I don’t know how many graffiti removers I have tried but it’s been plenty and I have to tell you that I haven’t been pleased with any of them.  They are all very specific about what they will remove some will remove latex spray paint and some will remove oil spray paint.  And then some will remove the spray paint and the existing paint underneath.   I have a big sign out front of my store that is about 10’ wide and 2’ thick painted bright red.  Well some jr. artist tagged the sign with black spray paint on all 4 sides, 5 ‘ high.  It looked terrible.  I got a brand new product (a sample) of Remover Magic Graffiti Remover from the last hardware show that I attended.  I gave it to a couple of ladies that work for me and asked them would they see if this remover would work.  In 15 minutes or less all of the graffiti was gone.  It didn’t even dull the paint that was on the sign.  Wow!!  And that’s not all it will do.  It will safely remove oil, latex, and enamel paints.  It will remove lipstick, crayon marks, and wax.  It will remove shoe dye all types of markers, and adhesives.  It will work on glazed brick, granite, aluminum, glass and Plexiglas, regular brick, plastic and concrete block.  And on top of that it is bio-degradable, has no petroleum distillates and no methylene chloride.  Sounds too good to be true right?  But if you have read the article very long this is just one of the many products that I have found that truly works.  Hey if you youngsters that are off this summer want to help the community, cleaning off the graffiti in your area is a good project.  For more info call 800-843-3343.  And I have a few samples so if you would like to try this product, send a SASE to: Acme Lumber-4807 West Ave #200-San Antonio-78213.  We will send them out for as long as they last.

Now to the e-mail . . .

Question:  I have 2 questions.  What film do you recommend to reflect heat?  Where can I buy it?  Also you wrote about a window film that would create a dead air space- you said it was a MD product.  Where can I buy it?

Answer:  I recommend the MD window film – it can do both and you can do 5  windows for about  $10.00  Any hardware store can get it for you.  Call their 800 # 654-8454 for more info.

Question:  I am looking for some weather stripping that you mentioned in your column a few months ago.  I don’t remember the name of it or brand.  With warmer weather we need to seal out doors better to save energy. 

Answer:  MD or Penco to the rescue.  They make a weather strip self adhesive that forms a V.  All you need to install it is a pair of scissors.  It will last for 1,000,000 closings and costs about $3.95.  If you can stick down tape- you can handle this job.

Question:  I have an old chair that I dearly love.  But it’s starting to get shaky.  Is there anyway to make it sturdy without taking it all apart? 

Answer:  Yes where the wood parts come together just squeeze a little “Wonder lok em”   and in 5 minutes the chair will be sturdy again.

Question:  Johnnie I have some teak furniture that needs oiling again.  What can we use?

Answer:  About 6 months ago we got a hold of a product that is made by Howard’s.  (they make Feed and Wax)  It is for your front door that gets tons of sun and looks dull.  You just wipe it on the door and boy does the wood look great, and you don’t even have to re-varnish.  Well the “SunWax “is made for teak furniture also.  So try it- you can find it at most antique stores.  Give them a call @805-227-1000- they can tell you the closest dealer. 

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.