Surface preparation is important when painting ALIHOUGH SURFACE prepara- ion is without question the most Unportant step i obtaining an at tractive, long-lasting painted finish, it is generally the least per- formed. Many do-it-yourself painters are not aware that the life of a painted surface, and especially an exterior surface, is directly proportionate to the care taken during surface Preparation, Regardless of whether you are repainting or working with a previously unpainted surface, take the time to correct basic problems and prepare surfaces properly. Even though a new unpainted sur- face tends to pose fewer problems (primarily because there’s no guesswork in deciding what type of finish has already been applied), the appropriate surface prepara- tion is still crugial to ensure trouble-free results. Before starting your exterior painting project, run a quick in- spection tour to check out likely trouble spots. These include win- dow and door frame areas, steps, siding, downspouts, under-eave areas and anywhere else moisture is likely to collect. if there’s cracking or pecling of © the old coating, use a wire brush to remove the original paint. If you discover extensive moisture dam- age over a large area, you'll need to sand the entire surface area to ensure the new coating will adhere. In either case, be sure to feather edges with sandpaper to provide an even appearance after painting. If the old coating is slated for removal, a pre-painting prime job is a musi. Ask your paint dealer which primer is best suited te the surface in question. Remember that the entire coating ‘system’ should be treated as a unit. Just as your primer should be suitable for the surface, the top coating you choose must be compatible with the primer. Don’t compromise in the quality of the products — inferior grade coatings will often cost more in the long run. A clean surface is another must for any painting job — paint can- not adhere to dirt, grease, chalk, wax or other surface contamina- tion. Use a mild detergent or trisodium phosphate solution to remove accumulated surface resi- dues. After a thorough scrub-down, rinse the area well with clean water and allow to dry completely before priming or painting. Any mildew growth on exterior surfaces must also be reiuoved be- fore repainting or the mildew will continue to feed on edible materi- als in the paint and eventually destroy the new coating. Since moisture is the single most impor- tant factor in mildew growth, the discoloration is usually found in damp, dark areas such as northern exposure sites. To determine if mildew is pres- ent, drop a small amount of houschold bleach on the discolored surface. If it's mildew, the bleach will destroy and whiten the fungus. If not, nothing will happen. The most effective way to remove mildew is to scrub the sur- face with a soft brush using a solu- tion of one cup non-ammonia detergent, one quart of household bleach and one gallon of water. In severe cases, use two parts bleach and two parts water. For maximum protection, use a mildew-resistant prime and paint. A generous topcoat will provide a further safeguard against penetra- tion of the mildew fungi. Before you begin painting, patch any nail holes and caulk open joints in siding and other exterior wood surfaces, By priming these afeas first, you can present the vehicle or binder in the caulking ot patching compound trom being absorbed into the wood and thus extend life of the compound. A final point, the type of paint you choose can sometimes have a Significant effect on the type or degree of surface preparation re- quired For example, if you select anoextenior dates TO apply oser an exfenor vloss house paint, vou wall need fo sand of otherepe reduce the gloss of che existing surtace to ensure the new lates will adhere. if you're unsure about the Preparation requirea for vour painting Job, check with your paint dealer. In the long run you'll be glad you did. ROSEN TILE IS MOVING. to new bigger premises Showroom & Warehouse under one roof. Lots of parking. Our new location end of September ’87 will be #1080-1070 Churchill Cr. 980-2218 or 980-4633 (off Lloyd Ave. opposite Thunderbird main entrance) WATCH FOR UPDATES HERE! | da) Paints and Stains === OLYAAPIC. 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