After you've cleaned, sanded, and masked, don't forget the important step of priming exterior surfaces. Bare wood needs a primer to seal the surface. You'll use less topcoat and the color will lay rich on the top layer. If the surface is new construction or a recent repair, or if you have sanded down to bare surface, apply a high quality primer before painting. Duramax High Performance Exterior Paint does not require a primer over bare surfaces. More on Exterior House & Trim Primers

Certain bare substrates require a specific primer to seal the surface and prepare for the most successful paint topcoat. On hardboard siding, use Valspar Exterior Oil Primer. Over concrete siding or masonry, the best choice is Valspar Exterior Latex Primer

Exposed nail heads could rust and the rust can stain your beautiful paint work. Spot prime all exposed nail heads in wood boards with a rust inhibitive primer. More on Exterior House & Trim Primers

Even after you have cleaned the surface, you may see stains that need to be covered before you paint. Some stains will come through the topcoat no matter how many coats you apply. Select a stain blocking primer best for the type of stain, either an oil based or latex based product. Be sure the stain blocking primer is for exterior surfaces. More on Exterior House & Trim Primers

Spot priming means you apply a primer only to those spots that need it. If you've sanded down to bare surface, you need to prime those spots. For some stains, spot priming is the best way to save time and lock in the stain from migrating to the topcoat. Don't forget to feather sand so the topcoat applies evenly. More on Exterior House & Trim Primers

Prime glossy surfaces to promote adhesion of the topcoat.
There are three ways to prime a glossy surface:
1. Use a latex or oil-based primer formulated for glossy surface adhesion.
2. Use a liquid deglosser such as Prepaint, following all label instructions.
3. Go over the surface with 200 grit sandpaper. The scuffing will help the new paint adhere. Then wash the surface with TSP, rinse with water, and let dry. More on MultiPurpose Primers. More on Exterior Primers If you aren't sure if you need a primer or which primer to use, contact Customer Service.