Wood

Trim, Doors/Stained and-or Clear Coated/To Be Painted

a. Surface Preparation:

• treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly
• remove cracking, loose or poorly adhering coating by careful scraping; wear eye protection, cloth work gloves, and a dust mask
• feather sand edges of remaining coating and dull any glossy areas by sanding with fine grit (#220) garnet paper; wear eye protection and dust mask
• remove all dirt by scrubbing with detergent and warm water, rinse thoroughly; pay special attention to kitchen areas (accumulated airborne cooking oils) and around switches and door knobs (hand prints and oils)

b. Priming:

• prime all surfaces: use a stain blocking primer that is recommended for interior use; choose from:
  • latex stain blocking primer: excellent for general use, good adhesion, blocks most stains, superior long term adhesion and flexibility; easiest to use and lowest odor
• alcohol-based (shellac based) stain blocking primer: maximum adhesion and stain blocking; moderate odor upon application, requires alcohol clean-up; quick drying; use with ample ventilation
• oil-based (alkyd): superior adhesion and stain blocking; high odor upon application; use with ample ventilation; use if oil-based paint is to be applied
• do not use PVA latex wall primer for this
• do not leave a primer unpainted

c. Painting:

• use top-of-the-line interior latex or oil-based paint in flat, satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish, depending on appearance desired
• oil-based will provide greater hardness, but may yellow, and will be prone to crack with time
• satin, semigloss and gloss paints will resist dirt and handprints better than flat finish