Allow plenty of time for preparing the surface. It will probably take longer than the actual painting.

WARNING:
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE PAINT IF YOU SUSPECT IT CONTAINS LEAD.

This can cause an extreme health hazard. Lead paint was common until 1950, but was not outlawed in the U.S.A. until 1978. If you think you may have lead paint, contact the EPA hotline for information: 1-800-424-LEAD or visit the EPA website.

Interior Surfaces

· Repair damaged areas

· Caulk where needed
  Most paint jobs can benefit from using caulk. Every home has some gaps –
  between walls and floors, where molding meets walls, floors or ceilings or around
  door or window frames. Top quality 100% acrylic caulk is the best material to fill
  these gaps to achieve optimal aesthetics and minimize drafts that reduce your
  home’s energy efficiency.

· For help with the proper surface preparation click on the topic below:

     - Getting Rid of Mildew
     - Preparing Glossy Surfaces
     - Preparing Bare Wood
     - New Wallboard, Plaster and Tile
     - Stained and Discolored Surfaces
     - Previously Painted Surfaces
     - Wallpapered surfaces

Exterior Surfaces

Surface preparation is especially critical for exterior applications. This step, combined with choosing top quality paints, will ensure your paint job lasts the longest possible time.

Preparing the Area and Surface

Area
a. Cover plants and other surfaces not to be painted with tarps
b. If painting body of house, dig small trench around house
   to paint to ground level
c. Caulk around windows, doors, vents.
click here for more information on Caulking Inside and Out

Preparing the Surface
If pre-existing problems exist, correct those first to prevent future recurrence.

Remove old, damaged paint or stain
Get rid of mildew
Clean the area
Prepare glossy surfaces
Select the primer
Check all caulking
Additional tips for specific building materials