The Workbench: Simple tips go a long way in home fix-it projects

P-I NEWS SERVICES

Here is a short list of labor-saving ideas for the workshop and for accomplishing chores around the house.

For a small spackling job with easy cleanup, cut a tennis ball in half and fill it with spackling mixture. Dip the spackling tool into the half-ball and, when finished, toss the ball.

Try whitewashing wallpaper for a new look. Cover it with creamy-white latex paint, using a damp cloth. This creates a sun-bleached look that completely changes its appearance.

For easy access to small portions of paint in multiple colors, turn a plastic-foam egg container into a palette. Pour a little of each color into a separate egg "bowl" and when you're finished, toss the container.

Use fine sandpaper to smooth a small chip in the edge of a glass.

Roof raccoon

Q: I have a resident raccoon that climbs a porch post to reach a gutter and the roof. He does this at night. I don't know what he does on the roof, but I would just as soon he do it elsewhere. How can I keep him away?

A: Raccoons are smart, wily, tough and will never quit doing what they do. But try this: Slather a sticky substance on the post. Tanglefoot or Fly-Away are two good sticky substances.

Or, make a series of needle boards -- boards pierced by very sharp nails. Then tie, band or nail them to the post.

Or, try winding the post with strips of sticky flypaper.

Or, call a nuisance-control service and let them handle it. You could have the animal removed by a nuisance animal person, but if the raccoon is captured, it cannot be transported and must be killed. It's the law.

Staining wood

Q: Staining wood has always been a challenge. What stains are recommended and how are they applied?

A: A water-based polyurethane for wood floors and furniture is good for the environment and will minimize drying time, often to less than an hour.

Polyurethane keeps the stain's color from fading and helps it last. Recoat with polyurethane every two to four years to keep wood looking new.

Always sand and stain with the grain of the wood.

When staining wood that has been pressure treated to stop attacks of mold and insects, use a chemicalblocking primer to prevent the chemicals from bleeding through and causing a color stain.

Roofs and gutters

Q: When it rains, water overflows the front of my gutters. What's happening?

A: Either the roof's drip edge or the gutter is out of position. A drip edge is that lowest course of shingles that must drop its water into the middle of the gutter along the gutter's entire length. If the water drops too close to the front, it likely will spill over. If too far back, it may well slide in behind the gutter.

Since your gutter spills over in front, it -- not the drip edge -- has to be moved, likely a job for a gutter specialist.

What you can do yourself is to determine if the gutter is in the correct position.

To do this, place a board on the roof so that it extends 12 inches beyond the roof's edge. The gutter's front edge should come within a half-inch of this board.

If it doesn't, call that gutter guy.

Compiled by P-I reporter Gordy Holt from news services, including The New York Times, Scripps Howard, The Boston Globe and The Associated Press.

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