Surfaces to be coated must be clean and dry. Remove all loose, peeling paint, dirt, grease, and any other surface contaminants. Putty all nail holes and caulk all cracks and open seams. Sand all glossy, rough and patched surfaces. Plaster, concrete and masonry surfaces must be completely dry, free of efflorescence and allowed to cure for 30 days prior to painting. When applied to an uncoated substrate or to bare wood, two coats are required with the first coat acting as the primer. Uncoated substrates, repaired surfaces or lightly stained areas may require additional coats. For severe stains, water marks, and other challenging conditions such as bare metal or chalky surfaces use an appropriate specialty primer. WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust or fumes. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST OR FUMES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a properly fitted NOISH-approved respirator and prevent skin contact to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop.