It’s all about the mailbag this week…..

Question:  Help!  I have a front door that gets 70% sun and the door is made of fiberglass.  It has started to fade and peel.  Last year we were advised to clean and sand, then use mahogany varnish.  When dry to use a clear semi gloss spar urethane sealer.  This we did however it is now peeling again and really it looks bad.  What can I do?

Answer: First I must tell you that fiberglass makes a great front door so let me  tell you how to apply a stain and varnish.  The product I recommend to take off the urethane off use a product called Soy-Gel this is paint and varnish that is non-toxic and has no odor.  I suggest that you pick a good clear day and take the pins out of the door hinge and put the door on saw horses in the garage.  Brush the Soy-Gel on a third of the door and put it on 1⁄4 of inch thick, leave it on for an hour and it may be ready to come off.  But you may have to give it two hours.  Then take the varnish off with a wet rag.  I love this remover.  After removing the varnish then use Old Masters Gel stain and apply it with a soft rag remembering that the harder you press the lighter the color.  Let the Gel Stain dry at least 24 hours before applying the Old Masters Marine Varnish.  It comes in a semi gloss and a high gloss.  Always apply 2 coats of varnish sanding in between coats of varnish with a 400 grit garnet paper.  Then after sanding wipe the door down with a tact cloth to remove any dust.  Then you are good.  After a year I would suggest that you apply the “Sun Wax” as an added protectant.  “Sun Wax” is made by the same people that make “Feed and Wax” that you use inside the home. 

Question:  Johnnie I have a rusty non-ferrous iron gazebo in my backyard.  Rather than repainting it I thought I would wire brush it and then put on a clear coat to retard the rust some what and yet keep the old rusty appearance.  What do you think?

Answer:  I have an idea, get rid of the rust (rust is not a good idea) with a product called “Rust Cure” just spray it on and let dry for 30 minutes.  Wipe off the oily residue with a soft rag.  Leave it alone for 7 days.  The rust will go away and never come back.  Then you can paint it any color you want and not have to prime.  You don’t even have to paint.  You can use “Rust Cure” on any metal, pipes, fencing, roofs etc…

Question:  I have a 25 year old home with molded cultural marble sinks.  The basins have developed hairline cracks.  Then need to be repaired.  I love your articles.

Answer:  Thanks for the kind words.  The best product to renew old man made marble is called “Stone Polish” made by StoneTech.  After you put on a few coats of the polish is might cover up the cracks.  But give them a call   888-786-6343.

Question:  I am getting ready to replace the wooden fence in my back yard.  There seems to be two choices for wood, pressure treated or cedar.  What are the pros and cons of each and what do you recommend for my yard.

Answer:  When it comes to fences cedar looks the best and can be kept looking beautiful with “Cabots” semi solid wood stains plus it has more solids and so it will last much longer.  And you can still see the wood underneath.  When it comes to treated or cedar always get the thickest wood pickets, check around to find them.  They won’t be the cheapest.  Always put a 2 x 4 treated behind the pickets and use 3- 2 x 4 stringers, one at the top and one in the middle and one at the bottom.  That keeps the pickets from twisting.  The treated pickets last longer with less maintenance.  You can even stain them after they have dried out. 

Question:  Johnnie we recently purchased an antique kitchen cabinet from an auction house.  It is beautiful, but it smells—bad.  I have tried everything including drowning it in orange Pledge.  But still it smells.  What can I do?

Answer:  There are 2 things to do – but first get all the other stuff off.  Then use a product we have talked about before, “Bio Zapp” it’s a spray and will not harm the cabinet.  Then use an “Air Sponge” open it up and lay it in the drawers with a fan blowing across it.  Those 2 items will kill any smell.  You can even use the “Air Sponge” behind the filter in your return air of the air conditioner to remove any odor from the house.

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KTSA (5500 AM) from 9-11 or call 828-8907. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.