Q Is there a product I can use to paint over my weathered exterior PVC-u windows and doors? A Permoglaze Professional Maxi-Grip Primer adheres to glass, ceramic tiles, PVC-u, melamine and plastic laminates. Specially formulated using epoxy resin which gives a firm and opaque foundation, ideal for exterior PVC-u windows frames, soffits and conservatories. Follow the Maxi-Grip primer with a high quality oil based undercoat and top coat with the colour and finish of your choice. Permoglaze Technical Advice Centre Tel.0870 241 6457 or www.permoglaze.co.uk Q I am looking for wallpaper which I am told has been discontinued.? A Wallpaper patterns included in the sample books last on average two years, sometimes the new range includes a popular wallpaper from the previous collection, but in general the life of a wallpaper pattern is about three years. The manufacturers do not keep old patterns and the wholesalers reduce their stock in anticipation of a new range. Tracking down a roll of your old wallpaper is like searching for 'a needle in a hay stack'. Try the Odd Roll Company, Tel.01282 427008 or Discontinued Wallpaper Company Q How can I treat efflorescence? A Caused by crystallisation of salts found in building materials. It appears either as patches of fluffy crystal or as a hard shiny film on both internal and external surfaces. Remove fluffy efflorescence deposits with a coarse hessian sacking or stiff brush. Repeat the process every few days until no more appears. Hard shiny efflorescence should be sanded to roughen the surface. It can then be painted over with vinyl matt emulsion. Manufactures recommend that paint should not be applied until the efflorescence has ceased to appear but in some cases efflorescence is an on going problem and applying an alkali-resisting primer prior to your selected finishing coat can be the short term answer.