Q: You recently had a solution for getting paint off concrete with Soy Gel for someone that was redoing a deck. My question is: Would Soy Gel work to get the paint overspray off the brick facing of my house? Or is there another product that would be better?

A: The best remover to take paint over spray off of brick is called Bix. Soy Gel is good, but Bix will suck the paint right out of the brick. Just remember to wear gloves, and protective clothing.

Q: My wife is not happy with the color of our kitchen gas stove and oven, and we were wondering if it’s possible to change the color? It appears to have a glazed coating on the surface that may be porcelinized enamel. The unit is otherwise in perfectly fine condition except for the color. Obviously we wouldn’t want to do anything that would make it a safety hazard.

A: The answer is yes. First, prime the surface with a product called Grip and Seal made by the Coronado Paint Co. Then you need to paint on Rust Scat Enamel, also made by Coronado. Practice on a piece of sheet metal first. There are people that do this for a living, but you can do it yourself for less than $20. Now, if it doesn’t look good when you do it, call the people that refinish porcelain bathtubs.

Q: Johnnie, can you recommend something to keep sink faucets and handles polished? Some products seem to scratch the fixtures instead of keeping them shiny.

A: There is a great metal polish called All Gleam. It will clean and polish brass, nickel, silver, and then will protect the metal for months. It has a protectant built right in the cleaner. You will love it.

Q: Johnnie, I want to paint the brick exterior of my home. Are there any special procedures I need to follow?

A: Clean the brick first with JoMax to remove any dirt and mildew. Then paint with Coronado Crylicote. With this combination, no primer is needed and the finish will last for years. And always apply two coats.

Q: I have an old throw rug that I love. All the backing has worn off and so now it slips. Is there a product that I can use to put the back on that will last, even through the washing machine?

A: Fiber Lock will keep your rug from slipping. Rather than a spray, Fiber Lock is a material that you apply with a roller or stiff paint brush. You can wash the rug over and over again and the adhesive will stay put.

Q: Johnnie, I am trying to sell my house. The buyer wants me to caulk some areas around the tub and in the corners of the shower. The grout is an almond color. What kind of caulk should I use if I were to try to do this myself?

A: Use Poly Seam Seal. It is not only a great caulk, but it’s also flexible. You won’t have to worry about it attracting mildew, either. Poly Seam Seal comes in a squeeze tube in white and almond. Just squeeze out a bead, then wet your finger and smooth it out. If you get some on the tile, just take a wet rag and wipe it off. Poly Seam Seal is also a great adhesive: You can use it on the back of a loose tile to press it back into place.

Q: Johnnie, I have a crack in the tank of my toilet. It’s a small leak, but I want to fix it. What can I seal it with?

A: Plumbers Goop is a great product to keep around the house. It repairs all kinds of things from plumbing leads to tennis shoes. Drain the toilet tank. Apply the Plumbers Goop to the crack Let dry completely before refilling.

Q: Hey, Johnnie, remember when they said to save water put a brick in the toilet? What do you think that we should really do to save water?

A: Use a Frugal Flush Flapper. It adjusts to save water. Then there is the Metlund System, which is a pump system that goes underneath the sink. So, instead of running water at the sink and waiting for it to get hot, push the button and in 10 seconds you have hot water at any sink.

Johnnie Chuoke, “The Happy Handyman,” is the owner of San Antonio’s Ace Acme Hardware and has been dispensing homeowner advice for more than 25 years. Contact him through www.acmelumber.com.