Scrape away peeling or flaking paint with a heavy-duty bent scraper or flexible metal scraper. Be sure to sand any rough spots thoroughly. If you skip this step, the new paint you apply will merely flake or chip off along with the old!

Use a flexible putty knife to pick at the edges of small holes or cracks to remove any loose material. Then use the same tool to work Dyna Patch Patching Compound into the holes and cracks. Scrape across the surface to remove any excess material. Let dry; sand smooth; wipe with a tack cloth. For holes larger than 1 cm in diameter, stuff a wad of tightly scrunched up newspaper in the hole first to give the compound something to adhere to. Larger holes require a more substantial backing of screening or even to be cut out and replaced with a new piece of matching material. Seek advice from sales people in the paint store if you are uncertain how to proceed.

You can repair popped nails. Simply hammer the nail until it is flush with the drywall, then use an awl to counter-sink the nail until it is slightly below the surface. Fill the resulting hole. See the instructions for filling holes and cracks if you are unsure how to proceed.

Use a Dynamic sanding sponge, sanding block, or our handy Hook and Loop Sanding System. For plaster or painted surfaces, sand with a gentle circular motion, smoothing out any uneven spots. On bare wood, sand in straight strokes in the same direction as the grain. Always use a tack cloth to wipe the surface clean when sanding is complete.

It is essential to prime surfaces that show water marks or other stains caused by nicotine or marker pens. Be sure to prime all spackled areas as well. Apply a coat of Zinsser's Bulls Eye 1-2-3- Primer/Sealer, Cover Stain Primer/Sealer or B-I-N Primer/Sealer. Consult the Paint Store expert for the proper Zinsser product based on your application.

It is important to remove all traces of mildew (usually found in damp areas such as bathrooms and small kitchens) before painting, otherwise it will continue to re-appear. Simply mix a solution of 1 part household bleach and 3 parts water. Sponge or spray the solution on the affected areas and leave for 15 minutes before wiping with a cloth dipped in clean water. Let dry before painting. Ensure the mildew does not come back by using mildew proof paint, guaranteed mildew proof for five years.

Paint will not adhere to dirty or greasy surfaces, so be sure to clean them thoroughly. To clean surfaces, wash areas that are greasy, grimy or dirty using a clean rag or sponge and a solution of hot water and Trisodium Phosphate (TSP). For general grime, use household detergent and warm water. Start from the bottom of the wall and work upwards to avoid streaks from forming. Rinse with a clean cloth dipped in warm water; let dry. If you must use a solvent to clean a surface, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and after removing the grime, wipe the surface with a mild detergent solution followed by a water rinse. If walls are greasy, use TSP to de-grease the surface. After cleaning, let dry before proceeding.

Paint should never be applied directly to an unpainted surface and to some already painted surfaces. When certain conditions exist, the paint will fail to adhere properly. Unpainted surfaces, patched areas and spots made bare during repair work and prepping need to be primed with Bulls Eye 1-2-3- Primer/Sealer or Cover Stain Primer/Sealer before painting. You must also prime if you are applying a lighter color of paint over a darker one to prevent the darker color from showing through. Zinsser Primers will give your paint job a professional finish every time.