Grouting Tiles
Apply tiles and leave at least 12 hours for the adhesive to dry completely. Clean off excess adhesive from tiles and any uneven surface between gaps that could show through the finished job. Mix the grout thoroughly in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.
Recalking Baths and Sinks
Scrape out crumbly mortar and clean with a brush dipped in mineral turps. Dry the crevice well before applying caulking compound slightly wider than the gap it has to fill. Use a wet rage to push the caulk into the gap and remove excess compound with a razor blade when dry.
Replacing Bathroom Tiles
Match both the tile and grout colour before removing any debris left from the old tile. Smear tile adhesive on the back of the tile and on the wall and press tile into place. Use masking tape to hold tile against the wall for 24 hours. Press grout into joints around tile and clean off with a damp sponge.
Fixings to Solid Walls
Begin by drilling a hole with a masonry drill bit and insert plug into the hole. Then, as the screw is tightened, the plug expands and presses against the sides of the hole embedding it.
Removing Concrete Stains
Scrub area with hot water and grease-cutting detergents or scouring powders. Solvent based pavement cleaners are also effective.
Fixing Cupboard Hinges
Fixing screws into hinges on heavy doors is less difficult using your foot to control a lever over a block of timber. And remember, it is easier to fit and align two slightly heavier hinges than three lighter ones.
Glass Installation
New glass should be cut slightly smaller than the space into which it will fit. Applying putty or silicone around the frame before inserting glass. Then use small nails to hold glass before smoothing putty on outside edge of glass with a putty knife dipped in linseed oil. Leave to harden before painting.
Fixing Fly-Screens
Cut wire and pull at the centre of each edge to line strands along the frame and fasten. Cut away excess wire. Mitre-cut the beading, prime the raw wood ends and nail to frame at about 100mm centres. The beading should hide the wire edge and its inner edge flush with the frame’s inner edge.
Hanging Hinged Doors
Use existing hinge recesses to mark your new door. Trace the hinge shape onto the new door, including depth of the hinge leaf on the door’s face. Next, chisel out shapes and screw hinges into recess. Place the door at right angles to the opening, adjust height and screw hinges into frame recesses.
Fixing Venetian Blinds
Use heavy duty packing tape to repair a broken strip in your venetian blind. Remember to apply to the side facing the wall so it will not be visible.
Sticking Doors
To feel where the door is sticking rubs your hand over the edges of the frame. Where there’s a build up of paint you’ll need to sand or plane it back. For major problems, remove the door and check the hinge screws. If the holes have become too big use wood filler and longer screws for added strength.
