Surfaces to be coated must be dry, clean, sound, and free from all contamination including loose and peeling paint, dirt, grease, oil, wax, concrete curing agents and bond breakers, chalk, efflorescence, mildew, rust, product fines, and dust. Remove loose paint, chalk, and efflorescence by wire brushing, scraping, sanding, and/or pressure washing. Putty all nail holes and caulk all cracks and open seams. Sand all glossy, rough, and patched surfaces. Feather back all rough edges to sound surface by sanding. Masonry and plaster surfaces must be allowed to cure for 30 days prior to painting. Uncoated substrates, repaired surfaces or lightly stained areas may require additional coats. For severe stains, water marks, and other challenging conditions use the appropriate primer.

WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust or fumes. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST OR FUMES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a properly fitted NIOSH-approved respirator and prevent skin contact to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the USEPA National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. In Canada, contact a regional Health Canada office. Follow these instruc- tions to control exposure to other hazardous substances that may be released during surface preparation.

CONCRETE/MASONRY: New concrete should cure for at least 30 days and preferably 90 days prior to priming and painting. The pH of the sub- strate must be less than 10.

FERROUS METAL: The surface must be cleaned thoroughly to remove dust, rust, and surface contaminants, and then primed.

WOOD: Unpainted wood or wood in poor condition should be sanded smooth and wiped clean. Any knots or resinous areas must be sealed before painting. Countersink all nails, putty flush with surface, then prime.