The Best is Yet to Come

What we’re looking for with indoor paints, finishes, or any construction product for that matter, are LOW-VOC or ZERO-VOC  . Remember these two terms. If any construction material or paint supply meets EPA approval it will have a LOW-VOC or ZERO-VOC labeled in its contents. Look for an EPA registration number on paint cans. The EPA only regulates paints that contain toxic ingredients. For the same reason, stay away from paints regulated or restricted by OSHA or DOT.

I found a website for you that contains more info on  NON-TOXIC CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES:  http://purehome.accountsupport.com/index.html and one specifically for NON-TOXIC PAINT SUPPLIES: http://www.pristineplanet.com/non-toxic-biodegradable-paint-environmentally-eco-friendly/paint/1625_a_0.html

Thanks for empowering yourself today, you’ve made me proud.

Anthony Gilardi

Hey Folks, check out this weeks posting of ”Ask Anthony”.

This week we talk about non-toxic paint and supplies

Click on: Cafe Mom

Hey guys, I recently appeared in an article in The El Paso Times, Texas. The article was about my ”Spring Tips”.

Check it out, click on: El Paso Times

It’s that time again.

This week a Cafe Mom asked me to help her design a wild animal feeder…me, a city boy…ok…here’s what I’m doing for her.

Click on CAFEMOM to check it out.

Question:

I saw you answering problems about leaking toilets and wanted to ask you for advice?

 I have a toilet down stairs, that leaks around the base of the  toilet only on occasions. It doesn’t leak when the water valve is off, but  on occasions if someone upstairs has a long shower it will leak at times leak  around the base. But doesn’t leak if I have the toilet water valve off. Does  that make any sense to you?

 I was thinking maybe the force is causing it leak since all  this water has to pass this toilet on the way out??

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Tony

Answer:

Hey Tony.

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. Very busy on the set on Myles of Style, finishing off season three.

OK, let’s get to the bottom of this.

Leaking toilet bowls around the base. 90% of the time it is the wax seal. Sometimes it’s the wax seal and the flange.

And, yes, it never makes sense as to when it feels like leaking or not.

AND, yes, you are correct in thinking it is the force causing the leak.

However, if the flange and wax seal are working properly, these leaks should not happen.

Try replacing the wax seal first, while you are there take a good look at the flange. If after we do that there is still a leak, then we are in the unlucky 10%, and you have to call in a professional.

My question is: Do you feel lucky?

LOL.

My professional opinion, it’s one of those two.

How do I replace the wax seal and check the flange you ask????

Here we go: 

1. Shut off the water at the valve below the toilet.

2. Flush the toilet and make sure all the water empties out of both the bowl and the tank, use a plunger if you have to.

3. Unscrew the Johnny Bolts on either side of the bottom of the bowl.

4. Carefully lift the bowl and set it upside down or on it’s side so you can get to the bottom.

5. Using a putty knife (or if you don’t own one, a spoon or butter knife will work), scrap the old wax completely away from both the bottom of the toilet and around the floor drain.

6. Check and see if the flange (the thin round metal piece that holds on the Johnny bolts is in good shape. If it’s not replace it (cost about $5 to $10).

7. Using the manufacturers directions install a new wax seal ($2 to $3) to the bottom of the bowl.

8. Replace bowl securely, tighten Johnny bolts and turn the water back on.

   ANTHONY TIP: NEVER seal the bottom of the toilet bowl with waterproof caulk or anything else for that matter, NEVER! You want to know if your toilet is leaking before it’s too late.

By all means, if you are in the process and you need further advice right away, don’t hesitate to contact me.

I’ll be there for you.

Write to questions@anthonygilardi.com

Good luck.

Anthony

Question:

Hey man, I have a question… I build a pretty nice home theater in my basement, but I need to paint the room. What friggin color should I do it? It’s used 99% to watch movies. and a little for my daughter to play in. there’s must be some precedent to what color you paint a home theater.

Answer:

Rule of thumb, home theaters…dark colors.

Reasoning: cut out the glare. Think about every movie theater you’ve been inside. Dark colored walls, black or Maroon/Burgundy curtains. No glare.

I personally would not go black…TOO dark and borderlining on Clostaphobia .

Brown tends to look ugly on walls.

I like the Maroon/Burgundy idea something like a Wine color.

Cool, warm, comfortable, enhances light.

As far as your daughters play room, what you want to do is stay away from flat finish paint. Impossible to clean. Also stay away from high gloss…glare problem again.

I would go middle ground:

Satin finish paint in the Maroon/Burgundy family.

Now we talk about something Kim calls “Color phobia” on the show all the time.

It’s when you put a dark color on the walls of an empty room and it looks overwhelming.

Happens every time.

Don’t panic. Once you fill the room, hang pictures and TVs, etc, the color seems to disappear.

Those are my thoughts.

Good Luck