Hour 1
Listen to learn more about restaining kitchen cabinets, refreshing concrete countertops, and more!
How to Re-Stain Kitchen Cabinets
A homeowner is redoing kitchen cabinets that are oak wood and haven’t been redone in over 57 years. She wants to save money, so she decided to keep the old cabinets and enhance what she has.
She wants to know, “If I want to stain the cabinets, do I need to sand the entire cabinet?”
When you have cabinets like that, there are a series of steps to follow. Remove the cabinets before beginning for an easier process. Then, thoroughly clean the cabinets with a citrus cleaner, making sure to remove all of the grease and grime.
Next, apply a light coat of clear polyurethane over it, water-based or oil-based. This step will give new life to the cabinets. This is a great place to start.
If you want to go more extensive than this, then you will need to sand and potentially strip off the existing stain to the best of your ability. You can use a citrus stripper that will allow you to strip off the previous stain. Then, you want to clean them extremely well and make sure to get all of the dust off before restaining.
Since the homeowner has no failures with the finish, we suggest just cleaning and applying the polyurethane. If you have more damage to the previous stain, we suggest sanding the cabinets. If you have grooves in your cabinets that make it difficult to sand, use a sponge sander to really get in those tough places.
How to Refinish Concrete Countertops
Luann Sult recently purchased a home in Florida that has concrete countertops — and they’ve begun to stain in some places. Even the finish has started to show signs of wear and tear.
Now, she wants to know, “Is there an easy fix to this?”
Concrete countertops have been around for a while and have many advantages.
Usually, when it comes to refinishing a concrete countertop, you will need to call a professional to determine how much damage was done and how to blend those problem areas in with another color or a similar color.
Since these countertops are porous, it is not unusual for finishes to fail. Fortunately, there is a great product that was made to help refinish concrete countertops.
Finale is a four-step system: first, you need to clean and remove any stains; second, scuff up the surface or do a light sanding with an abrasive cream; third, clean it again and get any dust off; and finally, paint the new stain or finish onto the countertop.
Another option is to look at options from Daich Coatings. These decorative finishes would look great for this type of countertop, and you would never know the surface wasn’t actually marble or granite.
They have many color options and are very DIY friendly.
Hour 2
Listen to learn how to keep a glass range top clean, strengthen a wood subfloor, remedy a lock, and more!
How to Keep a Glass Range Cooktop Clean
A homeowner struggles with keeping her range’s glass cooktop clean.
She asks, “What’s the best way to do that?”
When it comes to kitchen appliances, maintenance is important to ensure longevity.
For starters, glass cooktops are not scratch-resistant, so try to avoid putting anything abrasive on top of one.
There are many ways you can try to clean these appliances. One way is mixing water and dishwashing detergent and cleaning the surface regularly. Also, you can find cleaners that are specifically made for glass range tops.
Another trick is to use a magic eraser. Dampen it first, then use that to clean the glass range top.
Additionally, there is a product that is glass range-friendly called Bar Keeper’s Friend. Just apply as directed.
Just remember: regularity is the key.
All of these things should hopefully help keep your glass range cooktop clean!
How to Stiffen a Saggy Floor
A homeowner recently was in his kitchen and dropped some oranges. Then, he realized that they all rolled to the center of the floor — he had a sagging situation.
Now, he says, “Should I add a beam for support?”
Fortunately, there is a floor-stiffening system that is easy for the do-it-yourselfer to install.
Right at the center of the floor joist span, pull a string really tight in a perpendicular direction. This will show you the sag’s origin.
Then, get a treated piece of wood that would be good for your size span (for example, size 4-by-6). Make sure that it is straight.
Next, take an adjustable foundation jack or support and ensure it is placed on substantial soil, concrete, or something similar.
Put the 4-by-6 up and begin to jack it on one side, then the other, and in the center, switching between each until they are even. Make sure you only raise it a small amount each time. Pay attention to the string until everything is straight.
For extra security, put a few nails in the 4-by-6 and into the joist for re-enforcement.
This process is very simple and will stiffen that sagging floor!
How to Fix a Stuck Door Lock
A homeowner has an exterior French door with a door knob and a deadbolt. The lath to the door knob keeps getting stuck inside the door, and if she pries it out, it doesn’t go back out after shutting it.
She wants to know, “Is there a way to fix it, or does it need to be replaced?”
Commonly, the throw on the door may have shifted, or the screws have turned loose. So, most of the time, tightening the screws on the lock and a proper lubricant will do the job!
When it comes to locks, you didn’t want to use the multipurpose spray lubricant or a can of oil. This will make the problem worse because it will attract dirt and dust. So, clean it really well, and use graphite powder. Use a little bit, then work the lock back and forth.
Another thing to try if the graphite powder does not work is to take the lock apart and see if there is any sawdust or debris that could be preventing the lock from performing its usual routine.
Start with the graphite powder, then take it apart, but if the latch keeps getting stuck, you will need to get the lock replaced.
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Simple Solutions
Stud Indicator—When nailing up baseboard moldings, it’s smart to mark the wall stud locations so you know where to drive in the nails. An easy way to do that is by putting small strips of painter’s tape on the floor, indicating the location of each stud. But painter’s tape has gotten outrageously expensive, so here’s a better, cheaper alternative: Mark the stud locations on the floor with chalk. Then, after nailing up the molding, just wipe away the chalk with your hand or damp cloth.
Easy Air Hose Storage—Air-powered pneumatic tools are becoming increasingly popular with DIYers, but how do you neatly store away the long air hose and all the various accessories? Well, here’s one way: Screw an empty gallon paint can to the wall in your shop or garage. Then, coil up the air hose and drape it over the rounded can. And you can store your air-tool accessories and fittings inside the can. BTW, this also works great for storing extension cords, rope, garden hoses, and similar items.
