New Jacuzzi woes, bothersome sticker

Q: A replacement panel on our Jacuzzi tub arrived with a big orange sticker on the front. The paper and the sticky glue cannot be removed. I know I could remove it with fingernail polish remover but I don’t want to ruin the finish. I tried rubbing alcohol, but it didn’t work. Do you have a suggestion about what I could use to remove it? — Wanda C.

A: Un-Du Adhesive Remover, a product found at craft stores, was suggested by one of my readers. Similar products like Goo-Gone are available at home-improvement stores.

And I’ve actually seen a suggestion to smear peanut butter over the sticker (my guess is the oil in the peanut butter soaks into the label). If you try this method, don’t use the crunchy version.

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Q: After purchasing an 8-year-old house, I noticed some scratches inside the Jacuzzi tub in the master bath. They don’t seem too deep. How do I get rid of them? — Jesse in Plano, Texas

A: Depending on the extent and depth of the scratches, it may be possible to polish them out. However, this job takes a light touch and a lot of patience, because the fiberglass surface can be permanently damaged.

“Purchase a polishing compound for automobiles. (This compound typically comes in two types: polishing and rubbing compound. Choose the polishing type only.)

“Apply in small circles using a soft, lint-free cloth. Don’t scrub the surface or otherwise try to hurry the process.

“Another option, especially with a large area of scratches, is to use a power drill with a polisher attachment and a soft polishing pad.

Pay close attention to the surface as you work, stopping frequently to make sure the polisher is actually minimizing the scratches and not just adding more to the surface. Don’t press down on the drill.

“Complete the repair by rinsing and drying the surface, then applying a coat of wax (plain, not polishing, auto paste wax) over the scratched area to protect it and further hide remaining scratches.

“If this doesn’t work or if the scratches are extensive and deep, contact a professional refinisher.