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Solved! The Magic Number for Coats of Primer
Q: I’ve given in to my daughter’s request to paint her bedroom pink. Is primer required for a job like this, and if so how many coats of primer should I use?A: Although paint might initially stick to an unprimed ...
5 Keys to Choosing the Right Size Shed
When the time comes to buy a backyard shed, size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Surprisingly, the answer to “How big?”—or “How small?”—isn’t simple or cut and dried. Of course, you’ll need to...
The Fastest (and Most Foolproof) Way to Install Fence Posts
Good fences start with good foundations. Installing fence posts in place with concrete is the best way to guarantee that they remain upright and unmoving, but you might not relish the idea of mixing batch after ...
Solved! The Rules for Painting Over Oil-Based Paint
Q: I’d like to repaint my kitchen cabinets, which had been done with oil-based paint. Must I use oil-based paint for the project, or can I use up some water-based paint I have left over from another job?A: You’re...
The Dos and Don’ts of Wet Sanding Drywall
When it comes to interior walls, drywall has a lot going for it. It’s inexpensive, fairly easy to install and repair, and holds up well to life in the average household. But drywall requires fairly extensive sand...
12 Things Never to Leave in a Hot Car
Common sense dictates that you not leave babies, pets, and expensive gadgets in hot cars. But did you know that some everyday objects, from sunscreen to art supplies, can get damaged in scorching vehicles as well...
How To: Get Rid of Flies Outside
Landing on the food at your backyard barbecue. Buzzing around your face as you do yard work. Zipping through your front door as soon as you open it. They are Musca domestica, the common housefly. While there are ...
3 Smart Ways to Keep Cool When You're Working Outside
In summertime, the backyard becomes a major destination. There’s gardening and barbecues, to be sure, but the possibilities multiply when you throw a shed into the mix. People all over are discovering how having ...
5 Plumbing Repairs Every Homeowner Should Know
While the pleasures of homeownership are great, there will invariably be repairs along the way, especially when it comes to your hard-working plumbing. Some issues, such as fixing broken sewer lines, should certa...
How To: Paint a Radiator
Radiators have been keeping homes toasty for about 150 years. While yours probably doesn’t date back that far, it may well bear signs of age—rust, chips, or an original color that doesn’t suit your décor. Fortuna...
