Table Is Pining For Wonderful Waxed Wood Look

Feb 24 2008 Donny Sheridan

DIY Donny

Q The finish on my waxed pine tables is drying out. How can I return them to their former glory?

A Furniture wax will stop the wood drying out. Water causes marks and should be avoided at all costs.

Clean using a wax remover and finegrade steel wool, going along the grain of the wood. While wet, use a lint-free cloth to wipe off the old softened wax.

Apply new wax using a lint-free cloth, building it up in layers. I recommend Briwax, available from Smith & Rogers Ltd in Glasgow (0141 248 6341). Their experts can offer further advice.

Q I painted my door and used masking tape to stop the glass being stained. But it is stuck tight. How can I remove it?

A Masking tape can bond to a surface if left too long. Use a glue remover or try a window scraper and soapy water.

Q I plan to remove the fireplace in my bedroom and brick up the chimney. Do I need a vent fitted in the brickwork and should I block off the chimney at roof level?

A Carry out a smoke test to make sure the chimney is free-flowing. If not, sweep it. The smoke that comes out of the top will show which is yours.

Fit a chimney flue vent at roof level and fit an airbrick vent where the fireplace is being removed. This lets air circulate through the chimney, preventing dampness in it.

Q I replaced tap washers on an upstairs wash-hand basin. Since turning the mains stopcock back on, my downstairs water pipes keep knocking. The noise starts when my cold tap is opened. Why?

AMake sure you replaced the existing washer with the same type. Using the wrong one can result in knocking.

Q In the last year I have had three rooms skimmed with plaster and cracks have appeared. I've been told they are stress cracks. Can I fix them?

A If the walls are plasterboard there shouldn't be cracks. If it's a tenement or Victorian property with lime plaster walls there can be differential movement between the carlite finish plaster and the old lime wall. This is most noticeable above radiators, where the expansion and contraction is at its most extreme and will result in cracks. Tape over them with Gyproc joint tape, cover with a couple of coats of fast set and sand once dry.