Color her clever for hint about wall paint

heloise

Dear Heloise: When I’m ready to try a new color on my wall, I never paint it directly on the wall. I buy the smallest amount of the color I want and paint it on a foam poster board. I can then use pushpins to put it up where I want to try it and see how it looks. If it’s not the right shade or color, I don’t have a splotch of paint on the wall. Kathy Beery, Harrisonburg, Va.

Kathy, love your hint. This also is an easy way to see how the color looks in daylight, at dusk, with the lights on, etc. The color may not be an exact match, but it’s pretty close. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have a painted black chest in my bathroom, and drops of overspray from my hair spray have gotten on it. I tried to wash it off with mild soap and water, but it doesn’t work. I’m afraid to use an abrasive cleaner because it might remove or scratch the surface. Do you think I could use mineral spirits? If not, what can I use? Vickie I., Westerville, Ohio

I’m afraid that mineral spirits (paint thinner) may take the paint off and ruin the finish. Try this instead: Put rubbing alcohol on a terry or microfiber towel and test on a concealed area first to be sure the surface isn’t damaged. Work on a small area at a time — it might take a bit of elbow grease. When you have gone over all the spots, clean any residue left with another clean, damp cotton cloth. This should get the job done. Heloise

Dear Heloise: This is in response to the reader who wrote in about proper boxing of books. In any of the lower states, cardboard boxes are not good storage for any item, as they can house cockroaches, silverfish and other household pests.

A plastic storage bin with an airtight lid will not only keep out pests, but also keep books from being exposed to air, water and other elements. When moving and using cardboard boxes, always leave the boxes outside while you unpack. Take each individual item out of the box before bringing it into a new home.

It is a good idea to have a house treated for insects before moving. Jill Curtis, Punta Gorda, Fla.

I love how you refer to the “lower states.” Many of us who live in the South know about cockroaches! In Texas, we have some that you can put a saddle on! Heloise

Dear Heloise: I love wearing a little perfume, but it’s not practical to pack perfume bottles in luggage when traveling. Instead, I save pages from magazines that include samples of perfume. They lie flat, don’t leak, won’t break, and I get to sample new fragrances! Karen H., Roseville, Calif.

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate