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Hear how to prevent old paint from coming through, what to do about peeling paint in a bathtub, and more.
Covering old paint
The homeowner tries to paint the interior walls, but the old color keeps coming back.
“I’ve now put three coats of primer on the walls and the old paint is still shining! they say. “Is there anything I can do to successfully cover up that color?”
There are a few steps you can take to try to improve the coverage of your primer:
Sand the walls: Sanding the walls will create a rough surface for the primer to adhere to, which can improve its coverage. Be sure to wipe the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust after sanding.
Use a high-quality, high-adhesion primer: Some primers are specially formulated to adhere to difficult surfaces, such as glossy or oil-based paint. Using a high-quality, high-adhesion primer can improve coverage of old paint.
Learn more: How to choose the right sandpaper grit for the job
Use a bonding primer: Bonding primer, also known as adhesion primer or glue primer, is a type of primer that is specially formulated to adhere to difficult surfaces. It is designed to bond to surfaces that are otherwise difficult to stick to, such as glossy paint, metal or plastic. Be sure to allow each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Primer shade: This type of primer is mixed with a small amount of paint pigment to give it a light color. Tinted primer can be used to mask dark colors or surface imperfections or to enhance the overall appearance of a finished paint job.
If the paint is still showing, you may need to paint the walls a dark color to hide the old paint.
Peeled paint on the bathtub
The paint is peeling like crazy in the new owner’s bathtub.
She says: “It’s been like this since they moved in, and we’re wondering if it’s okay to take it all down.”
It’s generally not a good idea to remove all the paint from the tub. If the paint is peeling, it is likely that the underlying layer is not well attached to the surface of the tub, which could cause further peeling and damage.
One option is to remove loose, flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush. Then sand the surface to create a rough, porous surface for the new paint to adhere to. The tub should then be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying a new layer of paint.
If the paint is in bad shape and can’t be salvaged, remove all the paint and start over. However, this can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It is also important to keep in mind that the substrate may not be in good condition.
Before starting any work on the bathtub, it is important to protect yourself and the environment. Wear protective equipment and cover all nearby surfaces with rags.
Read painting a bathtub? Here’s what you need to know for more information.
If you’re not comfortable repairing your bathtub yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional to refinish your bathtub.
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Listen in to learn the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, how to fix rotten foundation, how to keep snow from getting into ridge vents, and more.
Advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters
A homeowner is considering replacing their standard water heater with an electric tankless water heater and wants to know the pros and cons.
Advantages of tankless water heaters:
- They can provide an endless supply of hot water: Since tankless water heaters heat water on demand, you will never run out of hot water.
- They are more energy efficient: Tankless water heaters heat water only when you need it, so they are more energy efficient than traditional water heaters. This can result in energy savings of up to 40 percent.
- They have a longer shelf life: Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters because they don’t have a tank that can rust or corrode.
- They are more compact: Tankless water heaters are much more compact than traditional water heaters, making them a good choice for small houses or apartments.
Disadvantages of tankless boilers:
- They have a higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters have a higher initial cost than traditional tank water heaters. However, energy savings over time can offset this initial investment.
- They require more maintenance: Tankless water heaters require more frequent maintenance than traditional water heaters. This includes cleaning the burner and replacing the filter.
- They may not be suitable for large households: Tankless water heaters may not be able to provide enough hot water for large households with multiple showers and appliances running simultaneously.
- May not be suitable for homes with low water pressure: Tankless water heaters require a certain minimum water flow to operate efficiently. If your home has low water pressure, a tankless water heater may not be a good choice.
Replacing broken soffits
The homeowner’s subframes buckle and rot. He asks, “I’m not sure what to replace them with. What do you suggest?”
It sounds like you may be having issues with the structural integrity of your soffits. Crooked and rotting subfloors can be a sign of water damage or poor ventilation. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to completely replace the soffits.
There are several options for replacing the soffit:
- Wood: Wood is a traditional material for soffits, but requires regular painting or staining to maintain its appearance. It can also rot or become infested with pests if not properly maintained.
- vinyl: Vinyl flooring is low-maintenance and rot-resistant, but can become brittle over time and can be prone to cracking in extreme temperatures.
- aluminum: Aluminum substrates are durable and rust-resistant, but can be prone to pitting and may require periodic painting.
- fiber cement: Fiber cement floors are a more expensive option, but they are extremely durable and resistant to rotting, warping and insect attacks.
Preventing snow from entering ridge vents
Snow constantly enters the homeowner’s attic space through vents in the ridge every time there is a blizzard with high winds.
He says: “There is enough snow that I have to shovel it. Snow collects on the beam below the ridge opening where the bulbs are attached. How can I alleviate this problem?”
There are several steps you can take to prevent snow from entering your attic through ridge vents:
- Install snow guards: Snow guards are devices that are placed on the roof to prevent snow and ice from sliding and accumulating on the eaves.
- Install the heat cables: Heat cables, also known as roof defroster cables, can be installed along eaves and ridges to prevent snow and ice from accumulating. The cables use electricity to generate heat, which melts snow and ice on contact.
- Set up a snow fence: A snow fence is a physical barrier placed on the roof to block wind and prevent snow from blowing into the attic through ridge vents.
- Insulate the attic: Proper attic insulation can prevent snow from melting and refreezing in the attic, which can cause ice to form.
It may also help to have a professional inspect your roof to make sure it is properly sealed and in good condition. If snow is entering through holes or vents in the roof, these issues need to be addressed to prevent future snow accumulation in the attic.
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Simple solutions
Wrong size key? No problem! — What do you do when an open-end wrench is a little too big for the nut or bolt you’re trying to loosen or tighten? This happens when you are working on a metric fastener and only have a standard size wrench or vice versa.
Well, you may have heard of the trick of using a metal washer or coin to fill the key gap. And while that works – sometimes – here’s a better solution:
Place an oversized wrench on the nut or bolt, then jam a slotted screwdriver into the gap between the fastener and the wrench.
The wedge tip of the screwdriver tightens the fit and really locks the key in place.
Watch: Do it! Hack your keys to crack nuts
Steam clean your microwave — Here’s an easy way to clean the inside of your microwave without any effort:
- Pour a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar into a glass container.
- Place the bowl in the oven and microwave on high for a few minutes.
- Carefully remove the pan, then use a scouring pad to scrub the inside of the oven. The steam created by the water and vinegar will loosen even the most stubborn stains that have hardened.
See: How to steam clean your microwave in minutes
Further reading
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