Hearth Attack Without Losing Your Marbles

Nov 25 2007 Donny

Ask Donny

Q My marble fireplace has faint smudge marks from the adhesive used when installed. Can I remove these without damaging the marble?

A Use a very small amount of white spirit on very fine steel 0000 steel wool and gently rub off the adhesive. It is important to use a small amount of white spirit.

Q My Artexed bathroom ceiling flakes and looks damp. I'm sure you came across this before and your recommened painting the ceiling with a particular type of paint then a second coat of a different paint but I'm not sure which type to use.

A Artex is porous and prone to dampness. I suggest you think about plastering over the Artex with a Carlite Bonding undercoat plaster and a muliti finish finishing plaster. The plaster finish won't be affected by the moisture as the Artex is.

Q My kitchen worktops are scratched. I think they are melanine blue. Is there any way to cover them up?

A Jointing compound is about the only solution you have. Once the compound has been applied, rub down with white spirit. The jointing compound will eventually come out, depending on how often you use the worktop, so you may need to reapply.

Q How can I remove motor oil from my new monoblock driveway? My car sprang a leak. I've tried everything from washing up liquid to a power washer but nothing budges it.

A Oil has to be removed fast. For persistent stains an emulsifying degreaser should be brushed over the stain and left to work on the stain then washed down with clean water. For very deep staining a steam cleaner is needed.

Q I recently moved into a new home and had natural wood flooring laid. Water from a leaky pipe reached the flooring and it started to lift. Is there a way to sort the flooring without lifting it all and reapplying the adhesive ?

A You will need to remove the damaged floorboards and replace them. Depending on how the floor is laid, it may be possible to lift the damaged section only.

Are you a DIY disaster? Our expert, Donny Sheridan, will teach you the tricks of the trade with his step-bystep guides. Contact Donny at diy@sundaymail.co.uk - but sorry, he can't answer each question individually.