Kitchens -- -- Newsday.com

April 6, 2006

House Doctor: Painting plastic laminate or melamine countertops

Is there a paint I can use successfully on Formica? I have a 60-inch Formica vanity in a bathroom that is more than 50 years old. I would like to paint over it and have a finish that is both water resistant and durable.

March 9, 2006

House Doctor: Top 10 Things Homeowners Should Know

A few years ago, while working on a story about finding an old-fashioned handyman, one such fellow told me of a specific task he did for a couple each spring. Both husband and wife were so mechanically challenged that they'd hire him to change their light bulbs.

May 6, 2004

Gary Dymski: On track for a touch of tin tile designs

Q. I own a new co-op in Queens. I would like to put tin tiles in the kitchen as a wall covering. Originally, I wanted stainless steel, like a restaurant, but everyone has told me it is cost prohibitive. Through the Internet, I discovered that tin might be an option. But I can't find anywhere to purchase the tiles. And who installs them? Help. -- Ellen J. Rogers, Bayside

March 11, 2004

House Doctor: The future comes home: TVs in the fridge, coffee makers in the microwave -- and more

Refrigerators that keep the milk cold and tell you the balance in your checking account. Storage rooms that give new meaning to the word organized - with hooks, shelves and drawers for everything you own and then some. In-home dry-cleaning systems that take the wrinkles out in 30 minutes. Three-rack dishwashers, combination coffeemakers and microwaves, and fireplaces with air-management systems. All this convenience - and more - is right at your fingertips.

November 13, 2003

House Doctor: Cementing a New Image

When Candace Stevens finally decided on a countertop, she told her contractor exactly what she wanted.

March 15, 2001

House Doctor: Sealing Granite Countertops

Q. I've heard that it is important to use a silicone sealer three times a year on granite countertops. Is this necessary?

January 3, 2002

House Doctor: Removing Glue Stains From Laminate

Q. We just had a laminate wood floor installed in our kitchen. The floor looks beautiful. However, there are still glue marks on it from when the installer put down the floor. He used a damp sponge to wash away most of the glue that came up along the seams but some marks remain.

June 13, 2002

House Doctor: Repairing Scratched Laminate

Q. We just had our kitchen cabinets refaced. We are pleased with the job the company did. However, when the installers put up a valance over the window, they scratched the laminate next to the cabinet door. The valance was a real tight fit. To fix the scratch, the company wants to replace the whole piece of laminate to the next seam. This would mean taking down the valance and reinstalling it after the repair. Replacing the laminate also would involve removing molding and the grout to some tile. The alternative is to sand the scratch, then spray the surface with a satin finish. Is there a laminate filler we can use to repair the scratch? We don't want to go through all this to fix the scratch.

April 11, 2002

House Doctor: Garbage Disposals

Q. I've lived in other parts of the country where garbage disposals are common, but on Long Island it seems they are not used for fear of "filling the cesspool."

April 25, 2002

House Doctor: Mildew Odor

Q. I am going crazy trying to get rid of a mildew odor. I called a plumber, but he found no leaks. I changed the bathroom exhaust fan and have spent money on air fresheners. The odor is coming from a panel in my kitchen that provides access to the motor of the Jacuzzi bathtub in the bathroom. I've sealed all the tub tile walls, too.

September 19, 2002

House Doctor: Caring for Granite Kitchen Countertops

Q. What can I do to clean and polish the granite countertops in my kitchen?

July 26, 2001

House Doctor: Unclogging Slow Drains

For slow drains, use a half-cup each of baking soda, salt and vinegar. Pour the baking soda and salt into the drain, then add the vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for several minutes and then flush with a quart or two of boiling water. Repeat this procedure monthly for fast-running drains.

March 7, 2002

House Doctor: Saving Water

ACROSS THE Northeastern states, water levels are low. The message is clear: Conserve. State officials, including those in New York who monitor stream flows and reservoir and groundwater levels, have been concerned about the freshwater supply in the region for several months.