Storm
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 2:36 PM
Painting around fireplace

We have just finished renovating our fireplace. It protrudes from the rest of the wall and I want to make that my focal point of the room. I was thinking of painting it in a textured paint (like suede) in a dark brown. Should I paint all the walls the same, or just the fireplace? or should all the walls be darker and the fireplace in a lighter colour?

Thanks!!
======

Hi Storm,
If the rest of the walls are a light colour you could paint the fireplace wall a slightly darker colour and the fireplace itself a shade darker than that. If you want the fireplace to really pop then you can paint in a dark brown or white colour as it will really stand out. It depends if you want only the fireplace or the entire wall as the feature. Be careful if you use a suede paint and it isn't very washable and fire surrounds tend to get grubby - the same applies to any textured paint.

Janice
======

Manon
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 2:14 PM
Disguising dirty marks on walls

I have two dogs that love to play with water and then rub all along my passage walls, leaving nice brown streaks. I doubt this habit will ever be broken, so I was thinking of adding a dado rail and painting the bottom half of the wall a darker brown colour. Are dado rails completely out of fashion?

======

Hi Manon,
Don't worry about what is fashionable when it comes to practicality. Moulding and trim will always have its place in a home - timeless and classic. I think you have come up with a great idea for solving the problem of dogs making the walls dirty. You don't necessarily have to use a dark brown as long as you use a paint with high scrubbability, such as Prominent Paints Ultrasheen. I have used this paint in our workshop and it regularly gets scrubbed.

Janice
======

Yodwa
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 12:18 PM
How to hide or disguise speakers in lounge

Our lounge looks amazing but there is one problem, the sound system. It has 4 small speakers that are cute and easy to display but additional to that the are two sub-woofer speakers - a bit big and heavy, and also two long speakers. These look hideous in the lounge and my husband uses them everyday so we can't put them away. I am not sure how I can hide them and still use them.

======

Hi Yodwa,
You could always make boxes or cases in which to mount the speakers, and finish these to match the decor in the room. They won't be as visible then, especially if you then use them as display stands. Follow the instructions for cubed storage - then add a front panel to them.

Janice
======

Sharon
Monday, July 12, 2010 3:00 PM
Guidelines for piping in new bath installation

Please could you tell me if there are any guidelines regarding what piping is to be used in a bath installation in a new bathroom. Is there certain product that you a plumber is required to use in accordance with the law and conversely not allowed to use. Any advice or guidance you could offer me on this point would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
======

Hi Sharon,
In accordance with new regulations and amendments to the Water Services Act, DIY plumbing installations are not an option - you need to contract the services of a qualified plumber, preferably a registered IOPSA member (Institute of Plumbing SA). Plumbing Certificates of Compliance must be issued by licensed plumbers to certify that their plumbing work complies with all regulatory installations requirements. As part of our Basic Plumbing Workshop we cover various topics relating to home repair and projects that can be done without the assistance of a plumber.

Janice
======

Adele
Monday, July 12, 2010 12:41 PM
How to damp proof an exterior wall

Could you advise what would be required in order to damp proof a exterior wall, plus, could you advise what should be done?

======

Hi Adele,
You will need to remove all the old paint from the wall before applying any damp proofing product. Brush with a stiff brush to remove any loose dirt. I generally recommend the Coprox product, as it is a product that I have used myself with excellent results. They have full instructions on their website. Once the wall is stripped you simply paint on the product, let it dry, and then paint over the top.

Janice
======

Claudette
Monday, July 12, 2010 12:03 PM
How to clean very stained tiles

Hi.
We recently moved house. The previous owners overhauled the en-suite bathroom, however the new tiles they used on the wall specifically those that go into the shower cubicle, have these horrible white marks on them. I'm sure that they are from the soap etc that is used in the shower. Is there anyway to clean the tiles, the marks are even on the floor in the shower.

Please help.
Thanks
======

Hi Claudette,
You don't make mention of the type of tiles. The stains might also be from minerals in the water, or hard water, especially if it's doesn't easily clean off. Visit the www.tilecare.co.za website and take a look at the products that they offer - all of which you can purchase at your local Builders Warehouse - as I'm sure that you will find a suitable cleaner from TFC.

Janice
======

Lucinda
Monday, July 12, 2010 11:42 AM
Old built in cupboards

We have moved into a fairly old house and need to replace the bedroom cupboard doors. The cupboards are currently installed with the metal frame (like a door) and have the hinges on the outside. We are struggling to find the wooden doors to replace to the current ones and have now considered replacing the cupboards completely with melamine.

======

Hi Lucinda,
If you cannot find cut doors to replace the old ones, you could always have 16mm supawood cut to the size required. This is easily painted to match your existing decor. Alternatively, purchase MelaWood from your local Builders Warehouse and have them cut it to size for you. All you have to do is put on edging around the edges.

Janice
======

Julia
Tuesday, July 07, 2010 10:48 AM
Home-Dzine is fantastic

Hi Janice
I simply had to send this through to you! I have only now discovered your website and am blown away. Your projects are fantastic for someone who is new to DIY and you make everything seem to easy to boot! I am yours for life !!!!

Have a great day
Julia
======

Hi Julia,
Thank you. Receiving comments like yours are what makes it all worthwhile.

Janice
======

Sharon
Tuesday, July 06, 2010 5:48 PM
Problem with tiles

Dear Janice
Could you please tell me what I am doing wrong, I had to replace some tiles, I did all the preperation work mixed the cement, to a thickish consistency, layed the cement with a toothed trowel, but now they are layed I have noticed they sound hollow! obviously air bubbles, and I know they are eventually going to crack!

Regards
Sharon
======

Hi Sharon,
Oooops! Not sure where you went wrong. If you applied the adhesive in a thick layer to the wall, the tiles should be perfect. Unless you didn't apply a thick enough layer and the adhesive is thinner in spots, or that you didn't 'bed' the tiles nicely in the adhesive. Although you don't push hard, you do need to ensure that the tile is bedded nicely in the adhesive. It could also be that the adhesive was too thick in consistency. Unfortunately there is no easy solution to fix and you will probably end up having to remove and replace the tiles. Did you attend Sylvie's tiling and mosaic workshop?

Janice
======

Vuyo
Tuesday, July 06, 2010 2:04 PM
DIY window film

Hi Janice
I've been looking high and low for DIY window film, but haven't had much luck. I know you are in contact with the guys at Builders Warehouse, so I wonder if you know why? There area couple of companies that supply window film in SA, but rarely for DIY purposes; they insist in coming out themselves - at extra cost of course. Also, since you've used Rustoleum frosted window spray, is it appropriate for a fairly large window ( 970x1750mm)? I'm worried that I won't be able to obtain an even finish - hence my search for window film.

Regards
Vuyo
======

Hi Vuyo,
Strange that companies won't supply window film as a DIY option. Like you say - they probably want the additional money made from installing it as well. However, to be fair, if you don't do it right it can be quite a mess.

My suggestion is that you order from the UK { http://www.windowfilm.co.uk } - they have some absolutely stunning products and it would probably work out cheaper even with the added postage cost. I have ordered quite a few items from overseas due to non-supply here and it has been fantastic service - customer service is excellent.

As an alternative, I have recently done a project using Contact self-adhesive and it worked out great. I will be posting the project soon in the magazine. It is on a sunny window and appears to be sticking to the glass and not peeling or bubbling, so perhaps Contact clear self-adhesive vinyl is an option to consider. Plus you can buy this almost anywhere!

Janice
======

Alison
Tuesday, July 06, 2010 12:54 PM
A bed for an 18 month old girl

I have 2 kids sharing a room 18mnths girl and 13yrs boy . Need desperate help getting my 18mnth out of my bed and into one of her own. She needs to feel something on the side of her or she turns positions all night. The bed for her will need to be low and have side rails of some sort. I also would like to accessorise the room for both a girl and boy. She loves butterflies and he loves cars.

======

Hi Alison,
It can be difficult to get a young one to sleep in their own bed, especially if she has been sleeping with you. I think that you need to make it exciting for her and I would definitely suggest a bed that she can call her own. Have you checked out the beds on www.Design-A-Bed.co.za?What about having the headboard done in the shape of butterfly wings painted in bright colours. Your son could have a matching card-bed in the same style but with his own personal touch added. They will also be able to design and manufacture accessories to match the room.

Janice
======

Cheryl
Monday, July 05, 2010 10:24 AM
How to repair cracked tile

Hi,
I love your magazine and the wonderful ideas that inspire me.

My problem is a number of chipped and cracked tiles in a bathroom that I cannot afford to retile. The tiles are no longer available as replacement, even the size is obsolete (15 x 15 cm) Is there a way to conceal the cracks and fill in the chips that is not obvious. I thought of Mendal crack filler, then sanding to a smooth finish, then spraying with a gloss enamel paint to match existing tiles. Any ideas or advice. Also my bath needs re-enamelling. Any recommendations, who can do this for me.

Look forward to your comment
Cheryl
======

Hi Cheryl,
There is a brand new product now available - and designed by a woman! - that is called Mend-A-Tile { http://www.mendatile.co.za } . If the cracks are not too large it should work perfectly. There is also a filler supplied with the product. Home-Dzine endorses this product because it is perfect for repairing cracks if you don't want to spend a fortune replacing tiles.

Janice
======

Mariette
Monday, July 05, 2010 9:33 AM
Painting a linoleum floor

Good morning
Two questions, please:

1. I'd like to paint a linoleum floor - how do I go about?

2. I'd like to paint a small cabinet (wood is still "raw") - do I need a special furniture paint? Where can I buy?

Kind regards
Mariette
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Hi Mariette,
Painting linoleum is easy to do as long as you take the time to prepare properly. Use a sander and 120-grit sanding paper to slightly rough up or take back the surface. This is essential if you want the paint to adhere to the surface. Once sanded, give the floor a wipe clean to remove all traces of dust. Let dry. You need to use oil-based paint if you want the effect to last longer. Apply Prominent Paints universal undercoat or oil-based primer before using a foam roller to apply paint to the surface. Apply one coat at a time and allow to dry completely between coats.

Finish off with matt or gloss polyurethane clear coat to provide added protection and extend the life of the paint job.

Janice
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Debbie
Monday, July 05, 2010 9:30 AM
Remove paint and restore Oregon pine floor

How do I get paint off orgeon wood to restore it to its natural state ?

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Hi Debbie,
It all depends on the type of paint used. If it's a waterbased paint you can give the floor a light sanding to remove the paint. An oil-based paint is a bit more difficult. Use Plascon RemovAll to strip off the paint without damaging the wood. Once all the paint has been removed, a light sanding over the entire floor will clean up the surface of the wood.

If you need to seal the floor to protect it, Woodoc 25 - satin or matt - are perfect for the job.

Janice
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Ruth
Monday, July 05, 2010 9:11 AM
Help with decorating a bedroom

Hi Janice,
You are such a life saver. We will try everything you have suggested, it already looks so clean. Do you think we should change the tables to pedestals and put a headboard up, I really love to read and do crosswords in bed. This is so exciting. We are trying to sort out all the bedrooms. Both my daughter(13) and son(17) want blue and brown as their colours, with my daughter completely smitten with soccer stars, Messi and Steven Pienaar.

Thank you so much. Do I owe you anything for this rather helpful advice?

Regards
Ruth
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Hi Ruth,
You can buy round tables that are reasonably priced. They have a chipboard top and you simply drape the fabric over the top. Also very easy to make if you have basic DIY skills.

You can easily fit a headboard to the base of the bed. Go for a dark wood that will complement the tables.

For ideas for your daughter and son, visit the www.Design-A-Bed.co.za website.

It's our pleasure to assist.

Janice
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Ruth
Thursday, July 01, 2010 6:02 PM
Help with decorating a bedroom

Our main bedroom is rather awkward. Two of the walls have large wide windows that start at waist high and are about the width of each wall. The other two walls are taken up by: a buildin wardrobe(more like a cupboard - not much space for the hubby and I) and an ensuite shower toilet on the last. I do not know how to go about decorating it. There is not enough storage room....Please help

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Hi Ruth,
Here are some ideas you can think about ...

1. On the bathroom wall incorporate more storage by building a cabinet around and over the entrance to the bath. I would put doors on these to hide as much of the clutter as possible. You won't take any space from the room, as you are already using the space to store things. Soft cream doors would be the best for a cleaner look - the wall behind also painted soft cream. With some alteration you will also be able to pop your hairdryer in there as well!

2. Paint the room in a soft beige or taupe to match the brown in the bedding. Put a dark brown fabric over the bedside tables. The yellow and white may be brightening the room but they appear harsh, whereas beige will soften the room, with the dark brown fabric toning with the beige carpet.

3. If you have a bit of money to spend, replace the curtains with a light cream fabric and pop a ruffled valance or pelmet on top. At the moment the curtain rail is the attention grabber.

Hope this helps!

Janice
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Jacob
Friday, July 02, 2010 10:47 AM
Spray or paint a roof

What is the bestway to spray-paint a roof using ordinary roof paint. e.g Dulux Roofguard Paint.

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Hi Jacob,
The easiest way is to get yourself a Bosch PFS spray system that you can buy at your local Builders Warehouse. They come in 3 different sizes. For your application the smallest of the three would be the best. The paint is poured into the container and you simply spray onto the roof.

Janice
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Marilyn
Monday, June 28, 2010 11:42 AM
Decorating walls

Hi Janice,
Is it necessary when decorating that every wall needs to have something on it?

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Hi Marilyn,
When decorating a room you do not necessarily have to have something on every single wall. If you have art on one wall, or create a feature wall, that normally works out perfect. There is an article coming in the July issue that talks about 'making a statement' or creating a focal point.

Janice
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Chantel
Thursday, June 24, 2010 10:52 AM
Where to buy Belgotex DIY carpet tiles

Hi there,
I just want to find out where I can purchase the Belgotex DIY Carpet tiles in Cape Town area that you did a article about during Aug 09. I have contacted Belgotex, but they say they are just aware of a branch in Durban that sells the DIY Carpet Tiles. Would appreciate your help.

Thank you very much
Kind regards
Chantel
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Hi Chantel,
I have communicated with Belogotex in this regard and await their reply. This is such as fantastic product that it should be easily available for anyone who wants to install it.

Janice
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Des
Thursday, June 24, 2010 10:32 PM
Remove glue from hardwood floor

What can I use to remove glue from hardwood floors?

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Hi Des,
It all depends on the type of glue. If it is contact adhesive there are two options that you can try that will not damage the floor: 1. Heat up the glue with a hairdryer and try to remove with a plastic scraper 2. Put ice on the glue to make it brittle and easier to remove. Failing that you may have to try using a Genkem product (available at Builders Warehouse) that specifically removes glue.

Janice
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Tamsyn
Wednesday, June 23, 2010 8:07 AM
Decorate a rented flat

I'm renting a flat and I want to hang pictures on the walls but I don't want to be drilling holes all over the place. Is drilling the best option for hanging pictures? I'm worried those velcro hook things might rip the paint off the wall when it comes time to remove them. Also, I bought some blinds at GAME and my uncle is going to drill them into the walls for me. Do you think I'll be able to just remove them and pollyfiller the holes when my lease expires. They were expensive and I don't want to just leave them there...Any advice you can offer would be really appreciated.

Thanks!
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Hi Tamsyn,
You can also use the 'hammer-in' picture hangers. These are white hooks with small steel pins at the back and are pretty good for supporting pictures that are not too heavy. When you leave, use crackfiller to fill in the holes and lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper - the landlord will never know!

And yes, you can hang the blinds as long as you make good before you leave. Again, crackfiller and sand to cover any holes.

Janice
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Marinda
Monday, June 14, 2010 4:27 PM
Rising damp in an older home

We moved into our home in Greenside at the beginning of 2010. It’s a 1950’s house and we’ve noticed that rising damp is an enormous issue around the entire house and perimeter. The advice we got was that it’s a problem in the area that we live in and that it will always recur, even if we get Damp proofing specialists to fix the issue (which we can’t afford).

Is there any way we can remedy the problem ourselves and maintain the work? We have wooden floors throughout the house as well. Will the rising damp lead to problems with the floors, especially since there’s a cellar under my son’s bedroom and the musty smell in his wardrobe from the cellar is overwhelming?

We also have a studio built onto the house recently which is showing signs of rising damp very badly and I run cooking workshops from there. This poses a health issue.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,
Marinda
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Hi Marinda,
Did they say why it's a problem in the area or are you fairly close to the dam? If the latter, then I suppose it would be the obvious problem that ground water is high and - if your home has a cellar - the level of the property is lower than the norm.

The only suggestion I can make is that you use a quality waterproofing product - and once again I refer to Coprox { http://www.coprox.com } . (I think these guys should pay me for advertising their product !!!!) Having had a problem in the past with severe damp, this product worked extremely well and is still working today after 10 years. Follow the instructions to the letter and use it wherever you can to try and keep out as much moisture as possible to reduce the smell and the possibility of mould. You don't mention if there is mould already present and, yes, this would present extreme health issues.

Let me know how it goes.

Janice
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Gerald
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 5:02 PM
High gloss finish on supawood

I am building shelves using supawood, how do I get a high gloss white finish. Should I use a roller or a spray gun, and what paint should I use.

Do I need to use primer on Supawood and must the paint be thinned before using a spray gun if I use water-based acrylic paint?

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Hi Gerald,
The trick for finishing supawood is to sand the edges of the board, which have a 'fluffy' finish. Start with 180-grit and finish with 240 or 320-grit until you get an almost shiny finish on the edges. This gives a much nicer result.

You can use a roller or spray gun and a water-based gloss acrylic paint, which is the easiest to use. If you have Rust-Oleum paints up there, you can easily use a white gloss spray, but only Rust-Oleum as a standard spray paint contains too much solvent and you will need to apply coat after coat.

You don't need to thin the paint when using a spray gun.

Janice
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Monika
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 1:19 PM
Rising damp

We have the same problem that Marlene described. But in our case it is rising damp. Our patio is tiled and the rain water might be seeping through the grouting. The damp is now also visible on the inside wall. Maybe you could recommend a reliable water proofing company.

Regards
Monika
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Hi Monika,
You don't necessarily need a waterproofing contractor for this type of job, it's one that is easily done by a reliable handyman, or even as a DIY project - and you can save quite a bit. The only important factor is to make sure you get a good waterproofing product. There are quite a few on the shelf, and Coprox { http://www.coprox.com } is one that I have personally used with great success.

You don't mention in which region you live, so I can't really offer any suggestions on a handyman or contractor.

Janice
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Marlene
Thursday, June 03, 2010 12:00 PM
Problem with damp

We have a problem with damp on the length of our home, this is now manifesting it self on the inside plaster as well, and also inside the built-in wardrobes and the passage wall. Today we started to remove the slate paving next to the outside wall (it had startde to make a gap next to the foundation wall) Can you advise on what needs to happen next (as we are at the inspection phase) drainage/ waterproofing etc...

Regards
Marlene
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Hi Marlene,
Could be that you have a leak in the ridge cap of the roof - the line of tile caps that extend along the length of the house. Over time the adhesive that holds these in place does become brittle and breaks. If the whole house is affected that would be my first guess. Does the damp in the walls go up or come down - that is normally an indication of where to start looking.

Referring to movement in the paving - are you located near any water sources - river, dam, etc. Because this sounds more like a form of subsidence or movement of some kind. With all the rain that we have been having the water table in your region could be higher.

Please let me know as this sounds pretty serious.

Janice
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Elizabeth
Thursday, June 03, 2010 10:42 AM
Damp in bathroom

I have damp on my bathroom roof. I am going to paint the ceiling and walls with Plascon Velvaglo, and I need to know if it is necessary to apply damp seal as well?

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Hi Elizabeth,
Painting over the problem will not solve the damp that you have, it will merely hide it temporarily and could result in a more serious complication ... mould, and will also result in the paint peeling off and blistering.

You need to find out why you have damp in the ceiling and remedy the cause first. If there is insufficient ventilation in the room, consider adding an extraction fan. If the roof itself is leaking, this needs to be fixed. Or perhaps there are leaking pipes in the walls and the moisture is spreading to the ceiling. Try to locate the cause of the problem before you waste time on money on painting.

I would definitely advise that you apply damp seal to the walls and ceiling before painting.

Janice
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Karen
Wednesday, June 02, 2010 2:22 PM
What Rust-Oleum paint to use on fabric

I've seen plain taupe-coloured roman blinds that I want to buy. Is there Rust-Oleum paint that I can use to paint on some nice designs on the plain roman blinds?

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Hi Karen,
I have used Rust-Oleum Painters Touch on fabrics with great success - have also used their Paint pens as well for more intricate designs. My bathroom curtains were sprayed about 4 years ago and still look good, even after regular washing. Alternatively, you can contact Simply Spray who also offer a range of fabric sprays, but these are best for larger areas.

Janice
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Annerie
Wednesday, June 02, 2010 3:06 PM
What board or timber to use

Hi Janice
I’m absolutely crazy about your magazine and love doing things myself.

How do I know what kind of wood I need to use for a project. I normally buy chipboard, but don’t think I should use it for my bathroom cabinet, or for a shelf and where do I buy the wood?

Regards
Annerie
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Hi Annerie,
We do all our shopping Builders Warehouse, who have a wide selection of timber and boards.

What type of materials to use would depend on the type of project and what you want the finished look to be. I would suggest that you pay a visit to the PG Bison website { http://www.PGBison.co.za } and see all the different options they offer, as I definitely do recommend that any type of board product - you buy only PG Bison. Most hardware stores stock Chinese imports and these are of a much lower standard than that offered by PG Bison, even though they are all priced the same. But if you don't ask for PG Bison they slip you the Chinese stuff.

Supawood is the best ever for all types of projects - except bathrooms. It can be painted easily. Chipboard or plywood is used more for projects that won't be seen, like the frame for an ottoman, as the finish is not very nice. MelaWood is a laminated board and the best that you can buy. PG Bison have also recently launched BisonBord V313, which CAN be used in the bathroom as a result of improved moisture resistance.

Janice
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Sandra
Tuesday, June 01, 2010 11:53 AM
Painted wooden blocks

I made a pile of wooden blocks for my house as a decor project - it's called block phrases, much like the ones little children build ABCs with. I painted them with Opague White Craft Paint, and stencilled two of them with Black Paint. It is a mess and looks like a real home job. Can I use Rust-Oleum paint to re-do them. Do I need to stip or sandpaper them first.

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Hi Sandra,
We've all had projects that have turned out worse than we anticipated. I would give them a sanding to remove the old paint - start with 120-grit and finish with 240-grit for a nice smooth finish. Use Rust-Oleum Painters Touch in a satin finish for the base coat and then use Rust-Oleum Decorator Paint Pens for apply the design. Or cut out a stencil and spray on. You will find it works extremely well and gives a lovely finish. You can now buy Rust-Oleum products at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
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Marnie
Monday, May 31, 2010 2:32 PM
Repair concrete water feature

Hello
I received a concrete water feature from a friend as a gift - saying it needs a bit of TLC. When I went to pick it up I saw the terrible state it was in. Luckily there are no cracks and it is in one piece (or shall I say pieces that make a rather large feature when assembled). I would like to give it a new look. Maybe marble / granite by means of paint or just a funky paint job. How can I do that? What do I use to seal the concrete? What is the best paint to use? Is there a marble / granite paint that I could use? What varnish do I use to give a nice finished look? I appreciate any ideas or advice.

Thank you
Marnie
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Hi Marnie,
There are quite a few options that you could use for revamping a concrete water feature. You can use Prominent Paints Roof or Paving paint on the concrete and can use different colours to create different effects. For a granite finish you would start with a dark colour as the base, use a sea sponge to apply speckled colour, and then a much darker colour lightly over the top of this. You would apply the colour until you are happy with the final result. No sealer or varnish is required but be sure to apply the original base coat to all the cracks and dips in the concrete.

Janice
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Manon
Monday, May 31, 2010 12:34 PM
Lampshade frame

Hi Janice,
I believe this is a consistent headache for many South African crafters, as I have seen many queries of the like. Where can we buy lampshade frames? I'm based in Gauteng.

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Hi Manon,
It is indeed a constant headache, especially for those than want to make their own lampshades, so I'm going to do a 'make your own lampshade frame' project. I just need to stock up on materials and will show you how to on the Home-Dzine website. I think we should all know how to make our own, as there are infite possibilities for finishing off.

Janice
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Michele
Thursday, May 27, 2010 7:30 AM
Best material for a strong shelf

Hi there,
I need some advice please. I'd like to make 3 shelves for the bedroom. I was wondering if the 'shutterply pine' that is on special now - a big piece for R199 - would be good for that. It's much cheaper to buy it and cut it instore instead of buying an individual ready made shelf- which I priced at around R130, and the brackets can be R70 each (times 2). So it's more cost effective to buy the big piece and cut it to size, but I want to know that it will be strong enough to be a shelf- that will have heavy things on it. (I saw the 'laminated shelf' on special but it won't be ideal for me because I want to paint the shelves purple!).

Also- as far as brackets - I was gonna make triangle brackets for the shelf from the same piece of pine and then drill it altogether. Is this the best way to make the shelves? possibly with a sort of beam between the 2 brackets for support and to drill into the wall?

Please get back to me as soon as you can because I was thinking of going this morning back to Builders Warehouse.

Thanks
michele
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Hi Michele,
Shutterply may not be the best choice for the shelves. This is a commercial-grade plywood that is normally used by contractors for building forms for pouring concrete, and general work. It is probably the lowest grade of board that you can buy - hence the reason it is cheap.

If you want to paint the shelves I would definitely recommend either laminated pine or PG Bison SupaWood. The former can be sanded to a smooth finish and then stained with Woodoc Gel Stain before sealing, or painted with Rust-Oleum Painters Touch - the latter is easily painted. I prefer the last idea using SupaWood. Note that I mentioned PG Bison SupaWood. If you don't ask for this product you normally get a cheap and inferior product that is not smooth. There are also some nice ideas on the Home-Dzine website.

Another tip: You can easily paint laminate shelves. Sand with 180-grit sandpaper to remove the gloss from the surface and then spray with Rust-Oleum Painters Touch!

Brackets and fixings are the most important items. Use fischer wall plugs and screws to attach strong brackets to the wall. If the shelf is going to hold heavy items, consider three instead of two brackets - one in the centre.

Janice
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Reyhana
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 4:34 PM
Painting a melamine headboard and pedestal

Hi there,
I would like to know what is the best way to paint/spray melamine wood. I have a padded headboard with a melamine border and the pedestals are also of melamine. I want to update it but not sure what is the best method to do it which is not very expensive.

Please advise.
Thanks Reyhana
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Hi Reyhana,
Lightly sand down the melamine surface with 180-grit sandpaper - to remove the glossy finish - so that it is dull. Wipe clean. Take the headboard and pedestals outdoors and spray with Rust-Oleum Painters Touch in a satin or gloss. Now available at your local Builders Warehouse, there are plenty of colours to choose from. The finish won't scratch or peel and can be washed and cleaned as usual.

Janice
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Glenn
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 10:47 AM
Door does not line up with frame

Hi,
I recently decided to install a yale nightlatch on one of our external doors. After I installed the lock, I realized that the door frame does not line up with the door. Now, I’m sitting with the whole lock installed, but the endplate is sitting approx. 7mm too deep for the latchbolt to lock into place.

As I see it, I have 2 options. I can remove the lock and fill the hole & groove with filler, repaint the door + frame …. or I can remove the staple & attempt to somehow have it protrude a bit more from the frame. Any thoughts/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
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Hi Glenn,
What about adding a strip of wood to the door frame to allow more space for fitting the staple at the right position. You could always stain and seal to match the existing timber. Definitely easies that filling and trying to hide the hole already made.

Janice
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Cheree
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:37 PM
DIY from beginning to end a small kitchen

We bought our first house and because my husband is good at diy projects he would like to do our kitchen over from buying his own material to building them into the wall. Can you please advice us which places wil be able to help with the neccesary things to make the project possible and the other reason also it's just so expensive to ask someone to do it when it will come out more cheaper to do it yourself.

please help.!!!
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Hi Cheree,
Having done my own kitchen from start to finish, I know what you mean about saving money. I saved about R50,000 on doing my own kitchen and once I got started it wasn't that difficult. Click here for the project from start to finish. The only change is that William Tell no longer offer carcasses to the public, but you can buy the same at any Builders Warehouse or DIY kitchen factory.

Janice
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Ester
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 10:57 AM
Miniature doll house furniture

How to make miniature dollhouse furniture.

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Hi Ester,
I must admit that this is not something I have made to date - especially having two grown up boys - but there are definitely plenty of sites out there that offer information on making miniature furniture for a doll house. Enter 'make dollhouse furniture' in the Google search bar.

Janice
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Melanie
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 10:31 AM
Affordable chandelier

Hi,
We are busy building a new house and my 5 year old daughter has her heart set on having a small chandelier in her bedroom. Where could I find a pretty chandelier that isn't too overboard?

Thanks,
Melanie
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Hi Melanie,
If you are fairly handy with a jigsaw you could make your own. Click here for a PDF that shows you how - this one was made using a scroll saw, but I have also made quite a few using a jigsaw. It's not that difficult and you get the make a chandelier that costs almost nothing and can be decorated to match the room.

Alternatively, try stores like Mr Price Home and Sheet Street.

Janice
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Dolly
Monday, May 24, 2010 3:28 PM
White leather lounge suite


I have a 2 year old white leather sofa and I have kids. Because of cleaning it is losing colour and has grey patches. I do use a conditioner on it, but because I have small kids I use a lot of water and sunlight to clean it. How can I restore it baring in mind I don't want to change the colour.

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Hi Dolly,
There isn't really much that you can do with a white leather sofa. Try your local show repair shops - and specialists dry cleaners - to see if you can find a white leather dye, or get in touch with Melanie of Simply Spray to see if her Simply Spray products will work for your white leather couch.

Janice
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Helen
Monday, May 17, 2010 3:46 PM
Repair leather lounge suite

I have a leather sofa which is about 3 years old and the leather on the seat cushions seems to be "cracking" on the surface. What can I use to "moisturise" it to make it last and look better. It's dark brown.

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Hi Helen,
You will find a recipe for a leather conditioner on the website, as well as some great tips for caring for leather furniture.

Janice
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Becky
Monday, May 17, 2010 12:21 AM
Help with kitchen walls

I have the ugliest peachy/pink tile squares 3/4 up my kitchen walls and as the backsplash, with a rectangular tile border across the top. My question is, what can I do with it! Can you tile over tile? Can I cover it with some sort of thick wall adhesive and paint it? I'd like to get the tiny square glass tiles for the backsplash, would the tile over tile work for that? Any suggestions,help, advice, would be appreciated. Oh, and I really don't want to go thru taking them off-if it were ony a little, that'd be fine. But the work and fear of destroying the wall behind because there's so much, I'd rather try anything else first.

Thanks so much
Becky
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Hi Becky,
I have a solution that is frowned upon but does work. You screw 3mm hardboard or SupaWood board - cut into manageable sections - over the old tiles and then use an adhesive to attach the new tiles to the board. The board sections must be firmly fastened to the wall so that they are completely flush and level.

Use an adhesive such as Pattex PL700 Total Fix to attach glass tiles, as the solvents in other adhesives eat away the coating on the back. For the other tiles you can use the new Pattex No More Nails - Instant Tack - and apply over the entire board. You would grout the tiles in exactly the same way.

Janice
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Joanne
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:12 AM
Where to buy Rust-Oleum products

Hi Divas,
Could you please inform me where to find Rust-oleum products. I want to paint my plastic garden furniture.

Kind regards
Joanne
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Hi Joanne,
You can now purchase the full range of Rust-Oleum products at your local Builders Warehouse.

For painting of plastic patio furniture, make sure that the furniture is 100% clean and give a light sanding with 180-grit sandpaper before applying the spray - it works much better.

Janice
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Talitha
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:06 AM
How to bleach or lighten wood

Hello Janice
I have old 3-piece dark wood (type unknown) wall unit that has become dark with age and regular oiling with red teak oil. Is there a way to lighten/brighten/bleach this wood to restore it to its original beauty? Please supply product names etc. that need to be used.

Thank You
Talitha
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Hi Talitha,
All you need to use is Woodoc Steelwool (fine) and Mineral Turpentine. Start by wiping the surface a few times with a cloth lightly dampened with mineral turps, and then rub the surface with the steelwool and mineral turps until you see that the oil has been lifted. You may have to do this a couple of times to remove all the wood oil that has accumulated over time.

Once that is done, you can use Woodoc Antique Wax to protect and beautify the wood.

Janice
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Samantha
Sunday, May 16, 2010 5:49 PM
How to paint supawood - MDF

Hi Janice,
You have inspired me to start tackling my own DIY projects and I want to start with a headboard for my son. I have had the supawood cut to size but need to know how to paint it?

Please help!
Sam

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Hi Sam,
Painting supawood is very easy. If you bought PG Bison supawood and not the cheaper alternative, all you need to do is to sand the edges with 240-grit sandpaper until it appears almost shiny. This removes some of the roughness left over from the cutting process.

I normally apply an undercoat by using Prominent Paints matt paint that is slightly watered down. This works well as a primer and means that you will use less of the actual paint colour. Using an acrylic PVA, you can brush on, roll on with a foam roller or spray the surface with a Bosch PFS spray system, or using one of the Rust-Oleum Painters Touch spray products. I much prefer the better two for a nice smooth finish. Finish off with two coats of Prominent Paints acrylic sealer for added protection and better scrubbability.

Janice
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Wicus
Monday, May 10, 2010 3:46 PM
High gloss finish for cabinets

Hi
I would like to refurbish the existing cupboards in my kitchen and give it that glossy lacquered look you find in many kitchens nowadays. Can this be done as a DIY project and if so what would the steps be. If it can not be done DIY - then who would be able to do it for me? The cabinet makers i have contacted are only interested in doing work on cabinets manufactured by them.

Hope you can help
Thx
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Hi Wicus,
Easily and affordably done if you use Rust-Oleum High Gloss Lacquer, High Performance Enamel, or Protective Enamel spray. Remove the doors and strip off the old surface (you will find instructions here). Make sure the doors are 100% clean and place them in a well-ventilated room in order to spray. All the above products are available at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
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Justine
Sunday, May 09, 2010 21:04
Rustoleum spray paint

Janice,
I must thank you for all your advice. We recently decided to give my daughter's bedroom a makeover and she has mostly pine furniture that has been handed down. We spent a week sanding to remove all the old varnish and then used Rustoleum spray paint in which to finish off her new furniture. It looks absolutely wonderful and the Rustoleum spray paint is really as good as you say. We only used two cans of spray paint for her bed, sidetable, and a large four drawer dresser. If I work out that we spent under R200 and she now has a lovely bedroom, we definitely saved a lot of money.

Thank you
Justine
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Hi Justine,
And I am sure that you were well and truly satisfied after all your hard work, to see the final result. Yes, Rust-Oleum is a really great product and I cannot recommend it enough. Now you can purchase Rust-Oleum Painters Touch 2X, which offers even more value for money.

Janice
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Kerry-Ann
Friday, May 07, 2010 10:51 AM
Problem with damp coming through carpet

I have a fitted carpet in my bedroom and the damp is coming through the floor and carpet (I don't think they damp proofed it when building) What can I do to stop the damp coming through?? I'm sure I would need to remove the carpet but what do I put down that won't let the damp through? HELP :)

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Hi Kerry-Ann,
Will definitely need to remove the carpet, but most importantly you need to find out the source of the damp, which is probably on the exterior wall. It could be that the DPC layer has failed, or like you mention - never put down. Try to lower the level of soil or grass around the damp wall and make sure that water is not allowed to collect in that spot. Put down a cooncrete slab or apron around the area to allow water to flow away from the wall. Apply a dampproofing product such as that supplied by www.Coprox.com - to the interior and exterior walls, and according to their recommended instructions. That should solve the problem.

Janice
======

Tanya
Friday, April 30, 2010 4:18 PM
How to attach skirting boards without nails

Please could you tell me how I can secure skirting boards to a wall/carpet without using nails/pins. I obtained the proper nails/pins, however they split the wood!

======


Hi Tanya,
You can use Pattex No More Nails to attach skirting boards. Buy a tube of No More Nails Ultra in the black tube and a caulking gun. Apply a liberal bead of No More Nails to the back of each section of skirting board at the top and bottom. Postion the bottom of the skirting against the wall and gentle push the board onto the wall. No More Nails offers a fair amount of tack - or stick - but if the wall is not completely level use something to push against the skirting until the glue has dried.




Janice
======

Graham
Monday, April 26, 2010 6:29 PM
How to finish concrete countertops

I have cast concrete counter tops for my kitchen and bathrooms. What do you think will be better to finish them off? I have been looking into polishing/sanding or epoxy coating.

======

Hi Graham,
I say it's a matter of personal choice. The polished option would be my choice but finishing off with epoxy may be what you prefer. A tough polyurethane finish would also look good if you want to keep the look of natural concrete.

Janice
======

Renaldo
Monday, April 26, 2010 4:16 PM
Re-finish bathtub

I have a bath that looks not so good. I have heard about resurfacing but being male id like to do it myself and save some money.I have sanded the tub down and cleant it, but am clueless when it comes to spraying it...

======

Hi Renaldo,
There are two options that you could consider:

1. Use a Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile kit for resurfacing the bath - as long as it is not acrylic.

2. You can use a compressor and spray gun (which I am sure that you could also hire) to apply an epoxy-based paint to the surface of the bath.

Of the two, I would go with Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile - much easier, affordable and far less mess. You can buy the kit at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
======

Steve
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 2:34 PM
Solution for damp on shower wall

I have a problem with damp coming through the wall from the bathroom into the bedroom. I have sinced banned the family from using the shower as it is quite serious. We plan to gut and revamp the bathroom in the future but cannot afford it right now. I would like to paint over the tiles in the shower to waterproof it as a temporary measure. What paint/primer should I use?

======

Hi Steve,
You can paint over it but you will probably find that you will still have the damp problem, as paint alone is not going to cure any leaks. Get yourself some Sista Sanitary Sealer and apply to all the edges (sides, top and especially at floor level), around the shower head and taps. If there are any visible gaps in the grout, you can apply to these areas as well. This should solve the problem at least until you put in the new bathroom.

Janice
======

Liana
Sunday, April 18, 2010 6:31 PM
Can I move a wendy house?

Hi - hope you can help me - I need to move a wendy house from one side of my property to another - will I be able to do it myself?

======

Hi Liana,
With enough helping hands and plenty of space to maneuver the hut around you should be able to move a wendy house, as long as it is still a sturdy structure.

Janice
======

Denise
Friday, April 16, 2010 6:12 PM
How to draughtproof a home

Could you advise me what the most effective and affordable way is to draught-proof your home? I have wooden doors & shutters and live in Pretoria.

Thanks and kind regards
Denise Huxham

======

Hi Denise,
The easiest and most effective way is to use self-adhesive spongy rubber strips that you will find at your local Builders Warehouse. You simply peel off the back and apply to door and window frames. The rolls come in various lengths and widths but you really only need a thin strip to block draughts

Janice
======

Charmaine
Friday, April 16, 2010 9:58 AM
What can I apply to kitchen floor tiles


Can I use garage-floor paint on my kitchen floor tiles? What paint is used on garage showroom floors where there is also high traffic volumes of both kind? Maybe this would work? I'm a little desperate.

======

Hi Charmaine,
They used an epoxy-based paint for high-traffic areas - similar to the Rust-Oleum Epoxy Floor Kit, which you should be able to buy at your local Builders Warehouse, or you can have it done professionally by www.tilecare.co.za. You can most definitely try this but remember that the existing tiles must be completely level and stable, and it's not going to hide the grout lines. Alternatively, speak to the guys at www.concretewise.co.za for a quote on completely re-surfacing the kitchen floor.

Janice
======

Cindy
Friday, April 16, 2010 10:23 AM
How to remove glue from novilon flooring

How do I remove the glue from novilon flooring once its been stripped?

======

Hi Cindy,
The most often used glue for this type of project is contact adhesive, which is an absolute pain to remove. However, there are products that make the task easier. Pop into your local Builders Warehouse and get some Genkem Bitumen and Glue Remover - perfect for removing left over contact adhesive.

Janice
======

Joy
Friday, April 16, 2010 1:04 PM
Want to paint kitchen cabinets

Hi,
I would like to renovate my kitchen and change the colour of the units which I can't afford to replace. Unfortunately they are all melamine doors which I would like to paint. There seems to be for and against reasons for painting and I would like to know whether it is worth all the effort and will it last? If it is worth doing, please let me know the correct way to do it.

Regards
Joy
======

Hi Joy,
I have tried various ways for renovating kitchen cabinets. Two ways that I like to recommend - because it is easy and fairly affordable - is to use paint and self-adhesive vinyl.

Both work very well, but neither are as good as replacing the doors. However, if you are looking for a quick and easy way to update the kitchen, and that will last for a couple of years, then both ways are perfect.

Preparation is the key to a successful project. Remove the doors from the carcass. Scrub the melamine clean, lightly sand with 180-grit sanding paper and then apply Contact self-adhesive paper or Rust-Oleum 2X Painters Touch. Both are washable and scrubbable as long as you don't try to use a scouring pad to clean.

Janice
======

Charmaine
Thursday, April 15, 2010 3:41 PM
Can I paint floor tiles?

Can I paint my kitchen floor tiles? The tiles are white and need a make-over. What paint can I use?

======

Hi Charmaine,
Unfortunately they haven't yet invented a paint that you can use on floor tiles. The problem is due to the high amount of traffic on floor tiles, so much so that the paint will easily wear or scrape off. However, I have seen a project (not sure where) were they painted kitchen floor tiles with enamel or oil-based paint - obviously high quality - and they said (?) that it didn't wear off. Still not sure that it would work though.

Janice
======

Mia
Thursday, April 15, 2010 8:21 AM
How to finish off a dog house

I have a raw dog house that I need to varnish. What varnish/primer/undercoat should I use for it to be wheather,rain and UV resistant???

======

Hi Mia,
Get yourself a can of Woodoc 50 (or Woodoc 55 if you want a colour stain) from your local Builders Warehouse or Builders Express store and apply to the kennel. Woodoc is a wood sealer not a varnish, and it penetrates the wood to prevent chipping, peeling and cracking - extending the life of finished surfaces. Apply according to the instructions on the tin.

Janice
======

Hilary
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 9:21 PM
Shared bedroom for two teenage boys

Two of my sons aged 15 & 19 share a room, as we don't have enough rooms for everyone. Is there any way we can do their room with a partition of some sort so each one can have his privacy (sort of) without fighting all the time? They share a wardrobe as well.

Please help!!!
======

Hi Hilary,
You definitely need to visit the www.Design-A-Bed.co.za website. These guys have taken kids furniture to the next level by making all the furniture that they offer completely adaptable to any room size or shape. I am sure that they could design a room setting that would allow your two boys to have a modern space - yet each have their own individual area. If you can, send me a couple of photos of the room so that I can take a look.

Janice
======

Sharon
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 11:38 AM
Easy way to paint knotty pine ceiling

I have a knotty pine ceiling from the 70's that I have painted it with an undercoat. Is there an easier way to paint in between the grooves, other than with a small paint brush?

======

Hi Sharon,
Where there's a will - there's a way! There are two options you could consider - all depending upon how much you want to spend.

Option 1 is to get yourself a Bosch PFS spray painting system. Have one myself and they are great for almost any painting project, especially where it is difficult to paint or you want a completely smooth finish.

Option 2 would be to use Rust-Oleum Painters Touch 2X - available at your local Builders Warehouse - to spray the entire ceiling. You'll have to open all the windows and doors not to be overwhelmed by the fumes, but if you do it in stages it's not too bad. Alternatively, see if you can get your hands on a can or two of Zinsser Cover Up - a ceiling paint that you hold upright and it sprays easily onto a ceiling. It's also a Rust-Oleum product but I'm not sure if we have it here yet.

Janice
======

Gaudii
Monday, April 12, 2010 4:22 PM
Can I drill into bathroom tiles

Hi Guys, (pardon the pun)
I have moved into a new house and my bathroom tiles are sooooooo bland. Is there a way I can drill a small hole through the tile without breaking it? I'd love to have the same decorations from my old bathroom displayed.

PLEEEEZE help!!!!
======

Hi Gaudii,
Of course you can drill into tiles. The number one priority is to make sure that there are no pipes, etc., behind the tiles. If you don't have a Bosch PDO Electronic Detector - you need to either buy one, lend one or steal one! These little tools can detect wires and pipes in the wall and prevent you from having a big Ooops. And if you're going to be drilling holes in the bathroom and around your home, they're indispendable.

To drill a hole into tiles you will need to use a quality drill and an HSS drill bit - don't skimp on the quality of the bit as this is important for not cracking the tile. I only use Alpen bits. The drill bit needs to be the same diameter as the screws used for attaching the fixtures. If you're not sure, ask the guys at the hardware store (preferably ones that look intelligent). Make sure the drill is set on rotary and not HAMMER function. Use a couple of strips of masking tape to 'X' marks the spot to drill, position the drill and start slowly, applying gentle pressure until you can feel that you have gone through the tile, at which point you can speed up to go into the wall behind the tile. Blow out any dust.

Use a fischer wall plug (SX or UX type) in the same diameter as the screw on the fittings, push the plug into the wall and then screw on the fittings.

Sounds like a lot of fuss, but once you get started you'll see it's not that difficult. Have confidence and don't be scared - after one hole you'll be ready to drill plenty of holes.

Janice
======

Maylynn
Monday, April 12, 2010 10:26 AM
Concrete for shower floor

Can you please advise me. I am having my shower walls retiled, but I dont want to tile the floors. Is cement a good idea and can it be sealed sufficiently enough so that it does not go mouldy? I also want to have the cement floor in white. Is any of this possible and advisable? Can you maybe advise on what products to use please.

======

Hi Maylynn,
You can use concrete as a base for the shower and it definitely should not go mouldy if cleaned regularly - as you would with a tiled floor. The only thing that might be a problem is the white floor - if it's concrete it is going to get dirty very quickly and you will spend you life trying to keep it clean. A more practical option would be for small, white mosaic tiles in a natural stone finish or to have the concrete finished off with a white marbelite - similar to that of a swimming pool or Cemcote.

Janice
======

Sophia
Monday, April 12, 2010 7:25 AM
Rust-Oleum Countertop Kit

Hi there,
I would like to renew my kitchen countertops. I have come across a spray paint from Rustoleum that gives a granite finish which i would like to use. Thereafter I want to to pour a liquid glass to cover this surface and protect it from chipping and scratching. I'm not sure however if this can be done and dont want to go to the huge expense only to find that it is not working. Any suggestions and where could I find liquid glass or resin for such a project.

Thanks
======

Hi Sophia,
If you use the Rust-Oleum Countertop Kit as recommended you shouldn't need to apply the liquid glass to the surface. You can purchase Genkem GenGlow at select craft and hobby stores but it is quite expensive for a small bottle, and you will need quite a few bottles. Try the Rust-Oleum Kit first on a section of countertop and see how it works.

Janice
======

Liezl
Thursday, April 08, 2010 11:02 AM
Refinish oak kitchen cupboards

Hi Janice,
I have a quick question – I have solid oak kitchen cupboards that have a little bit of dirt build-up in the varnish due to years of use. The wood has grooves and curves in them. What is the best way to go about cleaning these cupboards without hurting the wood and having it look like new again?

Regards
Liezl
======

Hi Liezl,
If the cupboards are coated with varnish you will need to remove the old varnish. However, varnish is a solid layer and should not collect dirt - unless the varnish has aged over time, in which case it will defnitely need to be removed before it starts cracking and peeling.

To test the sealer, use a small piece of Woodoc FINE steelwool and some mineral turpentine to lightly rub down a conspicuous area on one of the doors. If the top layers comes off easily, then the wood has been sealed and you can continue to use this method on the cupboards. Once finished, you can easily re-apply an interior sealer such as the Woodoc range.

If it is indeed varnish that has yellowed with age, you can use Plascon RemovAll - a waterbased, non-toxic remover - to remove the old varnish. Once done, wipe down with Woodoc FINE steelwool and mineral turpentine and apply sealer as above or use Plascon satin or gloss varnish.

Janice
======

Mike
Wednesday, April 07, 2010 3:59 PM
Paint a meranti door

I have small-pane (cottage style) meranti doors and windows that are varnished. I want to strip and paint in a matt blue-green finish. What do you recommend? Do I need to seal it? How do I go about this transformation?

Thank you for your most creative online magazine

======

Hi Mike,
You have two options to consider:

1. If the varnish is still in good condition you can simply sand it back a bit using 120-grit sandpaper and then paint over it with matt enamel paint, or water-based enamel.

2. If the varnish is cracked and peeling, better to sand all this off before painting. Once sanded apply a wood primer to the door before painting as mentioned above.

Janice
======

Jean
Wednesday, April 07, 2010 2:38 PM
How to mount slate tiles onto wall

I would like to tile parts of the wall in my braai area with slate tiles. However, the tiles which I have purchased are extremely thick and heavy. I am just concerned that the tiles will not adhere easily due to the weight of the tile.

Any suggestions?
======

Hi Jean,
Slate tiles are naturally thick - or of uneven thickness - and heavy, but you can easily use a cement-based adhesive for these tiles. Be sure to 'butter' (or evenly cover) the entire back of the tile with a liberal amount of adhesive. I think that it is best to use a notched rubber tile adhesive spreader as this helps to create a vacuum behind the tile. Position the bottom of the tile against the wall before slowly pushing the tile to affix - tap gently with a rubber mallet and ensure that tile is level. Use plastic spacers between the tiles for equal grouting distance.

Janice
======

Roanne
Tuesday, April 06, 2010 2:22 PM
Repair or replace stained glass window

Hi,
Have recently bought old house with lovely stained glass and leaded windows and doors. Unfortunately, a few of the panels are broken. We would like to retain the integrity of the house but need help with repairs. We live in Durban.

Cheers, Roanne
======

Hi Roanne,
I don't know of anyone in the Durban area but you can try searching on www.brabys.com or www.easyinfo.co.za for a stained glass restoration company in your area. My mom bought a house with a similar problem and they were able to repair the panels in-situ in a day.

Janice
======

Lee
Tuesday, April 06, 2010 12:47 PM
Repair rusted door frame

How do I fix a metal doorframe which is badly rusted? I have already had to hammer the bottom bit flat to enable the door to close. I have painted it with rust converter and painted it but it's not looking too good. I believe that it is very messy to remove the metal doorframe and replace it with a wooden doorframe.

======

Hi Lee,
You need to use a trusted product such as Rust-Oleum Stops Rust and then sand as smooth as possible before applying Rust-Oleum Painters Touch to the surface. However, if the metal is badly rusted and there are severe pit marks and holes, replacing the door would probably be a much better option. It isn't that difficult to remove a metal frame if you have the right tools. A hammer and chisel to loosen around the door, an angle grinder to cut the metal ties that hold the frame onto the wall and you're ready to fit the new door. Patch up any damaged areas with Sista Fill + Insulate Expanding Foam and then trimmed and painted over.

Janice
======

Merle
Monday, April 05, 2010 1:04 PM
How to mount mosaic mirror

Hi there,
How do I mount my mosaic number (done on 3mm perspex) to my outside wall without drilling holes.

Thanks Merle
======

Hi Merle,
You can use No More Nails (Exterior) to mount your mosaic house number onto the wall. Be sure to apply according to the instructions, and only do it in dry weather and at least 3 to 4 days after rain so that the wall has time to dry out.

Janice
======

Dave
Thursday, April 01, 2010 6:03 PM
Knotty pine ceiling

Hi Janice,
My home is fitted with knotty pine ceilings throughout. The ceilings are varnished and 'sealed'. My question is as follows: due to the tongue-and-groove method, knots, etc, sometimes dust and general roof dirt can come through the pine boards, especially when the wind blows a lot. Also, the cornices are knotty pine and dependant on wall straightness, dirt definitely gets through between cornice and wall. I would like to know if there is a quick and easy way of completely sealing the pine boards and the cornicing against the walls to prevent dirt getting through, whilst still maintaining the natural knotty pine look. I have been thinking of things like silicon sealant, but that would take forever and I don't know if that would work on a pre-varnished surface and against a painted wall. I am ideally looking for a quicker, lasting option that will properly seal the ceilings in each room. Any ideas? Or is there someone I could contact who would be able to assist?

Thanks,
Dave
======

Hi Dave,
Using a clear, transparent silicone sealer such as the Sista F109 range is definitely the best and longest-lasting option, especially where there is movement or expansion and contraction. If you use the silicone gun to apply the sealer it shouldn't take long at all, and once done you can rest easy that dust and dirt will no longer be falling on your head. If you want someone to do the project for you, get in touch with a local handyman.

Janice
======

Clare
Thursday, April 01, 2010 5:43 PM
Disguising an ugly precast garden wall

Please could you do an article on different ways to disguise ugly cement walling--especially in a very tiny gadren where it really is part of the feature of the garden. I would love ideas and tips.

Many thanks
Kind regards Clare

======

Hi Clare,
That sounds like a very good idea and something I am going to feature in the very near future. Thank you for your suggestion. In the meantime, some options that you can consider to hide an ugly cement wall are to wire up the wall with an espalier (arrangement of wires or framework) to train creepers and flowering vines to grow along the wall - this is especially beautiful when in bloom; another easy alternative is to make (or buy) small trellis and place them against the wall and plant creepers. More ideas to follow on the website or in the magazine soon.

Janice
======

Tricia
Thursday, April 01, 2010 4:55 PM
How to paint paving blocks

Hi
Is it possible to paint cement paving blocks. I have a paved area of large cement pavers which is functional but a bit ugly. I would like to paint them to look more like terracotta.

======

Hi Tricia,
Most definitely and I am planning to do this as a project in the near future. Get yourself some Prominent Paints Paving Paint. This is an acrylic paint that works extremely well on exterior cement paving blocks and I have done quite a few projects already with the product. It also comes in a selection of colours to choose from. You can buy from your closest Prominent Paint outlet.

Janice
======

Pat
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 2:05 PM
Adjusting built-in cupboards

I recently - 2 months ago - purchased a house and did major renovations, I also needed to purchase wardrobes. This I did but upon fitting the clothes etc I discovered that they were in actual fact too narrow and the hangers had to lay at a slant in order for the doors to close.

I am now desperate for help. I want to convert the 2 wardrobes into built in wardrobes fitted to the wall by means of framework. Could you perhaps give me some idea of how to do it or email me sketches or even advise where I can look to find an example.

Thanks
Pat
======

Hi Pat,
Not nice when you buy cupboards that aren't designed to the correct width. I would take this up with the manufacturer - who wants cupboards that aren't even wide enough to hang clothes properly!

There is a project on Home-Dzine that details the installation process for installing built-in cupboards or closets and this should give you some ideas of what you need to do to build in the wardrobes.

http://www.home-dzine.co.za/bedroom/images/closet.pdf

Janice
======

Clare
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 11:47 AM
Distressing kitchen cabinets

Good Day
I am hoping you can help me.
I have had a few pine cupboards made for my kitchen --they are both for the wall as well as full counter unts I want to top in African Rosewood. I want to paint them with a distressed look--in a soft ivory with a russet "streaking" or what ever that particular technique is called, to make it look more aged. I would like to know what the best paint would be for a kitchen -and bathroom as well--as both are subjected to heat and steam and where can I find information on the technique to achieve this look without it looking too amateur in the correct paints.

With much appreciation
Kind regards
Clare
======

Hi Clare,
You definitely must take a gander through the www.Home-Dzine.co.za - Decorating and Kitchen Sections. There are quite a few articles on the site that deal with painting and distressing kitchen cabinets.

If you want a long-lasting finish then I would definitely recommend using the Rust-Oleum Distressed Ivory Kit (for a white finish), although they do have other kits as well.

You can buy Rust-Oleum products at your local Builders Warehouse, or get in touch with the supplier directly: www.tilecare.co.za.

Janice
======

Chris
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 10:26 AM
Rustic garden bench/swing

Looking for plans for a rustic garden bench for two or a rustic swing

Thanks
======

Hi Chris,
There are quite a few projects in the Garden and DIY sections of Home-Dzine. If you don't find what you are looking for there, you could also try http://www.buildeazy.com/ - but be sure to get plans with metric measurements.

Janice
======

2010/03/26 03:00 PM, Leighann wrote:
Stencil with negative and postive outline

I have used your flower stencil and want to know how I can just get the white areas to be painted as opposed to the black areas, if I cut the white areas out, the black areas will fall out too.....

======

Hi Leighann,
I'm not sure which flower pattern you are using but sometimes it helps to make 2 stencils - one for the white and one for the black, especially if there are small areas that need to be cut out. Make sure that you cut out each design in the exact same spot so that everything lines up.

Janice
======

Shirley
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 6:03 PM
How to paint over tiles

Please can you tell me uses to paint over wall tiles with - in order to change the colour. I beleive that it is now possible to do this?

======

Hi Shirley,
For the best results, give the tiles a good scrubbing with sugar soap to remove build up. If the existing tiles are very glossy, it's also a good idea to sand the surface a bit with 120-grit sandpaper - much easier if you use a multisander. This gives the primer a better surface to bond with. Apply tile primer, leave to dry and then apply matt or gloss enamel over the primer.

I also recently tried an experiment for an easier way to paint over tiles and it worked extremely well. I cut out a stencil - a piece of cardboard with a cutout square in the same size as the tile, and use Rust-Oleum Painters Touch to spray on the cleaned and lightly sanded tiles. It worked and the nice thing was that I didn't paint over the grout. Must admit though that it was a bit of a fuss doing it this way!

Janice
======

Hannelize
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 11:45 AM
Design a townhouse

Do you have any tips on designing for a town house? We just bought a new town house (which still has to be built). I just want to have a great new house, the day we can move in. It’s a two bedroom, 2 bathroom, kitchen, livingroom and a double garage. We are going to put the washing machine in the garage, otherwise there won’t be enough space for the dishwasher.

======

Hi Hannelize,
It's the little things that normally make a big difference and there are so many to think of. My most important priorities would be that you have enough light and plug points, as these are the most difficult to sort out later on. Think about everything that will be used in a room and then add for more just in case. Storage is another priority that you need plenty of. Are there cabinets in the bathroom - can you add a sink under the unit - is there enough light - is the room well ventilated, and so on. If you think carefully about each room and how it will be used, then you get to thinking about small changes that easily improve. And don't forget to take a look through the www.Home-Dzine.co.za website - there are so many topics that you are sure to get even more ideas.

Janice
======

Rochelle
Monday, March 22, 2010 5:23 PM
Remove screw in top of tap

I've mistakenly used non reversable screw on my tap top and to top it all, it was too long, now I can't get it out. it protrudes about half a centimeter at the top of the tap top. How do get it out?

======

Hi Rochelle,
Ouch! You are going to find it very difficult to remove. Have you tried with a pair of pliers to see if you can loosen it? You need to get it out without damaging the screw thread in the tap itself. If all else fails you may have to use a drill and 1.5 or 2mm HSS drill bit to drill into the centre of the screw to try and get it out.

Does anyone else have ideas?

Janice
======

Francois
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 12:43 PM
Match old wood floor to concrete floor

Hi,
We have just bought an old house, pressed ceilings, wooden floors etc. There are parts of the house that are extended from the original and hence the wooden floors stop there and tiles take over. The flow doen't look right. We were thinking of replacing the tiles with polished concrete floors, but can't find any pictures online of how wood will go with concrete. Please help!

======

Hi Francois,
Get in touch with www.concretewise.co.za. They have a fantastic range of finished polished concrete flooring options and would be able to finish the floor so that it perfectly blends with the existing wooden floors in the house. Speak to Craig or Cathy Urquhart on Tel. 086 111 5788.

Janice
======

Melanie
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 11:26 AM
Wendy house extension

I have a very small house and we are not able to afford extending or adding another room and bathroom. Therefore I pose the question - can we attach a wendy house to our home as part of the house and what are the legal requirements? example, Do we need a plan?

======


Hi Melanie,
You will need a plan as you are altering the structure of the existing building by 'attaching' the wendy house. I also don't think that your local municipality would approve of a wooden structure becoming part of the main building. There are quite strict laws regarding wooden buildings.

You don't need a lot of money to add on a small extension: cement and sand for foundations; bricks for walls; windows; plastering material, roof trusses and roofing, which can be trusses and IBR sheets. If you work all this out you can quite easily add on a proper extension that will last a lifetime and improve the value of your home. Nina- our Joburg Diva - is offering Basic Building Workshops if you are interested.

Janice
======

Margie
Saturday, March 13, 2010 6:12 PM
Wooden coat hangers

Hi
Where do I buy normal cheapish wooden hangers that I can use to cover? They seemed to have dropped off the planet or instructions on how to make them myself?

======

Hi Margie,
Wooden hangers have become so expensive to manufacture that they have now been replaced by plastic hangers. You can easily make your own using 9mm plywood - use a jigsaw to cut out the shape of the hanger - sand smooth - cover then as you wish. You can pop a large cup hook in the top to hang them up.

Janice
======

Connie
Friday, March 12, 2010 9:03 AM
Stop damp and moisture in built-in closets

Hi Janice,
Thank you for the prompt reply and instructions - much appreciated. I must also say I am using Rubsons Stop Humidity in my clothes cupboard - that is next to the shower and it works.

Thanks for that advice
Connie
======

Mabel
Friday, March 12, 2010 8:53 AM
How to hang a heavy mirror

What can I use to hang a very heavy mosaic mirror that doesn't have a frame around. I don't wan't to drill holes on it.

======

Hi Mabel,
I am presuming that there is a hanger at the back of the mirror. For hanging heavy items onto walls you need more than a standard picture hook - preferably a fischer Hammerfix N plug and screw - available at your local Builders Warehouse. You would drill a hole to the diameter and length of the nylon fitting and hammer into the wall - leaving 3-4mm of screw head away from the wall to hang your heavy mosaic mirror.

Janice
======

Jane
08 March 2010 10:50 AM
How to fill holes in ceiling

Hi,
We have put downlights in our dining room, but have two holes in the ceiling (made hole in the wrong position). What can I use to fill these holes?

======

Hi Jane,
You can use a thick piece of carboard or hardboard, cut to the size of the holes, and glued into position with Sista FT101 or FT130 (see the home page for more info on this product). These products will also fill in any gaps around the filler and can be sanded smooth and painted once dry. You can purchase both products at your local Builders Warehouse or Builders Express store.

Janice
======

Connie
08 March 2010 10:05 AM
Replace with stained glass windows

Hi, Please help. I did some stained glass window panes and would like to put them in the bathroom myself. I have Steel windo frames. Is there a quick do it yourself explanation/course/tips, please? Thank you. I also bout the dehumidifier as per your advice and it looks as if it works.

Thanks
======

Hi Connie,
Taking out old glass and replacing is a fairly easy project but does require some safety precautions. Start by putting strips of tape over the old glass - this helps to prevent the window from breaking up into too many pieces. Have something on the ground underneath the window to catch falling glass. You need to wear thick gloves and safety goggles when doing this. Remove all the old putty (or wooden beading) around the frames on the outside. Have someone hold the old glass in place while you do this, so that it doesn't fall out. Once removed, you should be able to push out the glass from the inside - try to keep it in once piece if possible.

Once the glass has been removed, clean out around the frame to remove any old putty. Knead the new putty until soft and pliable and make a long, thin sausage the fit around the frame. Place the new glass into the frame - again have someone to hold the glass - and add another sausage of putty around the frame. Push the putty down, adding more as required, and smooth with a putty knife, scaping off any excess as you go along.

Hope this helps

Janice
======

Johann
08 March 2010 09:57 AM
More than tiling for bathroom and kitchen

Good Morning
I have a challenge for you!
Being in my 60’s I have seen bathrooms going through many changes. From plain cement floors to linoleum covering to tiles. From enamel wall paint to one or two rows of tiles above the bath to floor to ceiling wall tiles in the 70’s. As from that point on wards I have not seen advertised changes or alternatives to tiles. My challenge is to find something that a DIY’er can do to replace wall tilesin kitchens and bathrooms , with same cost/price structure and as hardwearing as tiles.
Regards
Johann
======

Hi Johann,
I love challenges!
The latest trend for bathrooms particularly is to go with a water-resistant plastered finish and ditch the tiles altogether. Companies such as www.comprox.com and www.cemcrete.co.za have a wide range of cementitious products that can be applied to walls and floors, both indoors and outdoors. These products are easy to apply as a do-it-yourself project and do not cost anywhere near as much as tiles.

You can also use these products in a kitchen, but in this room I still prefer traditional tiles, which are easy to clean when they get grimy.

Janice
======

Khensile
04 March 2010 11:20 AM
How to match and fix plastering

I have recently finished building the extra rooms I had wanted in the house. The plastering was done and it's more a suitable plastering for outdoors because it's more like a scratch plastering - it has a lot of holes, meaning painting this will really need a lot paint to make it look good. The other thing is there is a part where they took out the windows and filled in with brick but the wall is now uneven and it shows that windows were removed. Is ther a type of paint that might work for this, I mean with mud kind of effects in it or thick enough to make the surfaces a bit more even. I would like to just make a messed up job a bit decent without having to do the repastering, as it is going to cost more and I don't think I can really accommodate any more mud in the house now that everything is almost back to normal.

======

Hi Khensile,
Sounds like you have a job on your hands. While some exterior paints will work to fill and hide the scratch plaster and smaller holes, you are still going to notice the uneven wall where the windows were removed. The only way to truly turn this into a decent finish will be to apply an even layer of plaster over those areas so that they are not so noticeable. Once that is done you can use a paint such as Prominent Paint Ripple or Fillercoat, which are textured paints and will work well to hide wall imperfections. You can purchase Prominent Paints are your local Decorating Centre or Prominent Paints store.

Janice
======

Nicky
Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:36 PM
Restore and paint a veneer table

I have a wood veneer dining table which I would like to have painted. Is this possible without having to sand it down first? Concerned that the veneer may be too thin to be sanded and may loose the effect of the grain. Is there a product I can apply directly onto the veneered surface and then apply paint or paint effect? Just bored with the dark wood and want to try and achieve a beach house look.

======

Hi Nicky,
If the table surface is not heavily varnished you should be able to get away with applying a Universal Primer to the surface before painting. In the Rust-Oleum range they also offer a spray primer that can be used.

Janice
======

Loretta
Thursday, February 25, 2010 1:56 PM
Problem with mildew in closets

Hi there
I wonder if you can help ? I am having a mildew problem in my built in clothes cupboards – very frustrating. Other than buying dehumidifiers from Cape Town at R565 each (I need at least 6, is there any other solution to this problem ? I live in Durban and yes I know we are in the hottest season of the year but cannot at the drop of a hat select a piece of clothing to wear as it has mildew on it and smells nasty.

I would appreciate some suggestions !
Thank you
======

Hi Loretta,
If you have such a serious problem with mildew in your built in closets I would suggest that you look at ways to increase air circulating within the cupboards. Dehumidifiers are great but will work out expensive if you need 6 of them.

There is a new product on the market from Henkel (see below) that I have been testing for a week. It absorbs moisture from the air, which is then deposited into the container. I had it in my office for a few days and started with a sore throat because the air was so dry - but bear in mind that I work in a small, closed off area with very little ventilation. My sore throat has gone and I've now popped the unit into the pantry. In one week there is already 2cm of water in the container and the weather has been hot and dry. It's worth a try.

I believe they are to be sold at supermarkets and various hardware stores, or visit www.Henkel.co.za for more information

Janice
======

STOP HUMIDITY

Nick
Sunday, February 21, 2010 4:47 PM
Brick louvres in roof space

How can I build a brick louvre. My house is very warm with the black tile roof and I want to install a louvre on each side of the house for ventilation through the roof to get my house cooler.

======

Hi Nick,
You're going to a lot of hard work and mess with this option, whereas putting in loft insulation like Think Pink will probably be far more cost effective and will definitely cool down your home. I'm also not sure if you are going to find large ventilation louvres - the most common ones are fairly small.

Janice
======

Frik
Thursday, February 18, 2010 1:13 PM
Sealing of box gutters

Please advise me how to seal leaking box gutters .I’ve been using bitumenc ompound and it did not last for long. Thank you in anticipation.

Frik Poolman
======

Hi Frik,
Bitumen becomes very soft over time, especially in such a hot spot. You need to get yourself some Pattex PL700 sealing adhesive that is heat, waterproof and UV resistant.

Janice
======

Gerald
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 4:19 PM
REAL stuff for guys!

Why "Divas"? What about the guys?
Went onto website - not a great experience to find what I was looking for (fitting of ceiling panels - tips, material options etc.). Seems not a site for serious people... but maybe it was intended to teach the fairer sex how do drill holes in walls and hang up pictures??

What about us who want information about products stocked, how to use products, useful tools and tips... i.e. what about the REAL stuff?

Let me know of you get this note - otherwise I will accept that I have hit yet another dud site to add to my list.

Regards,
Gerald
======

Hi Gerald,
You know what they say about "You can please some people some of the time ..."

We launched DIY Guys some time ago but it seems there was too much embarrassment about being taught by a woman, so it fizzled out of existence. But we did try.

The problem with REAL stuff, is that most of our local suppliers are not interested in showing people how it's done, as we might put their contractors out of business (LOL). I am going to be doing a ceiling project from start to finish and it will be shown on www.Home-Dzine.co.za and I try to accommodate all the requests that we receive, but a person can only do so much when you are spending your own money to do it.

BTW - We don't stock any products - only ideas and inspiration.

Janice
======

Marni
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:25 AM
Building a storage unit

Hi!
I need to design a storage unit for low budget decorating...need to find out the pricing - don't no what to use. Maby pine (and stain it grey) or use veneered supawood (don't know which)??

======

Hi Marni,
You must take a look through the www.Home-Dzine.co.za - DIY and Archive section. I am sure that you will find plenty of ideas for the storage unit.

Pine would be the cheapest option but make sure that you get straight pieces that little or no knots in the wood. Sand the wood with 240-grit sandpaper before you put it together and seal with Woodoc 10 with added stain concentrate. If you want a grey colour you can use the ebony stain.

Supawood is a bit more expensive, but you will be able to paint this for a nice finish. Use a Rust-Oleum primer and apply Rust-Oleum Lacquer for a high-gloss lacquer finish.

Good luck with your project!

Janice
======

Rose
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 2:55 PM
Install Cobble paving

Would like to do my own cobble paving. Are there any courses available for women to do? Or could you please advise me

======

Hi Rose,
We do offer a wide selection of workshops on www.DIY-DIVAS.co.za and there is a workshop on Garden & Pool that will be held later in the year. Alternatively, you will find plenty of articles on the Home-Dzine website that offer advice on laying paving of any sort, and cobble paving follows the same principles of installation. Take a look through the Garden section for other articles.

Janice
======

Charlotte
Thursday, February 11, 2010 8:34 AM
Water damage to bathroom vanity

We had water damage to our vanity in the bathroom. The tiles cracked because the wood swelled. We now have to rebuild the top of the vanity. Can we use a lintel to span the length of the cupboard instead of wood and tile over the lintel?

======

Hi Charlotte,
You're probably going to need more than one lintel as they are not very wide, and if you take into consideration the total weight that will then sit on top of the cuboard (if there is one), it's not a very good idea. Even one lintel is heavy. What I would suggest is a piece of shutteryply (commercial chipboard) and tile over that. It doesn't absorb as much water as chipboard and will not swell to the same extent should this occur again.

Janice
======

Theo
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 8:55 AM
Damp on wall behind shower

My bathroom is adjacent to my one bedroom wall. Dampness from the shower is penetrating the tiles and are causing blisters on the opposite side of the shower tile which is my bedroom wall. I have added some 'non-penetrative' mixture with the tile fixative but it does not seem to help. What do you suggest how do I fix the problem ?

======

Hi Theo,
The best way is to regrout the tiles to make sure they are 100% sealed, and use silicone sealer around any gaps or areas where water may penetrate into the wall. If you remove the cause of the moisture then you will solve the dampness on the other side of the wall. Check carefully for any gaps and fill these in and you should be sorted. For the wall in the bedroom, you will need to remove the paint and let this dry out completely before priming and repainting.

Janice
======

Marilyn
Monday, February 08, 2010 1:49 PM
Cover an ugly drain

Hi Janice
My drain outside my kitchen and behind the house looks bad - i was wondering will it be advisable to put mosaics on them to give them some life. Please advise.

======

Hy Marilyn,
That's a wonderful idea and a great way to disguise an ugly drain. Get yourself some heavy-duty tile adhesive - same used for natural stone tiles - to bed and grout the mosaic so it will last longer.

Janice
======

Nicky
Friday, February 05, 2010 10:12 AM
Paint bathroom pipes

Can I paint over copper and metal piping in my bathroom? I have a shower in my bath tub and pipes from the basin on the wall. I am renting a flat but these pipes are really ugly!

======

Hi Nicky,
You can easily paint over copper and metal pipes in your bathroom using an enamel paint. Use a 120-grit sandpaper to sand the pipes and give them a good wipe afterwards to make sure that they are clean before applying the paint.

Janice
======

Gail
Thursday, February 04, 2010 1:48 PM
Restore parquet floor

Hi Janice
We have recently pulled up our carpets and would like to fix up the parquet flooring underneath. What would be the best product to get rid of the glue/carpet remnants that are left behind from the under felt? And could you also advise what to use to sand and varnish/treat the floors?

Thank You
Gail
======

Hi Gail,
This trick is to remove the glue without damaging the floor. If you are going to be sanding the floors it makes the process a bit easier. It also depends on the type of glue used, although contact adhesive is the most popular and the worst to get off!

You can try two options: One way is to use a hot hairdryer to soften the adhesive and scrape it off with a PLASTIC scraper - an old credit card also works well! The other option is to go the opposite way and try using ice to harden it and then scrape it off. Both ways work and simply depend on the glue used.

Janice
======

Vicky
Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:44 PM
Repair damaged ceiling boards

Hi,
My husband recently damaged the ceiling boards around our trap door into the roof. We have been battling to get a handyman in to repair the damage as it is quite a small area and are wondering whether this is a job we could do ourselves. Could you please tell me how I would go about doing this?

Many thanks!
======

Hi Vicky,
You could easily replace the damaged boards if they are only small sections. Rip off the old boards and measure up what you will need to replace. Your local Builders Warehouse or Builders Express store will stock standard gypsum ceiling boards, which are easy to cut using a sharp craft knife. Nail them back in place, putting the nails in where the timber support beams are located. Use a paintable silicone sealer around the edges, wiping smooth for a neat finish - or use interior crack filler.

Janice
======

Paula
Friday, January 29, 2010 3:01 PM
How to paint melamine

Hi Janice,
Please could you tell me the best way to paint melamine shelves.

======

Hi Paula,
The preparation is the most important part for painting melamine. You need to sand down the surface of the melamine with 180- or 240-grit sandpaper, preferably with a *Random Orbit Sander, to provide a proper key (or surface) for the paint to bond with. Once that's done painting is as easy as rolling the paint on with a foam roller. If you have a BOSCH PFS paint sprayer - even better. And you can also use any of the Rust-Oleum range for painting melamine as well.

Janice
======

*People always ask me the difference between a normal sander, and orbital sander and a random orbit sander. The two former sanders are great for everyday sanding, but a random orbit sander is perfect for finishing as it does not scratch the surface.

Leone
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 8:38 AM
Revamp old ball and claw furniture

Hi there!
My kids are "inheriting" old bedroom furniture (free-standing wardrobes, etc) from their grandmother who has moved to a smaller place and no longer has space for it (not that I do!) - and my husband hates the old fashioned ball and claw look! Have you got any ideas for revamping/reusing old fashioned furniture in new ways? I would not like to have to sell/give away the furniture, but it does not really suit anything in our house, and I cant afford to keep it in storage for 5 years or more?

======

Hi Leone,
You lucky bug! I would love to revamp old furniture like that. There are so many things that you can do to give old furniture a new look - especially if it's going to be used in a kids bedroom.

1. Sand everything down to remove all the old varnish using 80 or 120-grit sandpaper. You may find that the furniture is buried under layers of the stuff, in which case it will be easier to use the new Plascon range of RemovAll, which is waterbased and eco-friendly. Pop into your local Builders Warehouse and get some RemovAll RWI 220. Scape off the old varnish, wipe clean and leave to dry.

2. Fill in any holes with wood filler and let dry. Sand everything with 240-grit sandpaper. If you can afford it and don't have one - use a Random Orbit Sander (Bosch PEX 220A). These sanders are finishing sanders and don't leave any scratch marks on the wood.

3. Spray paint with Rust-Oleum Painters Touch. There are some wonderful colours in the range that are perfect for kids and you will be able to co-ordinate the furniture to match their bedrooms. You will need to do the spray painting in a well-ventilated space. Rust-Oleum will be on the shelf in Builders Warehouse as from March this year (Yippee!)

4. Ornate doors, handles and feet can easily be removed and replaced with something more modern. I have seen lovely brushed steel legs and handles at Builders Warehouse - and they are very affordable.

Have fun!

Janice
======

Maureen
Monday, January 25, 2010 11:33 AM
Where does one buy Rust Oleum?

I have a chromodeck roof on patio with what looks like ducoed steel constructed beams for support. There seems to be steel without duco, right on the top which is causing rust and sort of dripping down on the ducoed beams. Would Rust Oleam be the right product toe use to seal those places and respray the beams?

Where is this product available?

Thank you
Maureen
======

Hi Maureen,
Depending upon your location, you should be able to buy Rust-Oleum at certain Pennypincher/Timbercity outlets, as well as Mica. As from March you will also be able to buy Rust-Oleum products at Builders Warehouse countrywide (yippee!!!!).

Rust-Oleum would definitely be the perfect option for your beams. I would start with Rust-Oleum Stops Rust to neutralise the existing rust and prevent further corrosion. Then you can easily paint with any of the RO exterior products.

Janice
======

Sarah
Monday, January 25, 2010 10:44 AM
Revamp an old tiled kitchen countertop

Any suggestions for revamping an old tiled kitchen counter?

======

Hi Sarah,
There are a few options that you could consider:

1. Removing the old tiled countertop and replacing with a Formica LifeSeal countertop. Priced at around R500 per 3,6m length these are reasonably affordable and will give the kitchen a completely new look.

2. If you want to remove the old tiles and re-tile it's a matter of taking off the old tiles using a hammer and chisel, removing all the old grout and tile adhesive and starting all over again.

3. If you simply want to refresh the existing countertop, you can easily remove as much of the old grout as possible and re-grout. It's a good idea to apply a grout sealer once done, as this prevents staining and keeps the new grout looking white. You will find grout sealer at your local Builders Warehouse.

Janice
======

Cheryl
Sunday, January 24, 2010 8:02 PM
Interior sliding door

We are trying to find an internal 'hanging' sliding door in white, do you perhaps know where we can obtain this from?

Thanks
Regards
Cheryl
======

Hi Cheryl,
If you don't find what you are looking for at your local Builders Warehouse or Timbercity, you'll probably have to buy the door and attach everything yourself - not that difficult. www.hillaldam.co.za supply a wide range of accessories for these types of doors, and most of these are available at Builders Warehouse.

Janice
======

Graham
Thursday, January 21, 2010 10:31 AM
How to repair a cracked basin

I recently cracked the basin in our bathroom and wondered if it can be fixed / repaired instead of replacing it?

======

Hi Graham,
There are ways that you can fix up the crack but nothing is as permanent as replacing it. You could use a 2-part epoxy filler that is water-resisting - such as Alcolin AquaMend. This is a wonderful product that can even be used in a swimming pool. Do bear in mind, however, that this is not intended as a permanent fix but it will work.

Janice
======

Kagisho
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 7:07 PM
Painting wall tiles and how to treat damp

Is it wise to remove wall tiles in the bathroom? Will repainting be a better option? What kind of paint will be suitable for old fashioned glossy tiles? I do not want to spend a lot of money on upgrading this house.

Second question: How best can I sort out dampness on the wall inside the cupboard - it seems there's a gutter problem which results in rain water filtering through the wall is my guess?

Will appreciate your assistance.

Regards
Kagisho
======

Hi Kagisho,
Painting tiles offers an affordable way to update tiles without the hassle and cost of replacing. However, it is a temporary option and I normally only recommend this process for not longer than 2 years. Take a look at: bathroom-weekendmakeover. I would also suggest that you give the tiles a sanding with 180-grit sandpaper to take some of the gloss off the top and allow better adhesion for the tile primer.

First off, sort out the problem with the gutter or the damp will never go away. You can add pipe onto the end of the downpipe to direct the flow of water away from the wall/property, or remove that downpipe and position it further along. Once the source has been removed the damp will go away. If you still experience some damp you can use Coprox Masonry Waterproofing to sort out the problem on the inside of the cupboard.

Janice
======

Ashleigh
Monday, January 18, 2010 8:24 AM
Affordable wendy house

Hi there!
Could you possibly tell me how to build an outside wendy house for my little girl? We had one growing up that my dad built, and it provided us with endless joy. Alternatively do you know of a supplier of wendy houses? (The good old traditional kind, not the bank breaking ones!!). I live in Nelspruit so ideally a place that will also deliver.

Thanks
Ashleigh
======

Hi Ashleigh,
I don't have a plan for a wendy house, but it's not very difficult to make if you think on the principle of a garden shed. The best material to use would be pine tongue and groove, pine framework, and plywood cladding inside if required.

Start off with the base (framework) and then build framework for the sides up around the base. Clad with tongue and groove and then top off with either framework and IBR or your choice of roofing material. I seem to remember doing a garden shed for the Home-Dzine Online magazine - I think in the January 2009 issue.

Janice
======

Adele
Sunday, January 17, 2010 10:25 PM
Paint for plastic - fake leather

Hi, Is there a product that I can use to paint fake leather to cover an old chair, and if so do you think is will it rub off on clothing.

******Can anyone tell me what product to use. I want to paint or dye faux leather (pleather).******

Thanks
======

Hi Adele,
I have previously tried painting faux leather with mixed results. I used Rust-Oleum spray paint for plastic and it worked on one and not the other. I think it all depends on the material itself. The problem is with fake leather is that it's not material and not plastic. You can try it with your fabric to see if it works.

Janice
======

Salma
Thursday, January 14, 2010 2:59 PM
How to soundproof my apartment

I live in a complex of 4 units,bottom floor,I can hear the movements of the people upstairs and it driving me crazy. What SOUNDPROOFING can I use on my (high) ceiling to combat this problem.

======

Hi Salma,
If you own your apartment you could consider the option of installing a false ceiling. This ceiling would be lower than the existing ceiling, and could be padded with Think Pink to block out the noise - it really does work. It's probably the best solution, and will work if you have high ceilings. If you don't own the apartment, try talking to the tenants and ask them to put down chunky rugs!

Janice
======

Steven
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2:43 PM
Bathroom ideas - remove tiles and plaster walls

Hi Janice
Living at the coast, damp is always a problem. I recently had to remove the cabinet under the vanity counter in my en-suite as the wood had succumbed to damp. The wall behind this is pretty shocking. What would you suggest to treat damp? I'm not too keen on the plascon dampseal

Secondly, I seem to recall in a back issue, an article about stripping out most of the tiles in a bath room and then skimming with rhinolite. Sort of a 'tuscan' effect? Do you recall which issue this was in? I am eventually thinking of re-doing my bathroom to get rid of all the 70's style tiles. Thanks and brgds
Steven
======

Hi Steven,
Is there any reason why the walls are so damp? Is the damp proofing course still OK? Is the ground perhaps higher than the DPC?

I was talking to a waterproofing and dampproofing specialist this morning and the one thing we agreed upon was that it makes no sense to spend a fortune on damp proofing products if it's not going to solve the problem. I can recommend the Coprox range of waterproofing and damp proofing products as I have used them myself with excellent results, but bear in mind that they are not going to cure the problem - simply hide it.

As concerns your second query. The problem with Rhinolite is that it is very absorbent, and it remains absorbent even once dry. This is going to be the worst product you can apply to your bathroom walls. Again, Coprox have an excellent range of 'plaster-effect' finishes that would work in a bathroom. They may be a little bit more expensive, but if you have already tried the Plascon Dampseal you'll know why - they work!

One nice result of using the Coprox range of plasters is that they are very modern, come in a range of colours and you can design your bathroom in any style you want.

Janice
======

Suki
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 3:19 PM
Replace kitchen countertops

Hi Janice
Your advice has really been coming in handy around the home! I'm pretty excited about all the changes taking place. Time to revamp the kitchen; now I'm not going to completely overhaul it - don't have the budget just yet - but I am redoing all the kitchen cupboards for the moment. I would also like to replace the counter, as it is pale blue formica to match the cupboards and works on my last nerve! What do you advise as a low-cost but hard-wearing counter top? I was thinking of using lintels, plaster and concrete, but I don't think the existing cupboards can handle the weight. What about using a pine surface and screeding over that (similar to a "floating cast shelf" project I saw in Home)? Do you think that would withstand daily wear and tear? Or maybe a pine counter topped with tiles?

Thanks in advance!
======

Hi Suki,
I'm so glad the information is coming in useful.

Formica Lifeseal countertops are not that expensive - a 3.5 metre length retails at about R800, but they often have specials and you can pick up a nice countertop for around R500. And 3.5 metres is more than enough for an average kitchen. Lintels, plaster and concrete will probably work out more expensive and you still have to polish the top if you want it to look nice, which will cost in the region of R1000 all in, and it will be EXTREMELY heavy. I do like the idea of a pine countertop finished with tiles, especially if you have a rustic or country-style kitchen. Be sure to get a grout sealer because grout is porous and not very healthy for food preparation.

Janice
======

Rikus
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 10:37 AM
Mineral oil for butchers block

In your DIY article on Butchers Block maintenance you mention Mineral Oil to maintain the wood and protect it from moisture. I have been to several hardware stores in Cape Town looking for Mineral oil / Butchers Block Oil, but nobody stocks it. Can you perhaps point me in the right direction on where I can get some Mineral Oil in Cape Town?

Thank you
======

Hi Rikus,
If you battle to find PURE mineral oil you can also use Coconut Oil, Cocunut Butter, Beeswax. I think I should also mention that you will probably find PURE mineral oil at your local pharmacy rather than hardware store.

Janice
======

Ashleigh
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 9:16 AM
How to change colour of paving

Hi there,
We have just extended our paving on our stoep, but unfortunately we could not find the same colour paving bricks (terracotta) and had to go with a plum colour. Is there some sort of stain on the market that we can use to stain all the paving bricks so that they at least look the same colour?

Thanks
Ashleigh
======

Hi Ashleigh,
You can easily change the colour of your paving bricks, so that you have one solid colour. Prominent Paints have a paving paint that is excellent and I have used it often for various projects. It comes in a range of colours. The easiest way to apply is to use a Bosch PFS Spray System, but you can also use a paintbrush.

Janice
======

Sundahl
Monday, January 11, 2010 8:46 AM
Storage space under a bed

Hi there,
I recently saw a program on how to create storage space in the base of ones bed. Is this easy to achieve? How can I go about doing this?
Many thanks,
Sundahl
======

Hi Sundahl,
There are actually a couple of options on the site and in the magazine for underbed storage:

http://www.home-dzine.co.za/crafts/crafts-eco-store.htm

http://www.home-dzine.co.za/bedroom/bedroom-base-drawers.htm

Both options are fairly easy, but you will need to check your base first to see if you can cut into it - otherwise try the first option.

Janice
======

Jennifer
Friday, January 08, 2010 8:23 PM
How to replace skirting

Hi there,
I am relieved and delighted to have found your site, and am very keen to start attending some basic and later advanced DIY courses.

I have a question though - are you able to tailor make courses for specifics - for example - the beginner's power tool course isn't as relevant to me as something like 'fixing' an uneven wall surface (some pock marks, and uneven surface from years of different paint layers - removed in some places and not others,, and then painted over). Also removing old skirting boards, and putting new skirting boards in.

I know - these are probably bare bones basics - but I'd like to start somewhere. If you could poiint me in the right direction, I'd be eternally grateful.

Thanks for your time
Warm regards,
Jennifer
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Hi Jennifer,
Both the projects that you mention below are easily tackled as DIY projects.

Smoothing walls
Having experienced this type of problem myself, I have found that the easiest way to work on walls is to grab some interior crackfiller to fill in dips and pock marks left from hanging pictures. Once dry you can easily use a sander and 180-grit sandpaper to 'smooth' the walls. Although this can be a messy project, if you use a Bosch sander they have a fitted filter system that is fantastic on cutting down on the dust factor.

Replacing skirting
To remove old skirting use a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer to work the old skirting away from the wall. Use a sander to smooth down any areas where there is built up paint on the walls. To install the new skirting, measure and cut to the length required. Any corners will need to be mitred at a 45-degree angle. You can use a mitre box and saw for this. Attach the new skirting to the walls using brad nails and a hammer.

You must come and join us for at least one of our DIY-DIVA workshops. We not only talk about the topics, but also provide plenty of hints, tips and techniques as well. And - because it's mostly ladies - we have lots of fun!

Janice
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Vincent
Monday, January 04, 2010 4:32 PM
Help with a fitted kitchen

If I intend fitting a kitchen, in what order do I do the following: tiling the floor, fitting the cupboards or installing the ceiling (if the cupboards will touch the ceiling)?

Vincent
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Hi Vincent,
Definitely the first place to start is the ceiling, especially if your new cupboard are to ceiling height. I would suggest that the last to be done is to tile the floor, as in this way you tile around the base cabinets.

Janice
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Yvonne
Monday, January 04, 2010 1:45 PM
Article: Add colour to a plain bedroom

Hi
Reading your article below I wanted to ask if you know of a supplier of onlays in Gauteng.
Please let me know
Regards
Yvonne
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Hi Yvonne,
I have seen them at craft and hobby shops, but they are hard to come by. The easy way to make your own is using plaster of paris and various moulds. You can use almost anything for a mould - just coat with vaseline so that it doesn't stick. Another solution is to buy polystyrene moulding strips, which you can get from your local Builders Warehouse. These are decorative strips that are used as part of dado or chair rails, and crown moulding.

Janice
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