ToughFinish is an inexpensive investment. The most important benefit is the tremendous time savings. When you paint or stain, your time is, by far, the largest expense. And time is exactly what ToughFinish gives you more of.

Plus ToughFinish helps to ensure a longer lasting, beautiful, and decorative appearance in all climates.

Helpful Painting Answers.

How important is it to prepare the surface?
Careful preparation of the surface is an important factor in the success of any paint job. Even though it may take longer than the application step, it's worth the effort. A clean, continuous (filled), sound surface will give you more life from paint treated with ToughFinish.

What steps do I follow in preparing to paint?
First, read the label of your paint and the directions for ToughFinish. Then follow these basic steps:

• Cover what you can't move (fixed carpet, shrubs, etc.).
• Remove what you can (curtains, screens, plug covers, etc.)
• Repair underlying material, especially any rotten wood.
• Scrape and sand areas where paint is loose.
• Wash with a good cleaning compound. Start at the top, rinse, and let the surface dry.
• Sanding the entire surface lightly will give additional area for the paint to bond to. All paints, whether treated or not, bond better to sanded surfaces.
• If there is lead in your paint, you will need to use the appropriate equipment and safety measures.
• Clean off the sanding dust.

If I choose a higher gloss paint, will the next paint coat adhere to it well when it's time to repaint?
Yes, as long as you do good surface preparation and use ToughFinish.

Can I use latex paint over alkyd (oil) paint?
Yes. If the alkyd paint is high gloss or semi-gloss, diminish the gloss first. This may be done with sanding or applying a suitable undercoat.

What should I do to prevent paint from peeling?
Treating your paint with ToughFinish will help you solve this problem. Removing any old peeling paint, and sanding the surface, will give you even more years of a nice looking paint job. This gives your paint, treated or not treated with ToughFinish, a better surface to adhere too.

What should I do to prevent paint from blistering?
Paint blisters because of moisture getting in behind the paint film. Either remove the source of moisture or apply a coating that resists blistering (i.e., latex treated with ToughFinish).

How do I remove mildew?
A cleaning solution containing a 1/2-cup of bleach and a 1/2-cup of tri-sodium phosphate in a gallon of water can help. Next, spray the house's surface while scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush. Let the formula do its work for 1/2 an hour before rinsing with a garden hose. Make sure the area is well ventilated. It is not always recommended to use a power-washer, because its streaming jets can damage old wood.

How much time will I need to prepare?
Preparation time will depend on the extent of the problems encountered.

What are some of the most common painting mistakes?

One of the simplest mistakes in any project is failure to read and follow manufacturer's instructions for tools and materials being used. In regard to applying paint treated with ToughFinish, some of the most common mistakes are:

• Not applying enough of ToughFinish.
• Not adding a wetting surfactant agent, such as EasyCoat-100 or clear dishwashing soap.
• Not adding enough surfactant.
• Not preparing a clean surface.
• Failure to mix the paints thoroughly with ToughFinish
• Wasting the paint by applying too much to the applicator, (roller & brush).
• Using water-logged applicators.
• Not solving dampness problems in the walls or ceilings.
• Waiting too long to paint or stain after treating with ToughFinish.
• Not roughing up enamel paint before painting over it.