Q: We have an older home in need of some repairs, mainly on the kitchen cupboards. The cupboards have wood fronts and the drawers have plastic fronts. I'm afraid to paint them for fear I will damage them or make them worse. Any suggestions?A: Two different paints, one for wood, one for plastic, and, I hope, in similar finishes. If the plastic surface is glossy, apply a conditioner and then a bonding primer so the new finish won't chip. Krylon has a paint product available that is designed for plastic and comes in 16 colors.Painting the wood fronts will be easier. Remove the doors from the cabinets, then remove all the hardware. Wipe all surfaces with a clean rag saturated with mineral spirits (paint thinner) to remove surface contamination. You may have to do this twice or more because older cabinets typically have a heavy buildup of dirt, grease and wax. Change the rags frequently.Wash the surface with equal parts household ammonia and water. Rinse well with clean water. Allow the surface to dry completely. Then prime it with a shellac-based primer-sealer. Let it dry for about an hour. Finish coats should be an oil-base paint (alkyd enamel) for a more stain- resistant and durable finish. Two coats should be enough.

Q: In our bathroom, the hot water does not come out all that quickly; the cold water comes out fine. When you turn the knob toward the hot water, hardly any water comes out. Any idea why?A: I assume this is a single-lever faucet with a ball inside that controls the hot and cold water. The mechanism may no longer be working properly, or the hot-water supply line could have become corroded. Are you getting hot water in the kitchen or in the bathtub? If you are, that limits the problem to the bathroom sink.

Have questions for Alan Heavens? E-mail him at aheavens@phillynews.com or write him at The Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia, PA 19101.