Well we are back from the International Hardware Show, where we found answers to a lot of problems we deal with around the house. It will take about a month to get the new items into the Hardware store. But Ill give you a peek at what some items will do. One was a paint that will take old Formica that is either out of date or badly worn out, and make it look sort of like granite. Another product that will change the look and color of your tub comes in a spray can that is a real epoxy. Every epoxy I have ever used looks like paint when you brush it on, but this looks much better because it’s a spray. All of these products I will try out first and if they do what I think they will, I will write about them and tell you where to get them.

Q: The bug screen that you mentioned on April 15th, where can I get this product? Or can I use a household cloth?

A: The product you are referring too is called Bug Out. It fits in the weep holes around the brick or rock walls of your homes. It also keeps out ants, roaches, and all kinds of insects. Any good Hardware Store can get the items from their wholesalers just like I do.

Q: I am looking for an emulsion that I used on a cedar fence several years ago. It was water based and called Aquatrol. It was long lasting and seemed to preserve the wood. Do you know where I can find this product? If not is there a product that you could suggest instead?

A: I have heard nothing but good things about Aquatrol, but I could not find it either. The product I use is Super Deck and so far if looks good after about 3 and a half years.

Q: I happened to be in a part of town I’m not normally associated with and picked up a copy of the Greater Houston Weekly and saw you column. This one was the 4-22-09 piece about Mason’s Select for staining concrete. I note in the piece you reference to two prior weeks’ columns concerning the cleaning and then the etching of a concrete floor. Can you provide those two previous columns or direct me to a site where I might find them? I am not sure that staining is the direction Ill end up going, as I want to put some sort of cleanable and resistant coat onto my garage floor. I’ve read a good bit about the “issues” associated with the choices there. I imagine Ill need to clean and etch regardless, but Id also be pleased to hear your opinions about the garage floor coatings.

A: You are reading a great paper, and they said if you need a copy of the article that you can email them with what you want. How about that!! I would always choose a stain over paint because it never peels. And then finish with a clear coat on the top wear coat.

Q: 16 years ago our builder painted our garage floor a dull gray, and it has lasted just fine. Perhaps, it is epoxy paint, but I cannot tell. Unfortunately, we painted another coat with deck paint 7 years ago, and the second coat is peeling terribly. Pressure washing doesn’t work to remove it. So, how do I remove the deck paint? And can I use your technique to treat concrete with Safe Solutions and stain? If not, what can I do to change the dull gray?

A: Nothing removes paint better than Soy Gel. It has no smell and works nice and slow, so it doesn’t harden before you can get it off. And if you get some on your hands just rinse if off. First, take a very small area and test the time it takes the Soy Gel to loosen the old paint. Then take a wet rag and take it off. Soy Gel comes in quarts and gallons. Also, it only removes paint, NOT stains. Safe Solutions is the way to go!

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (21) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.