Paint expert Mauro Henrique takes us on a house call to help a homeowner restore her basement bulkhead. After assessing the condition of the bulkhead and discussing colors, Mauro and the homeowner work together to prepare the area, sand the rust, apply a primer, and finally coat the bulkhead with fresh paint.
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva back at the shop to talk about combination squares. Tommy’s a big fan of using combination squares for various tasks, including framing, mitering, trim work, and judging depths. Tom shows Kevin the different parts of these squares, how they work, and how to tell the difference between high- and low-quality tools.
Finally, we tag along with mason Mark McCullough as he helps a homeowner repair his brick and granite steps. After noticing that the problem tread was pitched backward, the two removed the tread and the deteriorated mortar before reinstalling new brick and mortar to help the step shed water. The result is a repair that will last for years.
How to Paint a Rusty Bulkhead
When a homeowner’s basement bulkhead appeared to be past its prime, she sent up a flare to the team at Ask This Old House. Not knowing whether to replace the bulkhead or paint it, she relied on paint expert Mauro Henrique to help her make a decision and even choose the right color to match the backyard.
Where to find it?
Prep the bulkhead doors for painting by vacuuming cobwebs and removing excess dirt with a dry cloth. Once the doors are free of debris use a 220-grit sanding block to lightly sand the rusted areas and vacuum any excess dust. Apply a coat of metal primer spray to the rusted areas for extra protection against corrosion. Use a combination of mini paint rollers and brushes to apply the first coat of DTM (Direct to metal) paint. Start by cutting the edges of the bulkhead doors with a brush and move to using the mini rollers for a streak-free finish. Let the first coat dry before applying the second coat.
All About Combination Squares
General contractor Tom Silva teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about combination squares, how they work, and what they’re used for.
Where to find it?
Tom mostly uses a 6” combo square or 12” combo square. He looks for brands that are sturdy and not flimsy. Forged steel and cast iron are the strongest materials used.
He also showed a magnetic lock combination square. Which can allow for quicker adjustments than the classic twist knob on the head.
How to Repair Granite Steps
Concrete, brick, and mortar are incredibly durable, but they’re no match for water. While on a house call, mason Mark McCullough realized the root of a homeowner’s problems with their front steps was exactly that: water getting behind the stair tread, deteriorating the mortar and heaving the tread forward when it freezes. Luckily, Mark knew just what to do.
Where to find it?
For any intact joints that need to be removed, use the back of the of a brick hammer as a chisel. Wear safety glasses. Use a utility brush to wipe away any excess debris. A grinder and HEPA vac can also be used to help removal. Use ear protection and safety glasses when using the grinder.
There was also a bad joint on the rise above the tread being worked on. Mark removed it with a hammer and chisel while wearing safety glasses. He decided not to use a grinder because the space being worked on was so small.
Repoint bricks using type N premixed mortar. Mix the type N mortar with the correct amount of water in a mixing tub with a trowel. Use a margin trowel and a flat jointer to push the mortar off the trowel and into the joints.
Mark also had to relay the bricks that came off with the stair tread. Spread the same type N mortar with a London brick trowel. Use a rubber mallet and level on the bricks to check their position and range, as in make sure the brick is flush with the existing bricks. Brush the “snots” of each joint using a utility brush. Clean off any excess mortar with a sponge and water, only cleaning the brick. Create a slick by running a convex jointer across the joint for a finished look and to prevent moisture from entering the joint.
You may also opt to rent a power washer to clean the step.
Original Air Date: Oct 17, 2024, Season 23; Ep. 4 23:42