By Trudy Chuoke, Happy Handyman

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HAPPY HANDYMAN: Howards Wax-It-All has many versatile uses

Howards makes great products for wood. No one will question that. And you dont have to be a pro to use them, they are the do-it-yourselfers friend.

So, when I was whining to them about NO HARDWARE SHOW in Las Vegas this year, they said they had a new product. Hungry for a new product I said to send me a sample. I am so glad I did, and I think you will too.

When you go to the Howards website you will see that they show Wax-It-All as a food grade wax. So, you assume its strictly for cutting boards, butcher block, wooden bowls and utensils. But you can use it on so much more like outdoor iron furniture. I have wrought iron chairs and table, and even when they are squeaky clean, it just looks dull.

So, I tried it on my metal furniture, and I was amazed. It left a soft sheen on the metal and the color had a new depth. It also felt soft to the touch if metal can feel that way. I waxed two of the four chairs, and I will take before and after pictures.

When I did the chairs, I really didnt read the directions, because I assumed you just apply and wipe off. Well, read the directions, and dont do as I did. You need to apply the wax, let it dry, and then polish off with a clean cloth. There is no telling how great they will look if I follow the directions.

Well after I did the chairs, I polished the metal frame on my sliding glass door, but you can use it on concrete, stainless steel, soapstone slate and laminate. For those of you that have granite composite sinks, I think you have found an answer to the dull look of your sink.

Question: Hope you can help me or direct me to a great source. We have just re-decked our patio and it looks great. We stained with water seal and all went well. About 3-4 days later, there was one board slat and another very small area where tree sap is soaking through. I initially tried sanding and sap stuck to the sandpaper. Duh! I have left it to dry for about two weeks, but the sap is still coming through on the board, sticky. Can you help with a recommendation product or a procedure? Just love your article in our weekly community paper. Keep up your suggestions. I am ALWAYS reading and listening.

Answer: Some wood is just like that, but you can clean it off with mineral spirits or paint thinner. Just remember to work toward the center of the stain and dont spread the sap. I have to warn you, it may come back, and then you will need to clean it again.

Question: A while back you had an article about cleaning/restoring fence surfaces with some sort of mist or spray. We have a cedar fence that has weathered over the years and we'd like to restore it as much as possible.

Answer: Oh wow, we just talked about that product yesterday on the radio show. Its called Miracle Mist. Spray it on the fencing and just watch it work. I have never seen anything like it. Its so much better for the fence than power washing.

Question: I left a return Christmas tree box in the backseat of my convertible and discovered a mold formed around the seat belt and on the leather seats. Doesnt help that I let the 3 yr. old grandson eat in the car either. I have tried vinegar, leaving the top down to get sun on it and leather cleaner. Any ideas?

Answer: For the belt, use Moldex Mold Remover. Its a bleach-free formula that should not remove any color or leave any residual odor. For the leather, I would use Leather Only. It would be the only safe answer. Good question!

If you cannot find the products mentioned here locally, you can find them at http://www.happyhandyman.com. Email Trudy Chuoke Lesage at happyhandyman2@yahoo.com.

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HAPPY HANDYMAN: Howards Wax-It-All has many versatile uses - Chron.com