Dear Donny

AQ

Can you remind me of the product you recommended to use on window scratches? Sheila Bearham, by email My painter mate uses WD40 for small scratches on internal glazing. I usually pop into Halfords and get a product called Windowize Scratch Remover for £5.99. Remember these products just fill the scratch, and if it’s a chip or deep, it probably won’t work. Replacing the glass might be an option. Q

I recently regrouted my tiles in the bathroom. I left the grout on a little too long before cleaning it off and now I can’t remove it. Trevor Stewart, by email

A

I’ve had to deal with that before for a friend whose tiler did not clean

off the grout. I used a piece of timber and used it as a scraper. I chipped off the grout by rubbing the wood over it. Wood does not scratch the tile surface – it will take time but it will work.

DONNY’S TOP TIP

Condensation is always a problem, especially on bathroom mirrors. I’ve been told that if you wipe down mirrors with a damp cloth and washing-up liquid, the mirror will keep clear for a few weeks. Q

Is there any way to paint over cast iron gutters and downpipes? Mine keep flaking. Michael Mcclean, by email

A

You need to scrape off the paint and either use red oxide paint as a primer/undercoat or you could use Hammerite paint which goes directly on to the metal. Preparation is everything so make sure the old paint is removed and the surface is clean and grease-free. Q

I’ve painted my wooden fencing dark green but it keeps showing yellow patches when dry. Why? Lorraine Jex, by email

A

It’s probably staining coming through, so you could try using a primer/sealer over the yellow patches and repaint. This should work but it depends on the type of chemicals that are in the wood to preserve it, e.g. if the timber has had a tar-based coating this leaks through in warm weather.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: diy.donny@trinitymirror.com