We need ceiling spotlight holes like a hole in the head

Jun 1 2008 Donny Sheridan

Q We are moving to a new house and the plasterboard ceiling has spotlights which we don't like. What can we use to fill up the spaces?

A Get a sheet of plasterboard which is the thickness of the existing ceiling plasterboard - either 9.5mm or 12.5mm. Square off the holes in the ceiling, transfer the square hole size on to a section of plasterboard and cut through the paper. Snap the plasterboard and remove the hard white Gyproc section, leaving the paper intact. Spread fast set plaster over the surface of the ceiling where the hole has been squared off and stick the cut section of plasterboard into the hole, spreading the paper over the surface of the ceiling. Allow to set and dry then apply a second coat of plaster over the patch, sand and paint.

Q I'm having a problem cutting glass wall tiles. I need to take 17mm off but can't get a clean cut as the edges are ragged and easy to cut your fingers on. Can you help?

A Once you have cut off the required amount, use fine sandpaper or a sharpening stone (the type that is used to sharpen chisels) to rub along the cut edge of the glass tile. This will remove the frayed sharp edge and make the tile less likely to break or chip at the edge.

Q I have a porch 5ft square and would like to decorate it. I have burned off the old paint and varnish with a heat gun and I'm about to stain and varnish the woodwork. How do I achieve a lovely finish to the stripped wood work?

A The heat gun is the hard bit. Next make sure the room is well ventilated and then apply Nitromors over the stripped paint with a 2in paint brush. Leave for approximately 20 minutes and remove with coarse wire wool. Any stubborn sections can be cleaned using the wire wool dipped in Nitromors. Once all traces of the paint have been removed, wash down with fine steel wool and white spirits to avoid raising the grain. Allow to dry and give the wood a final rub down with fine steel wool. Then apply your stain, wax or varnish.

Q What's the best way to fix a castiron bath to the wall? I have too much movement in mine.

A The problem is the bath needs to be levelled on the floor. Take your time to level the floor or pack up the legs. That will stop your bath wobbling.