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Feature Type:
Lifestyle

Frequency:
1x week

Target Audience:
Homeowners and others interested in home improvement

Delivery Methods:
AP Wire, BBS, FTP, Mail, Online

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Mr. Handyperson

by Mark Hetts

Mark Hetts is everybody's "Mr. Handyperson." His columns focus mostly on answering specific questions for readers, yet contain more than just "helpful hints." Hetts' answers are enhanced by his frequent addition of well-told tales or enlightening thoughts from both the consumer and personal world.

Samples

CHEMICALS IN HARD WATER CAN ETCH GLASS OVER TIME

Dear Mr. HandyPerson: My problem concerns hard-water spots on tempered glass windows installed a year and a half ago. My husband sprays water on his orchids above the windows. I've tried using Lime-Away with a plastic dish scrubber, Soft Scrub and even a ceramic cooktop cleaner with no effect. By the way, I love reading about your cats. I have two. -- Katie, Sarasota, Fla.

Dear Katie: You are not the only person who enjoys hearing about the furry mobsters who run things around Mr. HandyPerson's house. He'll provide an update (i.e., damage report) one day soon.

While Mr. HP is loath to offer discouraging words, the fact is that glass, while extremely hard and durable, is nonetheless subject to chemical etching from water.

Mr. HP usually hears about this problem for shower doors that have not been routinely wiped dry after showers and that have become permanently "cloudy." Considering all your efforts so far, it is almost certain that the windows are permanently etched. It may be a small problem to live with, compared to replacing the glass. But if the windows provide a view you enjoy, the visible spots can be disconcerting enough that you might eventually decide to replace them (and, of course, protect the new glass from water overspray and spotting).

However, here's one more thing you can try before giving up entirely. Try wiping the glass off with a soft rag dampened with undiluted white vinegar, and polish it dry with another clean, soft rag to remove any grit. Then use a small paintbrush to "paint" a small area with Lime-Away, let it set for a minute, and then gently try scraping the spots with a razor scraper. Scrape slowly in one direction (not back and forth, which can scratch the glass), and wipe off the scraper blade after each pass. Buff this small area with a soft cloth to dry it, and see if the spots are less prominent (or disappear if you are very lucky). If they seem improved, try again with the Lime-Away and razor scraper. This might make the spots less visible, possibly enough that you won't want new glass.

Honestly, it may also do nothing to help but, what the heck, there's nothing to lose by trying, yes?

Dear Mr. HandyPerson: We have a mahogany dining room table that was given to us shortly after we were married 57 years ago. The finish has worn off and will no longer take a polish. It also shows spots and streaks from use in raising our family. How can we redo the finish? -- Lorraine, Smithfield, N.C.

Dear Lorraine: Congratulations on 57 years of marriage, and here's to many more!

Because Mr. HandyPerson cannot take a close look from a few thousand miles away in California, he is hesitant to suggest specific refinishing techniques on your well-loved table. His first thought is to advise you to have the tabletop refinished by a local professional. Refinishing can be tricky for amateurs, but refinishing the tabletop would not be a terribly expensive or complicated job for a professional.

However, he'd recommend you try something before calling in a pro. A product, Howard Restor-A-Finish, is available in most hardware stores and home centers. To avoid wasting a trip, call a few businesses ahead of time to make sure they stock it.

Restor-A-Finish comes in a variety of wood tones, from neutral to very dark. Buy the one that most closely matches the undamaged finish of the table. Follow the directions on the can explicitly, including safety and ventilation instructions.

Over many years Mr. HP has used (and recommended to readers) Howard products to rejuvenate antique wood furniture he often thought he'd need to strip and refinish. For about $10, you can try this shortcut and may be able to avoid professional refinishing.

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