On the 4th of May I will be visiting the International Hardware Show in Las Vegas.  I go every year to in search of new and innovative products that save you time and money.  The past years I have found “Quick Shine”, the product that will put a shine on your floors in one coat, and the product “ No Bucket” that will clean your floor without dulling the shine, and you don’t even have to rinse.  Is that easy or what?  And then last year we found “Giani Granite Paint” for laminate counter tops.  I can’t tell you how many times that I got the question about burned and damaged counter tops from readers that didn’t want to change out the top for one reason or another, and this product will fix all those problems.  And then there is the product that produces a stainless steel finish, with a paint brush!  You can redo your kitchen for less than $100, in a weekend.  So that’s the kind of products that I look for.  It’s exciting time for me and I will share it with you. 

I got a email the other day that I want to share with you…
Johnnie, thank you so much for your recommendations on “Feed and Wax”.  We live in a home that ws built in 1983 and it has the original cabinets.  They were looking pretty bad with the accumulated grime and the finish gone in some places ( the cabinets didn’t have any knobs or pulls so when you opened them you were always grabbing at the wood)  Not having the money to get new caninets, I tried Feed and Wax.  First I cleaned the cabinets very thoroughly with a Magic Eraser.  Then I used a sharpie furniture wood touch up marker where the finish had worn off.  I applied the Feed and Wax and then to top it off I put brushed nickel knobs and pulls on all the door and drawers.  I did this to the kitchen, laundry room and both bathrooms and the results are fantastic!  Our home looks updated for less than $100.

And that’s why I go to the shows, and do this article.  If I can find one product that will improve your home, get you out of a jamb, or just give you information you can use later then the trip and time is all worthwhile.  So wish me luck, and when I get back- you readers will be the first to hear about the new and exciting products that I found.

Now to the email…..

Question:  Two years ago my husband painted the garage floor with epoxy paint.  About 6 months later it started to peel and flake in places and it continues to this day.  Moisture comes up through the concrete.  How can the remaining paint be removed or how can the floor be prepped and repainted?  Can you suggest something? 
Answer:  The best paint remover is one called Soy Gel made from 100% American soy beans.  It takes it’s time but it does a great job.  It will remove lead barrier paint, latex paint, enamel, varnish, and urethanes.  When using “Soy Gel” just take a small area to test.  See how long that it takes to remove the paint, so that you know how long the job will take.  Put the “Soy Gel” on about 1/8 of an inch thick.  Once the paint is removed clean and etch the surface with “Safe Solutions” which will clean the concrete and etch it.  (that helps the concrete to absorb the stain)then rinse with clean water.  Let dry, and test to see if it is ready to stain.  Put a few drops of water on the concrete and see if it soaks in, if it does, you are ready.    Now you can stain the floor.  After staining, put a coat of clear product.  All products are made by Super Deck, and the concrete stains are called Mason’s Select. 

Question:  Please help me get the mildew off the outside of my house.  I have a beige vinyl siding and the soffit is white.  It looks dirty.  Should I use bleach if so how do I do this? 
Answer:  Never use straight bleach on paint or vinyl siding.  Don’t use a pressure washer either.  Use a product called Jomax.  Here is the formula:  1 pt of Jomax, 3 pts of bleach and put in a 2 or 3 gallon pump up sprayer, fill with water.  Spray the areas to clean and rinse with clear water.   

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.happyhandyman.com.