When it comes to getting rid of wallpaper or the wallpaper look it is easier than ever before.  If you want to paint wallpaper, make sure all the edges are stuck down.  Even if the edges are stiff, moisten them with a sponge and they will lie back down.  Then apply “Stick Easy” to the edges to glue them back down.  It’s great glue for wallpaper, not a crazy glue type, but a real wallpaper glue.  Once all the edges are nice and neat you have a smooth surface to work with.  However if you are missing some areas of the wallpaper, then just use “Dap Spackling” that goes on pink, and dries to white.  Now is the important part- primer!  The best primer to use is the one made by Coronado, called “Grip and Seal”.  It dries in 20 minutes because it’s latex and has little to no smell and it keeps the wallpaper from bleeding through.  Use 2 coats and then you can paint. 

If you decide that you want to remove the paper there are just a few steps to do that.  First score the wallpaper with a tool called “Paper Tiger”.  Then you use a remover called “M-1”.  Spray it on, let it set and then you can pull the paper off in sheets.  Then you are ready to prime.  After priming you can paint and apply texture at the same time by just putting “Add A Texture” (comes in light and heavy) right in the paint and then you just roll it on.   A suggestion, you can use any paint but I like to use Coronado Tough Walls, because it’s scrub able after curing (about 72 hours).  This is an easy job to do that can be accomplished in a weekend- and I can’t think of anything cheaper- with a bigger bang. 

Now to the e-mail…..

Question:  I have some old cheap plastic chairs that I would like to repaint.  Do they make it in a spray paint?

Answer:  Yes, and it’s called “Fushion” and made by Krylon.  It sticks to plastic- so fix up those chair, tables, and kids play houses.

Question:  My dishwasher is just not cleaning the dishes.  Short of getting a new washer- what do you suggest?

Answer:  You dishwasher probably is all clogged up.  The jets on the arms are not open- so you are not getting lots of water to clean with.  Use a product called “Dishwasher Magic”.  It works longer in the dishwasher- so it cleans better.  They also make a “Washing Machine Magic” that does the same thing for washing machines.

Question:  I saw some one at the car wash cleaning their window A/C unit- wow that looked like a lot of trouble, but mine is dirty too.  What can I do?

Answer:  A product to clean window A/C and central units is called “K.O. Dirt Blaster” and it comes in a spray can.  It will blow all the dirt out and it does not need to be rinsed.

Question:  I have a problem with my sprinkler system.  When the system shuts off on the last section it vibrates the water pipes in the house very hard and loud.  I’m afraid it’s going to separate a pipe.  Can you give me a solution?

Answer:  You have just lost your air cushion.  Go to the street and turn off the water.  Now go around and open up all the faucets and flush the toilets.  Now go turn the water back on.  Go around and shut the faucets off, your air cushion will be established.

Question:  My son in law has a hole on the edge of his concrete driveway.  Adding dirt has not fixed the problem.  Any ideas?

Answer:  I love it when the answer is easy.  Here is what to do.  Clean out the dirt.  Then get a box of “Rockite”.  It is a fast drying cement, with a concrete bonder built right in.  Then dampen the “Rockite” with a sponge.  It’s a cement color so it will blend right in.

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.