Q-I recently stripped down some old solid mahogany cabinets and a few pieces of furniture made of the same wood. I applied a pale brownish stain in just the color I want, then started to varnish one piece. But even after three coats of varnish, the finish still does not have that mirror-smooth, glossy look that I remember it having originally. The finish still has all the little pores showing in the wood, even though I sanded it smooth before the first coat was applied. I also sanded between coats. What, if anything, am I doing wrong?
A-Mahogany is an open-pored wood (like walnut and oak) and the pores tend to show through when varnish or paint is applied. That`s what is preventing you from getting a smooth finish.
What you have to do for a smooth finish on these woods is fill in the pores with a paste wood filler. The filler, sold in most paint stores, is normally applied before the stain, but you can apply it afterward if you first tint the filler to the color desired.
Thin the paste filler to the consistency of heavy cream, then brush it on across the grain. Wait for the time recommended on the can, then immediately start wiping off the filler with a coarse cloth before it has a chance to completely dry. Rub across the grain, then finish by rubbing in a circular motion with another cloth.
Noisy flushes
Q-I recently installed a new flush mechanism in my toilet tank. Just before it shuts off, it makes a lot of noise. Do you know what could be causing this?
A-In some cases, it comes from too much water pressure in the incoming line. There should be a shutoff valve on the intake line under your tank, so try closing this down a little. If that doesn`t help, the only other cure would be to install a different type of ballcock. Some brands are much quieter than others.
Paint over grease
Q-Our kitchen ceiling is covered with a stippled paint. There is no exhaust fan, so there is grease on this ceiling. We are now remodeling the kitchen and installing a fan, but need to paint the ceiling first. If we try to clean the ceiling, it will remove the stipple. So how do I paint over the grease without causing the new paint to let loose?
A-I would not advise painting over the grease; it`s bound to cause trouble later on. Wash the grease off first. This should not take off the stippled finish unless the old paint was a poor-quality latex that is not water-resistant. Even if the washing does remove some of the stipple, you can always apply a new stipple paint that will give you the same texture. As insurance that no grease traces will show through, I would also advise priming the ceiling with BIN, Kilz, Enamelac or similar stain-killing sealer before you apply your regular paint.
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Have a question about home repair problems? Write to Bernard Gladstone in care of Your Place, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.
