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Hi there. Need some advice as I need to point some patio slabs (heritage Calder Brown paving). What is the correct mix of sand/cement (I have been advised 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 6:1 from different sources), the gaps are about 1/2 inch. Also how wet should the mixture be? Would a dry mix be...

there is nothing on the tin to suggest any alkali resisting properties. That is what has confused me (doesn't take much these days), if this is an oil based system, how can it be recommended for bare plaster?

I have been asked to paint a newly plastered wall which the client has already painted with a coat of Homebase All Purpose Interior primer (oil based). I intend to do two coats of vinyl matt on top of this. I was told that you would get saponification if you apply an oil based coat on an...

The paint on the right which sells for £40 is an alkyd based exterior paint, whereas the £20 tin in the middle is water based. So the comparison is not on a like for like basis.

Found out from the previous owner that there was once one of those ceiling fans with a light under it. This was removed and the current light installed on the same wiring. Also, a friend who has no knowledge of electrics whatsoever mentioned that there could be a rheostat somewhere between the...

Can anyone help explain what is going on here? The other night I switched on our main lights in the living room and it set off a child's battery powered toy which was sitting in the middle of the room. Happens every time you switch the light on. The ceiling light is one of those 5 x 40w small...

cheers guys I was looking at the International range of quick drying floor paints - they do a sandstone which seemed the most un-offensive colour going. Agree with having to get most of what is on the steps off (it looks like a water based coating judging by the fact that the flakes actually...

Hi We have 5 steps leading up to our front door which I wish to paint a cream colour. Has anyone used a paint which will last a few years and not show signs of wear. It's currently flaking off and looks extremely taccy. Any help would be much appreciated.

I was thinking about distemper - never seen it before so didn't know what to expect. The walls were not powdery to the touch - after the prep they just felt like normal emulsioned plaster. I double lined it to see if it would bleed through a second layer of paper, and luckily it didn't...

Wonder if anyone has experienced this defect and could tell me what causes it. Was stripping this bathroom in a very old house (all the walls are solid brick with plaster finish. Basically, stripped off all wallcoverings with a steam stripper, then washed down the walls with Tetrion sugar soap...

Hi Has anyone used the "no nonsense" range of products from the screwfix catalogue? If you have just wondering what you thought, especially on the caulk and grab adhesive products. Any comments would be helpful. Also, was given a tub of Dulux one coat satinwood by the client - couldn't use...

cheers for the advice. My main concern is with the dampness - especially when using oil based paint - given the amount of moisture around this time of year there's always the chance of locking in some moisture within the paint and causing adhesion problems like the paint peeling some time soon...

What's the score on painting outdoors during the winter months? Need to paint some previously painted pebbledash and a front door in oil based paint. Is it a done thing what with so much moisture about? Does gloss still perform well in temperatures just above freezing?

Hi there Just half way through re-felting my flat roof when rain has stopped play. I have started to apply the second layer of felt to be stuck down to the first (which I have nailed in place). I have been putting on the adhesive with an old clean paint roller and have a couple of questions...

Hi there Recently removed a double radiator to lay some flooring. When I put it back, I turned the system on and opened the in pipe and both bleed valves (one on the rear and one on the front panels). When the rad was full and both valves dripped water I closed them both and opened the out...

Hi Tony Thanks for your reply. Will the booster pump sit under the sink? Can you recommend one? Cheers Tony

Hi, Recently had kitchen tap replaced to a mixer, now hot water just trickles out and when you begin to add the cold it just shuts the hot off completely.

Hello I have some lovely anaglypta which has previously been painted with a silk emulsion. I need to get it to a matt finish. As the paper is textured it will be a bit tricky to rub down. Would you do one coat in softsheen followed by the matt coats? Cheers Tony

thanks for the replies. I guess I do get over zealous with the caulk at times. When these cracks appear, is it just a case of a light rub down and apply further coats until the cracks are no longer?

Hi there After I line a room I always run a bead of caulk where the paper meets the skirtings, door frame and especially in the corners. I use this dow corning product from Brewers http://www.geocel.co.uk/product.aspx?id=137&pt=adhesives which is an acrylic filler. The problem arises...