I sure look forward to this time of year with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner. That time brings back memories like no other time of the year. Maybe it’s because we bring out items that we don’t use any other time of the year. You know sentimental items. That made me start thinking that you might have some items around your home that mean a lot to you, but they have been put away because they don’t look good anymore. So I thought we would talk about a couple of products that are so simple to use for wood that can make your old pieces come back to life. No matter how bad they look, with Restore A Finish, www.howardproducts.com , they will come back to life and look like new again. Even if the varnish has a cobwebby look, the Restore A Finish will take away those cracks right before your very eyes and color the wood all at the same time. Then apply the Feed and Wax, (Howards also) it will protect and give depth to the wood. Restoring a family heirloom is such a special gift. When we owned Acme Lumber we had a post office inside the store, and one time a father came in and was going to mail an old, old wood jewelry box to his daughter. He showed me the jewelry box before he mailed it and it looked like it could use some help. I asked him to put some Restore A Finish on it before he mailed it and he did and what a difference. We both couldn’t believe the change. His daughter loved it, and he was extremely proud. Now that is a gift she will remember for a lifetime.

Now to the e-mail….

Question: We have a 2 store Victorian house built in 1897 that we purchased about 4 years ago in Schulenburg. There is a flat part on top of the roof of a 6 x 6 area and the rest is composition. The owners that sold it referred to it as a widow’s perch. We have a leak which seems to be where they come together. Then there also is a flashing that wraps around the metal part and is over the composition where they come together. We had a roofer come out but he wanted to replace the whole roof to do a good job. But at the time we did not want to spend that type of cash, we the leak is only in one area. What do you suggest?
Answer: It’s a simple fix. The products’ name is called Through the Roof, www.sashco.com, it’s a clear roofing product that comes in qt, gallons, and a caulking tube. Nothing comes close to this product for durability because it lasts for years and years and is clear.

Question: I have a big problem, all of the sudden we have a sewer smell coming from the shower drain. The shower is a faux marble walk in. We called a plumber and all he was clean the drain out. No leaks by toilet or anything else. The odor continues after each and every shower. The shower is used daily and wiped down so no water is standing.
Answer: The best drain cleaner is called Drain Out. It’s a crystal and safe for all drains. It will remove hair, grease, soap clogs. Next you might have a problem with the vent pipe on the roof. Usually when you have a smell, that is the problem. But it’s an easy fix- run a hose up to the roof and run water down the pipe. It goes down the pipe and clears out all kinds of spider webs and leaves. Which is the cause of the smell.

Question: My cedar chest has lost its smell and it’s kind of an antique. So I want to be careful.
Answer: Use cedar oil. Mix 1 oz of cedar oil into 5 oz of boiled linseed oil and brush on. The cedar fragrance is back.

Question: I have an old steel swing set that has started to rust and I want to paint it.
Answer: First sand with 120 grit garnet or wet and dry paper. This way you will have a smooth finish to paint. After you sand wipe it down and spray with Rust Cure. Let dry for an hour, and then wipe off the oily residue. Let cure for 7 days and it will never rust again. After a week it is ready to repaint. Use Coronado Rust Scat Enamel.

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.