Furnishings

HOME WORK

Gary Dymski: Correcting a sticky finish

About 10 years ago, I finished the top of a wood table with Varathane. Within the past year or so, the finish has become "soft," and in spots, it has developed a stickiness. Everything, such as dishes, cups and paper, sticks to the table. Even my hands. Is there anything I can do to remove this stickiness without refinishing the entire tabletop?

House Doctor: Eliminating mildew odor from dresser drawers

Q. How can I get rid of a mildew odor in the drawers of a dresser? The dresser is two years old and in my house in Delray Beach, Fla. I keep the relative humidity in the house at 50 percent. When the house is vacant, I leave the drawers empty and open to circulate air. I have tried a number of mildew-killing agents, including baking soda, but none have worked. -- Norma, Island Park

House Doctor: Resilvering Antique Mirrors

Q. Several weeks ago, you wrote about framing a large bathroom mirror with decorative molding. One reason for framing the mirror was to hide the damage to the silvering around the edges of the mirror. Is there a place on Long Island that resilvers antique mirrors? - Robert Coles, Port Washington

House Doctor: Mirrors: The Image of Restoration

Our bathroom mirror fought the good fight, but it's slowly showing signs that it will lose in the long run. We've noticed deteriorating edges, which means ammonia-based cleaners and humidity are winning the battle.

House Doctor: Decorative Touches

SOMEWHERE ON YOUR spring to-do list is that room you'd like to remodel. You know, the one that needs just a little more than paint or wallpaper.

House Doctor: Reasons to Reupholster

You might want to think again about tossing out that old sofa or chair, the one you've had for 20 years. When it comes to furniture, old usually is a good sign.

House Doctor: Mirror Repair

Q. I have several large mirrors that are permanently attached to my bathroom wall. There are a few areas around the edges and in the centers of the mirrors where the silver is missing. Is there any way to repair these areas, or at least diminish the appearance of the missing silver, without having the mirrors removed from the wall?

House Doctor: Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels

Q. My husband and I are in a condo that has an original, working fireplace (about 18 years old). It has a black, metal front with glass doors and an imitation bluestone hearth. It is very "boxy" looking and outdated. How can we jazz it up inexpensively? I would like a mantel. Does that need to be custom made?

House Doctor: Closet Organizers

SHOES WERE EVERYWHERE, as if someone had gone over the top at a Nike sale.