Dear Donny

Q

Our cistern is constantly wet around the outside and drips, leaving puddles on the floor. What can I do about it?

Mary Burns, by email

A

It’s condensation from the cold water inside. This happens especially in colder months. Having the central heating on creates moist air, which condensates on it. The best thing to do is insulate the inside of the cistern.

Q

Heat-resistant worktops in a friend’s kitchen have a sticky substance on the back surface. We’ve tried everything to remove it. Have you any suggestions?

Rona T, by email

A

It might be adhesive or perhaps grease. Try using some sugar soap on it first. It that doesn’t work then adhesive remover or lighter fluid might do the trick.

Q

We constantly have to repaint the handrail on our staircase as it rubs off within weeks. My husband has to hold the rail to get down the stairs. Any ideas what we could use?

Carol Lepine, by email

A

You need to sand the handrail down first then apply an undercoat before putting on the top coat. The top coat (gloss etc) sticks and bonds to the undercoat better helping to give the paint strength. Having no undercoat is OK for skirtings and facings but not for a handrail.

DONNY’S TOP TIP

When a screw is struggling to go into wood even with a pilot hole run a wee bit of candle wax on the screw tip and it will drive home smoothly.

Q

I bought a pre-stained, wooden, outdoors home for my part feral cat. Any suggestions for a cheap top coat or varnish for it? Lynn Fletcher, by email

A

I would go for an acrylic paint and avoid lead-based ones. Check the back of the tin to see if the paint is toxic. If non-toxic for humans, it should be OK for pets. Keep pets away from the paint while it drys and cures.

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