The information below should not be considered complete. Technical specification answers, specific application guidelines, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) etc. can be found at our specs page.
How much preparation do I need to do before priming?
Prepare as you normally would, following normal painting and safety guidelines.
- Wash and clean areas
- Remove dirt and grease
- Remove and replace damaged and rotten wood as necessary
- Knock down excess rust as necessary.
- Scrape and sand to your desired smoothness.
- Caulk as necessary
- Sand glossy areas and finishes
- Allow surfaces to dry
Then apply Mad Dog Primer to all unstable areas…
Why was Mad Dog Primer (MDP) Developed? What makes MDP so special?
MDP was developed to help contractors and property owners stabilize problem areas. No other product on the market does a better, more long term job of reducing and solving peeling paint, cracking plaster and wallboard, stucco and rusting metal problems.
Most primers become brittle and won’t flex with changes caused by exposure to sun, rain, snow, high and low humidity.
Mad Dog Primers are very unique. We use patent pending Weather Smart technology to solve painting problems. Weather Smart grips on to the problem areas like glue and remains flexible. Paint problems don’t stand a chance.
Patent pending Weather Smart adjusts to the weather conditions in your area. Weather Smart resins grip on at an amazing 300 PSI and can flex up to 300%. It contracts when its cold, expands when its hot, and even breathes better than most latex coatings. Mad Dog Primer also stops some rust and tannin bleed problems.
Where can I use MDP?
MDP is designed to safely stabilize and prepare paint, plaster, metal, wood, stucco and concrete surfaces. Common areas where Mad Dog is used include:
- Wooden siding and plywood
- Rusty railings and nail heads
- Cracking plaster and drywall (i.e. shower ceilings)
- Window sills
- Door frames
- Cracking stucco areas
- Galvanized ducts, pipes, and railings
- Deck Railings
How does MDP stop rust so well?
Traditional primers will crack and then the oxygen and moisture will attack the metal and the rust cycle begins again.
Mad Dog has flash rust blocking inhibitors. This stops the metal from rusting while the water-based coating is drying. After two coats of primer is applied(and allowed to dry overnight), the rust can not bleed through from coating pinholes. Because MDP flexes, this keeps oxygen from getting at the metal surface. No Oxygen, No Rust.
Does MDP Stop Tannin?
MDP will reduce or stop light to medium tannin bleed problems. Apply two coats of MDP and allow them to dry overnight before applying the top coat of paint. Always test a small area on your project for effectiveness before continuing with the entire project.
How is MDP applied?
MDP can be applied by brush, roller or spray application. It is best to work the MDP into the substrate so it can penetrate in (and around peeling, flaking, cracking and rusting areas) and adhere better.
How thick should it be applied?
Apply a thin coat of MDP. It is better to apply two thinner coats than one thick coat.
How many coats do you need to apply?
One coat should be adequate. However, use common sense. If some areas of your project have a history of being continually unstable, apply another coat just to that problem area to make sure it is stabilized for the long term.
How long does it take to dry?
MDP goes on milky and dries clear in about 1 hour. Allow longer drying times under colder or moist conditions.
Is MDP tacky after dries?
Yes, MDP might be clear and dry, but continues to be tacky. This glue-like tackiness allows MDP to glue down problem areas and firmly hold the top coat.
What products can I apply over Mad Dog Primer?
Apply a superior grade of 100% (non alkyd modified) latex paints as a top coat. We do not recommend using oil-based, solvent-based or two part ”hot” products. These do not have enough flexibility and will crack.
Check all coatings for compatibility with MDP before proceeding with entire project.
Can Mad Dog Primer be tinted?
Yes, MDP can be tinted any color from white to jet black. Use up to 4 ounces per gallon. Tinting will slow down dry times just a bit.
Why is MDP more expensive than other primers?
MDP was developed to solve the problems NOT being addressed by other products. Traditional primers don’t have the qualities and performance characteristics to REALLY solve problems for the long term. Most primers become hard and brittle as they age. Mad Dog uses a patent pending blend of flexible and adhesive resins that last for years and years.