In the past 10 years there has been such excitement for natural stone.  Everyone wants to put in granite counter tops, and travertine on the floor, and flagstone out on the patio.  And who can blame them, it looks beautiful.  And I think that with the excitement came an expectation that is bullet proof.  And that is not true.  Natural stone is not maintenance free.  So I thought I would lay a little info on you on how to take care of your natural stone.  If it’s been a while since you cleaned your counter tops, Stonetech makes a heavy duty cleaner called “Klenzall”.  After cleaning, you need to seal the counter top.  Use Stonetech Natural Stone Sealer that is easy to use and comes in a spray.  Then on your weekly cleaning use Stonetech Revitalizer.  It comes in a spray, or in a canister of tissues that you just wipe on your counter top and throw away.  (reminds me of baby wipes)  It will keep your counter top clean and protect all at the same time.  If you have natural stone in your bathroom or shower and you have colored grout, Stonetech makes the only grout cleaner without bleach.  You sure don’t want to bleach out your colored grout so use Stonetech Restore.  It also is the one to use for colored grout for tile.  If you get a grease stain in your natural stone Stonetech also makes an oil stain remover that works.  Remember you can do these things yourself and save some real expense.  Now if you look at your floors or countertop and wonder how to clean, shoot me an e-mail and I will get back to you.  And if it’s an original question, you will see it right here in the article so that you help someone else.

Now to the e-mail….

Question:  I have a cat who has sprayed many, many times on our leather recliner.  I’ve bought 2 different urine smell enzyme removers from different places- and nothing kills the smell.  This was an expensive chair and I don’t know what to do.
Answer:  Use the Bio-Zapp.  It will neutralize any odor.  If turning the chair up side down will allow you to get the Bio-Zapp in underneath- that will help.    It’s clear so I don’t see how it will be a problem with the leather. 

Question:  My kitchen table scratches very easily, and dents easily and if you write on paper too hard it will leave the imprint on the table.  What do I need to do to refinish the top?  It has a very thin veneer and is the color of cherry maple.  It looks horrible and its only 2 years old.  I’m afraid that if I take the varnish off I might ruin it.  Help!
Answer:  I don’t usually recommend Polyurethane but inside the house it is fine.  Old Masters makes oil based interior finish polyurethane in several finishes.  The finish is so hard you can use it to recoat a wood floor.  Try a spot first though, maybe underneath the table to make sure that it’s what you want.  Most stores should carry it, but if you can’t find it then give me a call.

Question:  Since Ike blew very hard against our windows air seeps into our kitchen frm around the panes of glass.  It seems to me they need to be reglazed with clear silicone or another product.  What do you suggest?
Answer:  Use a product called Dap Latex Window Glazing – it comes in white and is easy to use because it comes in a caulking tube and has a special top.  Most hardware stores should carry it . 

Question:  Our front door is solid wood and is 6 years old.  From the outside the finish is looking very worn.  The inside is fine.  I found an ad in a magazine for a company that specializes in refinishing doors in one day.  I thought I could do this project.  We have 4 dogs so leaving the door open for all day, might not work.  Can you help?
Answer:  Try a new product called Sunwax made by Howards. They make the Feed and Wax products.  Clean the door first with just a damp rag so all the dust and dirt is off.  Then wipe on the Sunwax with a soft rag or old T-shirt.  I used it and it made a huge difference on my door that faces a setting sun.  Now I just wipe it on every couple of months and the door stays looking great. 
 

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.