Remove loose knots and fill knotholes with plastic wood, or cut out and fill with sound wood. Any pitch exudations on the surface should be removed by scraping and sanding, or if the resin is soft, by cleaning with mineral spirits or turpentine. Any loose grain or splinters should be removed.

The surface should be planed and sanded as required by the need for good appearance. Interior woodwork usually requires a smoother surface than most exterior woodwork. Sandpaper obliquely across the grain for painting, and with the grain for staining or natural finishes. Set nails well below the surface to provide a firm key for the filler. Remove contaminations of oil, asphalt, dirt, or crayon marks on lumber by scraping, sandpapering, or use of solvents.

Fill nail holes, cracks, joints and other irregularities of the surface after priming. When done before priming, the filler may shrink and fall away due to absorption of some of the binder by the wood. The filler shall be rubbed down to a level surface with sandpaper.

Miscellaneous

Heavy deposits of tar and grease should be removed with a putty knife. Grease, oil, etc., should be removed with solvent or hot water and detergent. Where required, remove gloss of paint with sandpaper, steel wool, or solvent wash. Remove mildew by scrubbing with a commercial mildew cleaner or with a solution of one tablespoon of dry powdered non-phosphate detergent and two quarts of household liquid bleach to two quarts of warm water. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with water and allow the surface to dry before painting. CAUTION: Do not add ammonia, detergents, or cleaners containing ammonia to the bleach/water mixture. Wear protective glasses and waterproof gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation.

Choose from the following list of substrates:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Galvanized Metal
• Masonry & Concrete
• Steel
• Wood
• Weathered Vinyl Siding