Dear Donny

Q AWhat are your views on painting oak kitchen cupboards? We painted our bannisters and they often chip. Jean Wheeler, by email Use an aerosol spray called Plastikote – you can get it from Wickes. Degrease the doors with sugar soap, then dry them and apply a Plastikote undercoat and Plastikote top coat in a colour of your choice. I’m confident it’ll work and you’d have to hit the doors with a hammer to chip them.

Q

I’ve lived in a top-floor maisonette for 10 years. I’ve recently noticed hairline cracks on the walls. I can’t afford to have the flat replastered so I’m looking for an easy solution. Cathy Simeon, by email

A

If it’s a modern home it can only be cracks down the joints of the plasterboard. If it’s an old, renovated property and the walls were plastered, some hairline cracks may not have been taped. The solution is straightforward: stick self-adhesive scrim tape (Fibatape) over the cracks. Lightly fill over the tape with Easi-fill fast set, let this lot set, sand, then apply a second coat then sand and paint. Use a hawk and trowel or a large spatula to apply the fast set.

DONNY’S TOP TIP

If you need to mark a wall before painting, use a pencil and not a pen as the ink will bleed through, whereas pencil can be painted over.

Q

We have a cluster of flies around one area in my backyard. They are very active, even in the cold. Any ideas? Thomas Drimnagh, Dublin

A

In autumn, flies look for fermenting fruit fallen from trees, like apple trees. Keep any fruit and things like vinegar or cider out of the way as this can give off the same smell.

Q

I’ve had vinyl flooring put down that is light coloured and it’s an absolute nightmare. It is textured and the dirt keeps sticking. Jackie Chubb, by email

A

Anti-slip vinyl flooring may cause problems as it is prone to collecting dirt. Try sugar soap, or methylated spirits, to lift stubborn stains from hard surfaces without smearing.