Wood surfaces, such as wood trim for windows and doors, wood fascia or siding, should be dry and clean prior to painting. Some recommended procedures are:

• Nail holes or imperfections should be filled with a wood putty and sanded
  
• New wood should be painted promptly (within a few weeks) because weathering of the wood will reduce adhesion of primer and paint
  
• Dull any shiny (mill glazed) areas with fine grit (#220) sandpaper
  
• However, moisture in treated wood left from the treatment process should be allowed to dry prior to painting; once constructed, two weeks’ exposure to the weather should be adequate for most siding materials; thicker timber may take longer
  
• On previously painted wood with a sound paint surface, remove dirt, chalk, etc. by scrubbing with detergent and water (rinse thoroughly) or by careful power washing using plain water; NOTE: woods that tend to be very soft, such as old and weathered cedar and redwood, can easily be damaged by the high pressure jet of power washing
  
• On previously painted wood with flaking or peeling paint, remove all loose or poorly adhering paint by scraping, or by careful hand wire brushing using a stiff metal wire brush going with the grain of the wood; feather sand rough edges of remaining paint; refresh surface of exposed, weathered wood by sanding with medium grit (#120) garnet paper; if gloss or semigloss paint will be used, follow by sanding with fine grit (#220) garnet paper; wear eye protection, work gloves and a dust mask
  
• Dull any glossy paint by sanding with fine (#220) grit garnet paper; wear eye protection, dust mask and work gloves
  
• 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;
  
• Refresh the surface of any weathered wood by sanding with medium grit (#120) garnet paper, sanding in the direction of the grain
  
  
  

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