Paint Primer Hides Knots

Question: We have many wood built-ins in our house, such as bookcases, beams and dressers. During 27 years of painting and repainting, any knots in the wood eventually burned through again. We have tried shellac and many types of primer, but nothing has really worked. Can you suggest something that will solve our problem once and for all?

Answer: I bet you haven’t tried a product called “Kilz.” It’s designed to cover knots--which will almost always bleed through just about any paint you choose to put on the wood. Apply it according to instructions and paint with your regular paint. Kilz should be available in any well-stocked paint store, such as Standard Brands.

Q: We recently repiped our home. While we are pleased with the increased water pressure, we were surprised at the increased noise when the water runs. Would pipe insulation help muffle the sound?

A: Since you add in your letter that everything checks out and is up to code, you might try some foam insulation on pipes that are accessible. It’s virtually impossible to eliminate the sound of water in a major waste pipe, for instance a second-story bathroom directly above a ground floor one. Unless the pipes make hammering sounds, I wouldn’t worry about a little extra noise.