Winning Questions - Week 8
Question: What's the best way to paint shutters?
Jack's advice: When you paint plastic shutters there are only two concerns. First, you have to make sure they are totally clean, use TSP-90 and scrub the dirt and oxidation off the shutters. Second, you can only paint the shutters with a color that is the same as or lighter than the original color value (how light or dark). If you paint them too dark they can warp and twist. You should use a good quality acrylic latex paint, like Benjamin Moore's Moorgard or Moorglo. If they are really shiny you should use an acrylic-urethane bonding primer.
Question: I had a little mishap! In an effort to recycle, I emptied the contents of some cans down the garbage disposal. I flushed the food and water down the drain, but the last can was sauerkraut. I took a plunger and tried to free the clog, then I got a pail, unscrewed the pipe under the sink and everything blew out. Suddenly the kraut(which was really cured) and water flew out the pipe under the sink, over the top of the pail, in the cabinet and on the kitchen floor. First I thought the backyard pool was draining, or maybe I should make a reuben sandwich! But, then I thought I shouldn't have unplugged the drain, right? Hanging on to the counter tops so I wouldn't take a flying leap, I slid to the phone to call for help! My sister and her husband and two friends shot over like Ghostbusters! Of course, my husband wasn't home, but that was a good thing at the time. We tried a "snake" that didn't work, so one guy proceeded to cut the pipe in the basement, one guy held the bucket and the other tried to suck up the beans, corn and kraut with the large hose of the shop vac. The contents of the cans and the 'kraut' blew out of the pipe on them and my cellar wall. The concrete wall and some insulation has absorbed the liquid, so now the whole cellar smells like one big 'kraut' factory. What do I do now, Jack, or what would be cheaper, get a new foundation, or call a divorce lawyer, 'cause there is not much conversation in the house now! Or maybe you have a product to wash the concrete walls, some sensible ideas, or should I get a job at the Octoberfest!!! Help me with my 'kraut'!!!
Jack's advice: WOW! what a mess. The insulation must be replaced and I would suggest the walls be cleaned with "Simple Green" cleaner, then use a product call "Bad Air Sponge", it comes in a can and all you do is open the can and it absorbs the smell.
Question: What should I use to seal a leaky gutter seam? One
gutter is plastic and one is metal.
Jack's advice: We have a product called Butyl-Flex which is a rubber adhesive that is for gutters. It is watertight and flexible.
Question: What's the best way to resurface a countertop?
Jack's advice:I found a great article online that will walk you through the entire process. Check it out here:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4425236_resurface-laminate-countertop.html
And if you need any of the materials, remember that we've got you covered at JAY-K. Stop in and talk to any of our experts and let them know that you spoke with me. They'll hook you up. Good luck on your project and please let me know how it turns out.
Read The Previous Week's Top Questions HERE
