ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

Gary Chang

Edge (HK)

ANTIQUES EXPERT

Tsang Chi Fan

Christie's Hong Kong

HANDYMAN

Mark Fraser

CDI Professional

Decorators

paint specialist

Paola Dindo

Paola Dindo & Associates

horticulturalist

Richard Coumbe

RC Landscape Specialists

In my bedroom a small area of the emulsioned wall is starting to flake away. How can I retouch it myself?

Paola Dindo replies: Normally, flaking paint occurs when humidity levels are high or the plaster under the paint is starting to change consistency. First, remove all the furniture near the area you are going to work on, or at least cover everything with old sheets - this is a dusty job.

Taking a scraper, remove all the loose paint and plaster and clean away any dust. In a container, mix a cup of limestone with half a cup of seaweed jelly plus a tablespoon of plaster of Paris (no water is required). Using a spatula, apply a smooth layer of the mix to the wall and allow the patch to dry overnight. (If the area needing patching is deep, it's better to apply two thin layers of plaster mix than one thick one, allowing it to dry in between. Cover the plaster mix with a damp cloth to keep it moist.)

Using fine sandpaper, sand the area gently until you have a flat seamless finish then apply two layers of fresh emulsion to match your wall colour. All materials are available from hardware stores or a good paint shop such as Yuen Fat Ho (77 Hollywood Road, Central. Tel: 2546 8020).

I have a balcony that is six metres long but only 135 centimetres deep and is too narrow for a normal table and chairs. What kind of design or dining arrangement could you suggest to seat eight people?

Gary Chang replies: Conventional seating around a table requires more space than you have and having your guests sit in a row would be rather odd. I would suggest a more flexible and informal arrangement along the lines of a buffet-style dining area. When you have guests round, you could bring out a couple of long narrow tables (such as altar or hall tables) throw over a tablecloth and arrange the food and drinks on top. Your guests can then mingle freely and choose to either stand or sit on stools.

For eating off or placing drinks on, you could have some tabletops hinged from the wall. As these can be folded flat when not in use, they will allow you to use your balcony for other activities. You could install fold-down casual seating in the same manner.