1. Prepare the Surface Properly

Remove MILDEW with a solution of 1 part household bleach to 3 parts water. Apply to the surface, wait 20 minutes, adding more solution as needed, then rinse. Protect vegetation.

Make sure the surface is clean and sound: POWER WASH with plain water to remove dirt or chalk, or SCRUB with a detergent-an-water solution. Rinse thoroughly.

SCRAPE or SAND surface to remove loose, peeling paint. Also SAND glossy paints and areas of weathered wood.

PRIME any bare areas with a quality latex or alkyd primer. Consider priming the entire area for best adhesion and best appearance of the finish coat.

2. Use the Right Tools and Brushes

GOOD QUALITY tools and brushes last longer, help a job move along more quickly, and apply the paint smoothly, which helps with durability.

BRUSHES should feel well-balanced when held and their bristles should be packed tightly and tapered up to the center of the brush.

Use SYNTHETIC BRISTLE brushes with LATEX paint. Natural bristles will swell as they absorb water from the paint, and will not apply the paint evenly. Dampen brushes prior to painting (use water for latex paints, paint thinner for oil or alkyd paints).

3. Paint in the Right Weather Conditions

Ideally, do exterior painting when the temperature is BETWEEN 60 and 85 degrees F., and when there is little or no wind.

AVOID painting in direct sunshine. This can cause the paint to dry too fast, and to blister.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST. If the temperature is predicted to drop below the paint's minimum application temperature in the next day or two, consider postponing your project.

4. Use the Right Paint for the Job

Choose a paint designed for the job you are doing. In most cases, a TOP QUALITY ACRYLIC LATEX EXTERIOR paint will be the best choice. These paints adhere better, are more flexible, and last longer than ordinary paints.

NEVER use an interior paint for an exterior job. Manufacturers formulate paints specifically for the use indicated on the label.

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