HOME HANDYMAN
Clean house exterior before you paint

By Glenn Haege

Q. I have a 5-year-old house that needs exterior repainting for the first time. The painter was supposed to have it power washed before painting, but I have reason to believe that they repainted the house without it being power- washed first. How important is power-washing prior to exterior painting and what adverse effect would painting without power- washing have to the long-term stability or condition of the paint?

A. If the house was dirty or greasy, the paint might not stick. If the house was dirty and a water-based paint was used, the water in the paint combined with the dirt on the siding will make mud. Mud is mud, not paint. Mud washes off rather rapidly.

The house should have been cleaned but did not need to be pressure-washed. TSP and water applied with a long-arm brush, then rinsed with a garden hose would have been preferable to pressure-washing. You could also use Zinsser JoMax House Cleaner and Mildew Killer. Just spray on and rinse off, no scrubbing.

Q. I am interested in building a modular home. I have been searching for days for a type of consumer guide to manufacturers of modular housing. Everyone brags about themselves, but is there an independent source one can trust to evaluate one manufacturer against another?

A. There are so many different manufacturers that it would be an impossible task to have an unbiased rating service. You have to put your trust in bragging rights. Ask for the names and phone numbers of customers who purchased the same type of home one, two and five years ago. Call them and ask about their experience. Also check out a few in person. Get the phone numbers and addresses of the plants that will be producing your house and arrange to tour the facility.

Q. We have beautiful cherry wood cabinets that have become dull, especially above the stove. You've said to use swirl remover by Meguiar's. But is that to be used only for refinishing or for cleaning? Then you said to use Doozy. Please let me know specific directions as I do not want to damage the wood.

A. Meguiar's Swirl Remover (www.meguiars.com), is a deep-cleaning, not a refinishing, product. You will not harm the finish with this product but you will take off years of grease, grime and wax. Pour a little on to a 100 percent cotton cloth and clean with a circular motion. When the Meguiar's has dried and taken on a slight haze, buff with a clean cotton cloth.

You also can use Doozy Spray On Pre-Cleaner. Spray on then rub off with an all-cotton cloth. It cuts through grease and grime, so you will be rubbing for quite a while. The first time we used it, we were amazed at the gunk it got off "clean" furniture. Follow up with a coat of Doozy.

You will find Meguiar's Swirl Remover at auto supply stores or at www.doozy.com.

Glenn Haege writes this column for the Detroit News. Reach him at editor@flashcom.net and see www.masterhandyman.com. Volume prohibits personal answers.