Preparing unpainted surfaces
Exterior timber:
All sharp edges should be slightly rounded by planing, scraping
or sanding. If timber has been exposed for some time or damaged it
must be sanded before painting. All sanding should be carried out
with the grain. Wash, or dust off as necessary before
painting.Cracks and holes in the timber should be scraped clean of
any soft material, and filled with an appropriate filler.
Interior timber:
Sand smooth before painting. Timber should be sanded along the
grain to prevent fibres being raised. Remove all dust and dirt
before painting. Undercoat with Bristol Easy Living Sealer
Undercoat, or Supreme Undercoat.
Paperfaced gypsum board (Plasterboard):
Ensure joints are smooth and surface is dust free. Seal with
Bristol Easy Living Sealer Undercoat. Particleboard, MDF:Dirt
and grease should be removed, edges should be filled or fitted with
an edge strip and holes filled before sanding. Seal with Bristol
Easy Living Sealer Undercoat before painting. Do not use oil based
undercoats on fibre board.
Galvanised Steel and Zincalume:
New metal should be thoroughly degreased by wiping with mineral
turpentine. Structural galvanised steel (pipes, beams, hand rails
etc) must be thoroughly abraded by sanding or grinding to remove
chemical treatments from the surface and ensure adhesion of
coatings. Prime with Bristol WeatherTough Gal Iron Primer.
Iron and Steel:
If no rust is present, the surface should be thoroughly
degreased by wiping with mineral turpentine. Loose rust can be
removed with a wire brush or power tool. Prime with Bristol Supreme
Metal Primer.
Lead:
New lead surfaces should be thoroughly washed with water, and
allowed to dry. Lead flashing may be painted directly with Bristol
WeatherTough Forte.
Claybricks:
Remove loose particles by dry brushing the surface down. Fill
holes and cracks with a suitable filler. Wash the surface if
necessary with a solution of water and household detergent. Rinse
with water and allow to dry.
Concrete:
Paint will serve best if concrete is cured and dry when painted.
New concrete may be wet under the surface and this moisture may
later cause blistering and peeling of coatings. Aging is a reliable
surface treatment for concrete. With age, moisture and alkalinity
are reduced. Concrete should be allowed to dry for 4 weeks. Fill
all unwanted holes with suitable filler. Wash if necessary with a
solution of water and household detergent to achieve a clean
surface before painting.
Cement render:
Surfaces must be cured and dry prior to painting, at least 6
weeks for oil based paints and 4 weeks for acrylic paints. Treat
any mould with a suitable mould wash solution.
Set plaster:
Leave to cure for 28 days prior to painting. Fill cracks with a
suitable plaster filler and smooth the filler by lightly
sanding.
Seal with Bristol Supreme Sealer.
Fibrous plaster and plasterglass:
Seal with Supreme Sealer prior to painting.