I guess now that I’m getting along in years I notice more ideas at the National Hardware Show that make it easy to water the grass and flowers around the house.  Here are a couple that I found back at the last show in Florida.  The number one new product at the show was called Easy Slide, it’s a quick connect for the hose and faucet.  Instead of having to unscrew the hose from the faucet every time you can install an “Easy Slide”, and just slide off the hose from the faucet.  If you have ever had to look for pliers because the connection is tight or if you have problems with arthritis in your hands this is a big deal, and it’s one thing less to worry about.  It will work with the sprinkler too. And you know when you attach the hose to the faucet and water leaks out between them, well that won’t happen because there is an “o” ring in the Easy Slide that keeps it from leaking.   They come 2 to a package and cost less than $5.     For more info call 951-656-7571.  Then there is the “¼ Turn Faucet” that comes with a flat handle that won’t rust.  It will turn on and off in just a ¼ turn so no more twisting the handle.  Now you don’t have to worry about your outside faucets anymore because your Happy Handy Man is on the job for you, and any hardware store should carry these items.

Now for the e-mail . . .

Question:  Is there a product that will hide surface scratches on marble vanity tops?  And how do I get your book?

Answer:  Stone Tech makes a polish that helps hide those surface scratches, just spray it on and then wipe it off.  It provides a nice luster to old dull cultured marble also.  You can get the book by going to www.acmelumber.com  and shop Johnnie’s favorites.

Question:  I have a tub/shower with terrazzo marble walls.  The marble gathers soap scum, and is a maintenance problem.  Most cleaners caution against using them on terrazzo marble.  I am considering cleaning and then coating with a clear plastic polyurethane or such.  Do   you have any suggestions?

Answer:  Please do not coat the marble with anything like that.  There is a product called Delete Germ and it is a great product to clean any shower but you put it on, clean and seconds later rinse it off.  It will even clean lime off a glass shower door.  It has a nice pepper mint fragrance.  I have used it for over 30 years.  Just try a small spot and you will see what I mean.  After getting the walls  and floor of the shower clean then put a product called Grip On that will make the floor non slip and also easy to clean.  Open the window when using the product.

Question:  Johnnie in 1989 my husband had ceramic tile installed in the bathroom.  Some of the tiles are loosing.  How do you get the loose ones out and what do you use to reset them?  I love your column.

Answer:  Poly Seam Seal to the rescue.  It will seal down the loose tiles and then you can grout around the tile after sticking them back down.  For the loose tiles just squirt alittle Poly Seam Seal behind the tile and then hold in place for a minute. 

Question:  We had slate installed in our covered patio.  The young man didn’t seal it- is it supposed to be?  So I bought a “color enhancer” that didn’t do anything but add to the cost of the project.  It looks terrible and it’s all grey- it’s been like that for a year.  Can you help?

Answer:  Macloskey makes a great product it’s called Patio and Stone Sealer and it will bring out more color and give more protection than anything I know of and it’s easy to find at most hardware stores because it’s been around for 20 years.  You can roll it on or brush it on or even spray it on with a pump up sprayer.

Question:  We have a house that has those ceiling that look like cottage cheese.  They need to be painted because they have stains on them.  I don’t have the strength to remove the stuff can I just spray over it?

Answer:  Yes, and your Coronado paint dealer has the product to prime with the first coat so that the stains won’t show through.  Then after the primer (Grip and Seal) then use the Tough Walls in a flat to paint the ceilings. 

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.