Dear Donny
Q Could you advise me on the best product to remove scratches from my vinyl flooring. Willie Gill, by email
A A burnishing paste or a car wax will do the trick as the wax fills the scratch and then hardens so you no longer see it. If it’s hard vinyl like Karndean, they manufacture their own cleaning products as do other firms.
Q I would like to insulate the large wall in my hallway with new boarding. Are there any tips you can give me?
Eddie Foster, by email
A You need insulated plasterboard so have a look at British Gypsum’s web page and you will see the different types available and their thermal qualities. The two things you need to consider are the thickness of insulation and its thermal rating. This is given as a U-value and the lower the number the better. The boards are easily fixed to the wall and they’re usually dot-dabbed onto it using dry wall adhesive. It’s not a difficult job but it’s quite messy so make sure to clear the hall and strip any wallpaper so the adhesive sticks directly to the wall. Q The handrails on our banisters are painted in magnolia gloss, but are badly worn and flaking. Can you recommend a tough hardwearing paint that will last and doesn’t take too long to dry? John Ault, by email
A I find that if you have a quality undercoat the top-coat sticks to that better and the job lasts longer. However, paint on a handrail does wear quicker than a stain and varnish finish. Personally, I go for Zinsser paints and for the top coat I’d choose Zinsser All-Coat exterior which is a tough wearing paint. I’d also advise going for a matt option as gloss can mark easily, especially on a handrail.