INSIDE & OUT : Sink Tops Might Be Too Far Gone
Q. Our cultured marble sinks have become chipped and dented over the years from things that have dropped in them. Is there anything a homeowner can use to fill these in?
J.T., Huntington Beach
A. The life expectancy of a cultured marble top is generally seven or eight years, says John Fortuno of Empire Bath Products, a cultured-marble manufacturer in El Monte. On top is a very thin Gelcoat surface, which is difficult to repair once it’s been dented or deeply scratched. The usual remedy is to replace the top or have someone refinish it. Refinishing is becoming more difficult, however, because of air quality regulations. Another problem with refinishing is in color matching, because it is very hard to match older colors.
If you’re having a problem with light scratches in the Gelcoat surface, try water-sanding the top. Use 1000-grit wet-dry sandpaper and keep the surface moist. After sanding, buff the surface with wax.
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Q. Recently several homes in our neighborhood have developed dark brown streaks on the outside of the brick-facade chimneys. The streaks are water soluble and seem to be coming from inside the chimneys. Any suggestions on what could be done about this?
H.H., Irvine
A. In all likelihood, the streaks are from soot that’s dropping down from the top of the chimney, says Jim Gorman of Rancho Lumber in Westminster. That’s not uncommon when you burn firewood that hasn’t been properly dried and has a high water or oil content. You may want to try using a solution of TSP and a stiff brush to scrub them off; contact a chimney sweep to do the job if you’re uncomfortable working on the roof. Many people also complain of white or gray stains, which are a residue of soot, and these can be removed with a muriatic acid solution.
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Q. We have a black slate entry, and we’ve been using a black liquid wax polish that requires buffing. I’ve not been able to find this product or an equivalent at several tile stores. Any ideas on what could be used for this task?
C.H., La Habra
A. Try a store that specializes in natural stone, says Stacy Jane of Marble/Unlimited in Irvine. There are several polishes available in clear or black, and there are other products designed for the care of slate that would be good to use, especially if the only treatment you’ve been using on your floor is a wax polish.
Slate and other natural stone is porous, and it needs to breathe. By continually using a wax finish, a buildup is created that prevents the stone from releasing moisture, and over time the slate can be damaged.
The floor should be stripped periodically, and a color enhancer can be applied that has a shine agent to give you a nice finish while allowing the stone to breathe.
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Q. I have a mildew problem in my 15-year-old tract home. I’ve found it in closets and on bookshelves and furniture throughout the house. I have washed the walls with a bleach/water solution, but the mildew returns. How can I prevent this from happening?
B.B.R., Dana Point
A. The obvious remedies involve making sure that windows and doors are properly weatherstripped and that no pipes are leaking in your house, says Gary Lillge of Crown Hardware in Corona del Mar.
Mildew forms because of moisture and poor air circulation; homes in beach areas are particularly susceptible.
There are products such as Damp-Out and Dry-Out, which are about the size of a margarine box and contain crystals that absorb moisture. You place them in areas such as closets, which have a problem with air circulation, and they help keep the air dry.
You might also want to invest in a central dehumidifier or room dehumidifiers.
Fans to circulate the air in your home are also a good investment.
