Previously Painted/To Be Painted

a. Surface Preparation:

NOTE‚ If lead is suspected in the paint, do not attempt to scrape, sand, power wash, use heat gun, etc., which might put lead into the environment, but rather contact a contractor qualified for lead assessment and abatement

• very carefully remove any loose or peeling paint by gentle scraping; take care not to dig into or gouge the membrane under the paint
  
• treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly
  
• scrub off dirt, chalk, treated mildew with a detergent and water mixture; rinse thoroughly

b. Priming:

• priming is helpful but not necessary if existing paint is in excellent condition, unless specified by paint manufacturer
  
• prime if there is excessive mildew (remove it first) or any sign of wax bleed
  
• use quality exterior latex primer recommended for repaint of hardboard siding
  
• do not leave a primer unpainted
  

c. Painting:

• use top-of-the-line exterior 100% acrylic latex house paint in flat, satin, semigloss finish, depending on appearance desired
• satin paints are less vulnerable to wax bleed through than are flat paints (particularly "economy" flat products)