Wallpaper Prep

Wallpaper hanging, like anything else, requires some specific skills but much of the job is in preparation. Often folks think that wallpaper is made to cover over problems in a wall, but this is not the case. A wall that is not clean, sound and smooth will be difficult to cover and won't look very good when it's done.

To prepare a wall for wallpaper, start by cleaning the wall and removing any loose or flaking paint. Next patch cracks, nail holes and any other defects in the wall surface. Finally, size the wall. Sizing for wallpaper is the equivalent of priming for paint. The paper manufacturer will specify the proper sizing.

Painting Tip

Most painting around the house is done with either a brush or a roller. For most applications this is fine, but for others a smoother finish is required. The smoothest finishes are obtained by spraying, which requires spray equipment. When the paint job is small, buying, borrowing or renting the spray equipment just doesn't make sense. When you need to spray a cabinet, a door or some other similar-size project a specific color, pick up an aerosol applicator at the paint store or home center. You supply the paint and the applicator supplies the spray. These one time disposable applicators can give custom results where conventional methods fail.

- Stephen Corwin Holiday Car Trips If you and your kids will be making trips to visit relatives, plan ahead. To make the road time pass more quickly for your children, have each one pack a small tote with toys, electronic games, books, crayons. This will keep them occupied and quiet during the drive!

Storing Food Safely Place warm leftover food in the refrigerator right after use. Don't let it cool on the counter. Bacteria can grow very quickly. If the food is really hot, divide into smaller portions to cool quicker. Then pop into the refrig.

Leg Relief

Many home repair warriors have garage or basement workshops. One thing these areas have in common is their concrete floors. While concrete makes great floors, standing and walking on it for extended periods of time can cause leg fatigue. There are a couple of solutions for those tired gams. Get something between your feet and that concrete. Laying down planking works and rubber mats are available from industrial supply houses. Or, get some of those colorful, dense foam locking squares at the home center and liven up your shop a little.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001

Answers

Handle Tool

Let's talk about another inexpensive tool that can save wear and tear on your hands: the panel-carrying tool. This carrier gives you a handle for carrying wooden panels, drywall sheets, or plywood sheets; eliminates bending; and is easier to hold on to.

Here's a bonus tip: when using a panel-carrying tool and placing panels on the floor or leaning them against the wall, put down a couple of pieces of two-by-four material to sit the panels on. This allows room for your fingers when you're putting the panels on the floor.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001