Spackling product doubles as primer

3M Patch Plus Primer eliminates the need to prime spackled areas before painting.

The spackling paste contains tiny particles that create a primer-like film on the surface, unlike other spackling products that can cause a change in paint sheen. The product dries fast and won't shrink or crack, but it's as strong as heavyweight spackling, the company says.

It comes in a square package that accommodates a 3-inch-wide putty knife.

3M Patch Plus Primer has a suggested retail price of $5.99 and is available at home improvement centers and paint and hardware stores.

Drapes on curtain rod

Q: My daughter is married to a military man who has been recently assigned to South America. She would like to re-use her pleated draw drapes in her new home, which has curtain rods instead of traverse rods. Is that possible, or does she have to buy new curtains?

A: Draperies can be hung from standard curtain rods using drapery rings that have eyelets attached. Just hook the drapery pins through the eyelets at the bottom of the rings.

Ann Ewart, owner of Western Reserve Decorator Fabrics in Tallmadge, Ohio, said the pins can be adjusted on the draperies to make them shorter or longer, so they'll fit the new windows.

One caution: Ewart said draperies can be heavy, so make sure the rod is sturdy enough and the drapery hardware is attached to the wall properly so it can hold the weight.

Akron beacon journal