Install track lights for an improved ‘view’

Q: I have some recessed lights in my living room ceiling. I would like to replace them with more contemporary track lights. Is this something I can do myself, and if so, how do I do it? — Ron H.

A: Track lighting is attractive and actually much more effective than recessed lighting. Particularly with older recessed fixtures, much of the light never gets out of the recessed canister. If you have installed standard bulbs instead of reflector ones, the problem of lost light is even worse.

Since you already have recessed light fixtures in the ceiling with electric power to them, it should not be difficult to replace them with track lighting. The most difficult part will be making the drywall patches over the holes in the ceiling after you remove the old fixtures. With the light bulbs near them, poorly patched drywall will be readily apparent.

The new designs of track lighting use small decorative fixtures and lightweight tracks. You might want to consider installing two separate tracks at right angles to each other. This will provide more lighting flexibility and the possibility for some unique visual effects. Always follow the fixture manufacturer recommendations for the maximum bulb wattage that can be used.

Try using several types of bulbs in the fixtures for different areas. If there is a specific area in the living room where your children study or you read often, use PAR bulbs, or reflector bulbs. These focus the light more directly where you need it. Several halogen bulbs are ideal for areas where you eat because their light makes foods look more appetizing. Standard bulbs will be effective for most of the other fixtures.

It would be wise to start with a basic do-it-yourself kit, which you can find at most home center stores. This will have all the necessary basic components to get a track lighting system installed. If you get energetic, you can always add some extensions using T connectors, L connectors, etc., from one main wiring connection.

If you want more attractive, decorative track lighting kits, go to a dedicated lighting store or contact these manufacturers: Hubbell Lighting, Tech Lighting and Juno Lighting.

Whenever doing electrical work, switch off the electricity at the circuit breaker or fuse panel. Try to switch on the recessed lights just to make sure the power is actually off, or use a circuit tester. Remove the old lighting fixtures and cap off the ends of the existing wires.

Before you finish off the holes in the ceiling, determine the pattern of the tracks you plan to install. They can all be powered from the wiring of one old fixture, or you may decide to install two separate tracks on different switches. If you use just one, make sure you can get connectors and angles to extend the track in different directions.

Mount the main support track to the ceiling. If it runs parallel to the ceiling joists and you missed them, use toggle bolts. Don’t trust just putting screws into drywall. Attach the electrical adapter to the track and install the cover. Individual light fixtures are usually mounted to the track by inserting and twisting them.

Paint vinyl siding

Q: I live in an older house which has mostly wood siding, but also a little vinyl siding. I want it all to match when I repaint it. Can vinyl siding be painted and how do I go about doing it myself ? — Lisa S.

A: When they installed your vinyl siding years ago, the contractor probably told you it would never need any maintenance. This is true, but the appearance of it can certainly degrade over time. The newer types of vinyl are much better in this regard, so don’t necessarily avoid using it in the future. As with newer vinyl siding materials, paint formulas have improved so you can paint your vinyl siding to get an exact match with the rest of your wood siding.

Painting vinyl siding is not a lot different procedure than any other exterior paint job.

The keys to any successful paint job is preparing the surface properly and selecting the proper paint for the specific job. Clean the vinyl siding with soap and water and scrub brush. Cleaners such as TSP (trisodium phosphate) are very effective.

You must remove all the dirt and grime. You might try using a pressure washer, but you must be careful with the direction of the spray. Since the vinyl siding is hung loosely, the water may be forced up under the siding and inside the walls.

Select a paint color that is not darker than the original color of the vinyl siding. Dark colors absorb more of the sun’s heat, so the siding will get hotter and expand more.

This heat and expansion may cause the paint to fail prematurely or, even worse, permanent buckling damage to the siding. You can change the color completely, but just make sure it is not significantly darker.

The best type of paint to use for vinyl siding is 100 percent acrylic latex. This formula will handle the expansion and contraction of the vinyl siding as long as it is not too dark.

It can be brushed or sprayed on just as you would paint the rest of the wood siding on your house.

Applying two coats is recommended.