Australian House & Garden

Question: Our timber bar stools are showing their age. Is there any way to fill in the nicks and scratches?

Answer: Ray De’Kelly, a partner at The Stool Shop in Drummoyne, NSW, suggests you try a Miller Scratch Fix pen. “It’s a felt-tipped, oil-based staining pen,” he explains. “You simply run it over the scratch and watch it disappear.” It dries matt, so if your stools have a high-gloss finish, use a little Estapol Clear on the retouched areas, applied with an artist’s brush. Scratch Fix pens come in five stains and are priced at $15 each.
The Stool Shop; (02) 9719 9988.

Question: We need to replace our 20-year-old kitchen but we’re confused by the options. Can you explain the difference between two-pack lacquer, vinyl wrap, and high- and low-pressure laminates? Also, what exactly is ‘postform’ laminate?

Answer:

Two-pack lacquer is a spray-on finish comprised of two parts: a base paint and a hardener. “Vinyl wrap refers to doors that have been sealed with a durable, vacuum-formed protective vinyl,” says Jared Dinneen, Marketing Manager of Laminex. “Low-pressure laminate is used for vertical surfaces like doors. High-pressure laminateis thinner, wears better and is used for horizontal surfaces such as benchtops. Postform laminate is basically high-pressure laminate that is bent, using heat and pressure, to create a rounded edge on the vertical edges of a door front.” Vinyl wrap doors are often chosen for a smooth and continuous finish, while laminates are favoured for their durability. Laminex; 132 2136

Photography by Dan Magree/ACP Digital Library

Question: I live in a bushfire-prone area and want to safeguard my home against future fires as much as possible. Can you tell me if there’s any alternative to metal screens for windows?

Answer: Australian glass manufacturer Viridian offers PyroGuard 40 glass, which is available only as part of specially tested and certified bushfire-resistant window systems. PyroGuard 40 features a special transparent coating that minimises the flow of radiant heat through the glass. “When it’s supplied as part of a window system that has been tested to Australian Standard 1530.8.1, PyroGuard 40 glass is suitable for all buildings with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of up to BAL 40,” says Paul Cocker, Viridian’s Residential Marketing Manager. “The product also offers improved thermal performance to help improve energy efficiency and day-to-day comfort.” Viridian; 1800 810 403

Photography by Dan Magree/ACP Digital Library

Question: I’ve seen kitchen benchtops in a marble called Calacatta and, having made some enquiries, I’ve found it to be quite expensive. Why is it so special and, if I choose it for my kitchen, what kind of care will it require?

Answer: The price of this material reflects both its beauty and its rarity. “Calacatta marble is a unique stone available from only one quarry in the world, in the town of Carrara, Italy,” says Nicole Arciuli, Director of specialist stone supplier Arciuli. “Calacatta has a white background and magnificent veining that varies from greyish to goldish tones – you’ll see something different in it every day.” Cleaning this material requires warm water and a good microfibre cloth – definitely no harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Keep in mind that acids can etch into the finish of any marble, so be sure to wipe off any lemon juice or vinegar spills immediately. Arciuli; (02) 9804 7232.

Photography Sharyn Cairns

Question: I’m thinking about window coverings for our new home, ideally to keep in the warmth. Which covering – curtains or blinds – does this best?

Answer: Window coverings are essential for heat retention. Without them, your investment in heating will literally go out the window. “When it comes to keeping out the cold and keeping in the heat, cellular blinds and curtains are the best performers,” says Tony Cassar, Managing Director of Victory Curtains and Blinds. “Cellular blinds are comprised of two layers of fabric with an insulating pocket of air in between. They are fitted to the windows with minimal gaps, stopping cold air entering and hot air escaping. Curtains also work well, especially if there’s a pelmet box and the curtains return to the wall.” Pull down any exterior awnings on winter nights to stop cold air creeping inside. Victory Curtains and Blinds 131 399

Answered by Rose-Marie Hillier