f you‘re planning to paint the exteâ€" Innr of your house, Ontario‘s conâ€" sumer ministry has some tips to help the project roll to a smooth finish. Whether you do the job yourself or hire professionals, the key to successâ€" ful exterior painting is careful surface preparation. If old paint is peeling from exterior walls, make sure it is scraped off thorâ€" oughly and that the surface is sanded to a rough edge. The scuffed surface will help the new paint grip more effectively and prevent peeling. Primer should always be applied and allowed to dry thoroughly before your start on the finishing coat. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove peeling paint from metal surâ€" faces and apply a metal primer before the color. Painting over brick can do wonders for a dreary facade, but remember that once painted, brick will need regular upkeep. Only waterâ€"based (latex) paint should be used on brick because it allows the surface to breathe. If oilâ€" based paint is used, the brick surface will be sealed and moisture buildâ€"up beneath the paint will cause it to peel. Aluminum siding is thinly coated ELECTRICAL with paint, which is baked on during the manufacturing process. It should stand up to the elements for 10 to 15 years, although sunlight and harsh winters will take their toll. Most manufacturers don‘t recomâ€" mend painting aluminum siding unless it begins to oxidize â€" if this happens it‘ll leave a chalky film on your hands when you touch it. A flatâ€" or eggshellâ€"colored waterâ€"based acrylic paint, which won‘t highlight surface flaws, should be used. By HENRI de MARNE Special to the Beaver Q. _ When our driveway was doors but that is no big deal. 6 Gas Fireplace Convert Your Home Heating System to @ NATURAL GAS with no money down and save up to on your Energy Bills. For free information brochure call crete splattered on the garage doors. This was not noticed until the splatters had dried. How can we remove them without damagâ€" ing the doors or having to repaint them?â€" A. You probably will have to repaint the Chip off the splatters with a cold chisel. Mix one part muriatic acid to nine parts water by pouring the acid slowly into the Home Equipment Inc. Heating Air Conditioning Budget Home Equipment Inc. 254â€"6688 MISSISSAUGA 441â€"0171 TORONTO THE OAKVILLE ew things to consider b For most new and repainted sur faces, including aluminum or vinyl siding, wood, masonry, hardboard, plywood and stucco, topâ€"quality paints will offer the best in adhesion, color retention and durability. Shop around and compare quality and prices before you buy. Paints that carry the "EcolLogo" symbol of the federal Environmental Choice Program are low in the organâ€" ic compounds that can cause eye, nose and throat irritations and may be toxic water in a plastic or glass container. Never pour water into the acid and do not use a metal container. poured, conâ€" garden hose. Q. floors. O 24 hours MICHS‘ CONSTRUCTION Wear eye and skin protection and old clothes and scrub the remaining spots with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with a FINISH FLOORS! I have recently built a new house and want to live in it before installing the finish What can I put on the subâ€"floor to control the constant accumulation of drywall dust that will not interfere with the laying of tiles, BEAVER to plants as well as contributing to air pollution. Information on environâ€" mentally friendlier paints is available from the program, which can be conâ€" tacted at the address given below. The walls are prepared, the paint‘s in hand and all that‘s needed is to slap it on â€" carefully. A brush and roller or a pad applicator are the easiest tools for the doâ€"itâ€"yourselfer. Spray painting requires very good technique. If applied properly it will give you a good finish, but paint sprayed from Cleaning up concrete damage stopping drywall dust Ontario A. In my opinion, you are making a misâ€" take not to install the finish flooring before moving in. moving in. »©REC. ROOMS â€"* ETC. wood floor, or carpeting? â€" Scarborough, once furniture is in. Why is there constant drywall dust? Is the dry wall not finished either? That‘s even more trouble for you. I can‘t think of anything that will do what you want and allow normal living except to suggest frequent vacuuming. But seriously, consider finishing walls and floors before VANDEN NOORT HOME IMPROVEMENTS YOUR ONE STOP FOR complete home improvement service Stop Basement Leaks too far away will begin to dry before reaching the wall. It the spray‘s too thick, the paint will run. To hire professionals who will do a job you‘ll be happy to live with, ask friends and family for recommendaâ€" tions. Ask for references and check local samples of the painters‘ work. Ask for written estimates from three professionals you feel comfortâ€" able with before giving someone the green light. Estimates should spell out details including: It‘s much more difficult to do Fa\\‘ A a e ntario s s + BATHROOMS + TILESETTING spe ln%ltéd_}ng * KITCHENS * COUNTERTOPS includes: _ REJUVENATE YOUR KITCHEN * New Counter Top * New Double Sink * New Single Lever Faucets * New No Wax Floor Tiles * Ceramic Back Splash * Paint Complete Kitchen _ 0| efore painting exteriors * information relating to surface preparation (will old paint be removed by hand, or will a mechanical blaster or stripper be used) * brandâ€"name and description of the paint to be used; * number of coats of paints; + method of application (brush, roller or paintâ€"gun); * breakdown of labor and material costs; * terms of payment; * anticipated work schedule; * guarantee. For information on reducedâ€"polluâ€" tion paints contact the Environmental Choice Program, 107 Sparks Street, Suite 200, Ofttawa, ON K1A 0H3, or telephone (613) 952â€"9440. To receive a free copy of a brochure listing publications on a variâ€" ety of consumer issues, contact the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Communications Branch, 9th floor, 555 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M7A 2H6. The enquiry line for the Torontd area can be reached at (416) 326: 8555. ©1,995 ©.Szâ€"d4ci/a» restonation J 761 â€" 7556 or 567â€"8211 Uteve Watson 3880â€"0251 * ue ï¬ï¬â€˜ Home Improvement Specialists * Service «Signs « Installation * Basement Waterproofing * Design + Consulting * RENOVATIONS * DRYWALL * 20â€"year written Guarantee MASTER ELECTRICIANS ::IEI%HFEI')‘[;MS oï¬:ï¬tgwg * Free Estimates â€" Call 24 Hours CHECK OUR RATES FIRST * BATHROOMS *DOORS CHOWNSEAL INC. Call anytime G.A. LTD. Elect. Div. 825â€"8380 279â€"8479 All work 100% guaranteed completed to customer satisfaction. FREE ESTIMATES Gien 827â€"1377 416â€"564â€"3575 1â€"800â€"668â€"5186 _ } METRO LIC. 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