I wanted to start the article by saying “Thank You” to the folks that invited me to speak at the “Humble Home and Garden Show”.  I had a great time!  I love telling people about things that they don’t know about and then they realized how much money they can save by just using a product or two.  I even got to meet the editor of the papers for the first time and he sat right down and learned something too.  I know I have mentioned “Grip On” before, but after talking with a few people I realized I need to mention it again.  This product is a clear liquid that you just wipe on with a sponge on your porcelain tub that will make it non- slip.  You can even wipe it on the ceramic tile floor or marble, granite etc…it will make it easy to clean and non slip also.  If you have parents or grandparents that are mature and live by themselves, be sure and get a bottle of “Grip On” and wipe down the tub and surrounding area so they don’t slip and break a hip or leg.  Use it on your tub too if you are bathing young children so they don’t slip and hurt themselves.  Another good item it the 911 locator switch that looks just like a regular electrical switch that when you have it installed will make your porch light blink if you want to.  This is great for emergencies and if your are waiting for the ambulance- there is no question where your house is- especially at night.  Now Trudy, my daughter, says she uses it for alerting the “pizza guy”.  Both she says are life savers. 

Now to the mailbag….

Question:  Johnnie I am having problems with the oak parquet floor in my living room.  Moisture has caused some of the tiles to become dislodged from the cement subfloor.  How do I remove these oak tiles and reattach them?  What type of adhesive do you recommend to an area that is prone to some moisture problems?  Are there any products that can help protect the wood from moisture and prevent them from becoming dislodged in the future?

Answer:  That moisture is called hydrostatic pressure and someone left the plastic out of the concrete slab.  At this point taking up the tile and reapplying the adhesive is about all you can do.  I will be looking as I always do for a product that stops hydrostatic pressure so keeping watching the article.  I go to the National Hardware Show this week, so keep your fingers crossed.

Question:  We were ready to use Rust-Cure and Porc A Fix on a 1980’s standard bathtub when we noticed that the tub has already rusted through in a couple of small areas in the rust around the drain.  Is there an alternative remedy or do we have to get a new tub?

Answer:  Kill the rust with Rust Cure and then a week later fix the hole with a product called “Seal All” it’s a liquid weld that comes in a squeeze tube.  The rusty area will turn a gun metal grey after putting on the “Seal All” smooth it out and then apply the Porc A Fix- no need for a new tub!  Good Question!

Question:  Johnnie I used the SunWax on my door and have been very pleased with it, however the bottom part was too far deteriorated and I made the decision to have the door and side panels refinished. What will remove the SunWax?

Answer:  Mineral Spirits.

Question:  How do I remove smoke smell from bedroom furniture?  I have completely washed down the furniture with vinegar and water and aired in the sun for 8 hours.  I thought it was smoke smell free, but once moved into the bedroom and the door closed the smell is very dominant. 

Answer:  The best two products to get rid of smoke odor is Bio-Zapp and the Air-Sponge. 

Question:  I read you column and asked you about removing paint from the brick on the outside of my house.  You told me “Soy Gel”.  But I read a question in a later column and you suggested “Bix”.  Which one is best?

Answer:  Soy-Gel because it has no odor and no harsh chemicals.  Where as Bix does.  Some times people want to remove stain on wood or masonry, and that takes Bix.  But if it’s paint, it’s Soy Gel.

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.