Dear Donny

QIs it possible to use an undercoat paint straight over varnished doors, or do I need to sand them down first before painting? Melville Moir, by email

A

A quick, light sand with 120p grade sandpaper will give a decent key for the undercoat to adhere to. If you don’t do this, the paint may chip off if it gets knocked.

Q

I’m looking for garden fencing that needs relatively little upkeep once it’s installed. Jean Mason, by email

A

Search “colour fence” online and you will find companies which have such fences, where there is no maintenance apart from washing if you wish to do so.

Q

I have plastic cladding inside my shower. Can I tile over it? Martin Hayde, Kilkenny

A

Unfortunately, no, as it’s too flexible, so the tiles would just pop off. The cladding is easy to remove depending on what it’s attached to.

DONNY’S TOP TIP

For a wallpaper patch, don’t cut, instead tear with your hand toward the wrong side of the paper – this will make the patch less noticeable.

QI have well-trodden decking from my door to the driveway. I’ve tried normal deck stain, but it wears quickly. Is there anything more robust and longer-lasting that I could use? Stewart Smith, by email A

As a one-off, I would use a decking oil from Osmo, which soaks into the timber. It makes it so that there is less wear of the top surface. Q

The brass coating is starting to come off my bathroom sink plug. What can I paint it with? Mr Bill Dryburgh, by email

A

The paint I use is manufactured by Ardenbrite, which specialises in metal paints and has four different shades of gold paint. When applying the metal paint, use a small craft paint brush as it’s easier for delicate jobs.

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