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Sanding paint that contains lead is never safe, and sanding modern paints can still be hazardous. However, you can protect yourself by wearing a high-quality respirator during the process or by using a wet-sanding technique. You can wet the wall and then sand or use a wet sanding tool to achieve this.

Distilled white vinegar can help you remove candle wax from surfaces like countertops. You’ll need to scrape off most of the wax and use the distilled white vinegar to help soften and remove the rest and leftover residue. Keep in mind that while it’s possible, using distilled white vinegar isn’t an effective method for removing wax compared to the methods listed above.

Yes, you can paint over old exterior paint, but success depends on the condition of the existing paint and proper surface preparation. If the previous coating is in good shape (not cracked, peeling, or flaky), you can paint over it with less prep work. However, for the most durable and professional-looking results, follow these key preparation steps:

• Clean the Surface: Thoroughly clean the exterior to remove all dirt, grime, and mildew. A pressure washer can be very effective for this.

• Scrape and Sand: If the old paint is peeling, cracked, or flaky, you must scrape off all loose paint. After scraping, sand the surface to create a smooth, even base for the new paint. Sanding is especially important for wood siding.

• Apply Primer: Using a quality exterior primer is highly recommended. It ensures the new paint adheres properly, improves durability, and provides a uniform finish. If you are painting a lighter color over a dark one, a tinted primer will help cover the old color more effectively.

Some brands offer paint-and-primer-in-one products for convenience. Taking the time to prepare the surface properly will not only increase your home's curb appeal but also help protect your siding and extend its life.

Scrape softened caulk with a putty knife or slice hardened caulk with a utility knife. Hard-to-remove caulk generally requires more time exposed to a softening solution, like a commercial product or rubbing alcohol. A few hours to a day later, the softened caulk will come off with the help of common household tools. In many cases, you can grab needle-nosed pliers for caulk with multiple old layers and pull the material off its base.