To dpb et al From OP: Surface Prep.?, & Prev. post On Benjamin Moore Kitchen & Bath Paint

Hello:

Much thanks for opinion on the paint; appreciate it, and feel a lot better about using it.

Could you please offer me some suggestions re "the most important thing in a paint job is preparation--the best/most expensive paint in the world won't last if it goes on a poorly prepared surface"

What should I do, specifically:

It's going over an old existing latex (I think) paint job.

Should I roughen the surface first ? Wash it with something first (what) ? etc.

Thanks again, Bob

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I guess I'm dating myself here, but I always thought that Latex paints > were > Always a poor choice for an area that sees "some" moisture. That the only > way to go was to use an oil based paint. > Are these new Latex paints, like this one, really that much better, and > suitable for, e.g., a bathroom ?

,,,

To quote another --"This ain't your father's Oldsmobile"... :)

Short answer--"yes". Current latex enamels are quite good and while I haven't used this particular BM product, I would have no qualms. Of course, as often noted (and often ignored), the most important thing in a paint job is preparation--the best/most expensive paint in the world won't last if it goes on a poorly prepared surface.

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Clean and dry, remove any loose surface material (paint, previous patching material, etc.), and do the touch up repair. If the present surface is a semi-gloss or similar, it probably has enough adhesion that an overall sanding wouldn't be required. In a bathroom where moisture is always an issue, one of the biggest things to do is to ensure you've removed and treated any signs of surface mold, etc. If there are areas that show this, wash thoroughly w/ soap/water/bleach solution and rinse and dry thoroughly. In that case a primer w/ an fungicide will be desirable (Kilz brand is probably the best-known, others are also available). Essentially, follow the label directions and if you're uncertain if you've done enough, talk to the pro at the paint store for additional guidance. (Altho I'm sure you'll get lots more suggestions here as well).

Essentially, it's common sense and being thorough _first_ rather than getting in a rush and so eager to see what it looks like to start before the hard part is done. It's so easy to put paint over anything and is looks like it's just great initially, but if there surface isn't clean and solid, it just won't last--and again in the damp area, if there's any mold remaining underneath it will just come back through even faster. I didn't look at the BM label for the paint you're speaking of, but that's probably a feature of it being a wet environment product.

HTH....