One of the reasons for writing the article each week is to help you to help yourself to do jobs around the house.  To introduce you to new products that help, save money and that I have tested at my house or at the store.  I always make sure that the products are easy to use and work the way they say they do.  I received an e-mail that really explains why I do the article, and that is to encourage you to do things that you weren’t sure that you could. 
      Email…..
   I just wanted to thank you for the information about the product, Giani Granite Paint.  It is wonderful and easy to use and my old countertops look like new.  My husband who things that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” commented and complimented on them every day for about 2 weeks!  My daughter saw mine, ordered the kit and redid her countertops also.  My family is sold on this and I look forward to your column each week to see if I need anything else that you tell us about.  Thanks again!
     Wow!  That’s exciting!  Not only did she use the Giani, but her daughter was so impressed that she did hers also.  She was not an expert, but just like you and me.  Don’t be afraid.  Anyone can do the projects I write about.  So look around, write me an email and I will tell you the product to use, and how to use it.  And then you can stand back and say, “I did it myself!”

Now to the e-mail….

Question:  What is the best product for cleaning stainless steel both inside (stove, or sink) and outside (grill, outside cabinets)?  I’ve tried several products, and they are unsatisfactory.  Many thanks.
Answer:  One thing to remember is that stainless steel cleaning products just clean and where the problem comes in is that there are all different grades of stainless steel.  Sinks for example sell for $39 up to $250 and the difference is the quality of stainless.  And I am not sure that the ones that sell for $39, are even stainless.  I am testing several products and one that Trudy said worked for her.  But for right now, I called the manufacturer and he said after you clean, put some baby oil on it and that will make it look better. 

Question:  We bought some Grip On from your website, after reading one of your columns.  We want to apply it to our bathtub.  My question is:  We have noticed on the container that it doesn’t mention the kind of bathtub we have and we are hesitant bout applying it.  We have a steel bathtub with enamel painted over it.  The house was built in the 70’s and I think that it is the kid of tub they used most of the time then.  Can we apply the Grip On to the tub and it not bother the enamel on the tub? 
Answer:  Most all steel tubs are coated with porcelain that I know of.  To test the tub clean it first with Delete Germ (best for removing lime, soap scum) and rinse off with clear water completely removing the Delete Germ.  Now clean the TSP and rinse again.  This sounds like a lot of cleaning, but we want a completely clean surface to apply the Grip On to.  Once you apply the Grip On, when you step on the tub, it will feel like suction cups are on your feet.  You are not going to slip.

Question:  I have slate tile floors in my kitchen and powder room.  The house is 7 years old and the floors were sealed when the floors were laid.  The product used was Tile Lab Finishing Sealer.  Since then, the floors are just mopped weekly with water and nothing in it.  My questions are: 1. How can I clean, enhance, seal? 2. My friends used polyurethane to seal the slate and it looks shiny all the time- is that an option.
Answer:  Use Quick Shine No Bucket to clean weekly and then the Quick Shine Floor Finish for shine.  It’s not a wax; it’s polymer finish that doesn’t build up.  You apply it with a mop, and it’s much more economical than a professional sealing.  You can put up to 6 coats, and let dry between coats. 

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.