Decoration - Preparation

The quality of all finished decoration is dependent on the quality of both preparation and application. The key issues are:
   masonry and plaster surfaces need to be dry, dust-free and stable prior to decoration
   minor imperfections should be filled using appropriate fillers: these are plaster based for masonry
surfaces and, though some of these can be used for joinery, high performance fillers are more
effective and durable for external joinery
   any exposed knots in timber to be painted must be treated with a suitable knotting product
   a number of joint- and gap-sealing mastics and caulking products are available and, if they are to
be used externally, they need to be specified to be external quality
   manufacturers’ instructions should be followed carefully, for example:
− paintsshouldbestirredthoroughly(whererequiredtobe)
− overlythickcoatsshouldbeavoided
− theappropriateprimersandundercoatsmustbeusedwhererecommended
− checksmustbemadetoconfirmthatanewpaintsystemiscompatiblewithanyexisting
paintwork (there is little point in applying a microporous paint on top of existing non-porous
paintwork)
   for external timber joinery, avoid leaving bare timber exposed for long periods and avoid painting
during damp periods (October to April), or when it is likely to rain before the paint will dry, to avoid
trapping excessive moisture under the paint surface
   if considering stripping existing painted joinery, check that the paint is not lead based (essentially
any pre-1965 existing paint).