Marble Has a Bond With Resin Epoxy

Question: A corner broke off a wrought-iron table with an Italian marble slab top. Is there a marble adhesive or glue that can repair it?

E.H.

San Juan Capistrano

Answer: There are epoxies designed for bonding stone, says Richard Haney of Stonecare in Costa Mesa.

A tabletop that’s all marble can’t be bolted into place, so the manufacturer uses a polyester resin epoxy to glue it into place.

For repairs with an epoxy, you may need to color the adhesive to match the stone. Because it’s a little tricky to work with, it’s probably best to let a professional do the repair.

If it’s a small, clean break, you could try doing it yourself, but if looks like you’ll leave a mark, have a professional give it a shot to make the repair as inconspicuous as possible.

Q: The dining room in the house we recently bought has faded wallpaper more than 20 years old. Because the ends at the top were loose, we tried to remove it, but the paper in the middle seems glued on. We’ve tried using razor blades and getting the paper wet. Any other ideas?

S.O.

Brea

A: When wallpaper has been on for 10 years or more, it has bonded pretty tightly to the surface, says Steve Willsey of Orange Paint Store.

When you try to pull off old paper, you often pull off parts of the drywall as well. Pick up a scoring tool at a paint shop and perforate the paper. Then soak it with a wallpaper removing solution to loosen it.

If that doesn’t work, rent a wallpaper steamer to draw the paper off. To avoid the stripping process entirely, apply a wallpaper liner, which covers old paper so that you can paper or paint over it.

Q: The glass windows in our sun room face the ocean and have streaks that look like dirt. We’ve tried glass cleaners and solvents. Is there anything that can work?

E.L.

San Clemente

A: It’s not uncommon to see problems with deposits on window glass near the beach, says Julie Oxford of College Glass & Mirror in Anaheim.

Try a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If you don’t have much luck, try undentured alcohol.

If you’re still getting streaks, use a mild abrasive such as Soft Scrub, but try it first in an inconspicuous area. Never use an abrasive on a plexiglass window because it will scratch.

If you have a question about your home or garden, A Helping Hand will help you find the answer. Send questions to John Morell, Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.