First of all, Anton, mildew is not caused by paint. It’s a fungus that grows on many surfaces including paint. Mildew discoloration is prevalent here because it thrives in warm, moist climates—though it can occur in other climates as well. In essence, mold and mildew spores are microscopic particles that can remain dormant on a surface until conditions are favorable for growth. Mildew usually looks similar to dirt accumulation, appearing as dark spots–usually black or gray in color, but can also be dull red or yellow. To determine if your discolored areas really are mildew, drop a small amount of bleach on the surface. If mildew is present, bleach will destroy it and lighten the spots. If the discoloration is simply dirt, bleach will have no effect. To get rid of mildew, put on a pair of rubber gloves and scrub the areas with household bleach solution (one part bleach to three parts water), then rinse thoroughly. If you need to repaint, make sure all mildew is removed first and the walls are dry. Painting over mildew guarantees its return. Note also that latex paint is less likely to grow mildew than oil-based paints.

Sorry to say, Jenna, that tweezers are your best bet if the tick is readily accessible. However, if the tick is difficult to reach with tweezers, you can try using Krazy Glue, SuperGlue, or any similar instant adhesive. Just put a small dab at the end of a broom straw or similar twig-like item and carefully touch it to the tick for a few seconds. When you remove the straw, the critter should be attached.

Door Jam
Hello Andy. A few weeks ago you were very kind to help me with my pool problem. Now can you steer me in the right direction for the following? I am looking for a company in Pattaya that manufactures or sells the standard steel, roll-up security doors. I see them on storefronts all over Pattaya, but I have spent over an hour on Google to no avail. I am involved in a project that may require 10-14 such enclosures. (Pattaya needs a GOOD yellow Pages!)
Nick Ferren

Glad to have been of some help earlier, Nick. As to the steel roll-up doors, I don’t know of any local manufacturers. So I checked with some retail stores that have that type of enclosure, and they all assured me that you would have no problem finding what you need if you do a physical search rather than an Internet search. In South Pattaya, retailers suggested that many steel door dealers could be found up and down Sukhumvit Highway; stores I checked with in North Pattaya pointed me to dealers on Naklua Road. So depending on which area is more convenient for you, why not give that a shot? At worst, I would think that any shop in those two areas could provide you with more specific locations.

Pane Relief
A small window pane at the rear of my house is cracked, Andy. Never having had the problem before, I want to know if I can replace it myself or if I must hire a handyman or someone to do it for me. Thank you for any advice.
June

You can do it yourself, June, but you must be cautious when removing the cracked glass, and be careful when installing the new pane. The first step is to measure the glass TWICE. Exact size is important; the new pane should be just a fraction of a centimeter smaller than the inside of the window frame. Besides the new glass you will need putty, a putty knife, a glazing tool, glazier’s points, and work gloves. Wearing the gloves, remove the broken glass one piece at a time; if the pane is still in one piece, remove the putty first. Once the glass is out, use a putty knife to remove all traces of putty, a little at a time, careful not to damage the frame. Also remove all the glazier’s points (those little metal triangles in the frame, under the putty). Smooth out any rough spots on the frame. Now apply a thin layer of fresh putty completely around the frame where the new glass will be set. Insert the new pane into the frame carefully and, holding it down firmly, insert a glazier’s point on each side to secure the glass. Then insert additional glazier’s points flat against the glass about every 10 cms completely around the frame. Drive each into the wood using only a light tap with the glazing tool. Now knead the putty until it is completely pliable and free of lumps. Then roll it into pencil-size strips and apply the strips completely around the glass beginning in a corner of the window frame. The putty must hold the glass firmly in place and cover the glazier’s points. Follow up by smoothing it out with a putty knife or glazer. Finally, scrape the puttied area to remove any excess putty on the glass and frame.  

–Handy Andy