Surface must be clean and dry. Remove all loose, peeling paint, dirt, mildew, grease, oil, chalk, rust, and any other surface contaminants. Blistering and peeling issues are commonly caused by moisture behind the paint film. Problems leading to excessive moisture in the substrate must be repaired prior to painting. Putty all nail holes and caulk all cracks and open seams. Sand all glossy, rough, and patched surfaces. Plaster, concrete, and masonry surfaces must be completely dry, free of efflorescence, and allowed to cure for 30 days prior to painting. When applied to an uncoated substrate or to bare wood, two coats are required with the first coat acting as the primer. For exterior ferrous metal, tannin staining woods,
fresh concrete or masonry (less than 30 days cure), or chalky surfaces, use of an appropriate specialty primer is recommended for best results.