About Dulux
Safety, Health and Environment
Dulux Marketing and Advertising
Colour
Product Range
Problems
Product Advice

About Dulux

Q. I am interested in finding out information on employment opportunities with Dulux
A. Click here to link to Orica Career opportunities

Q. I am looking for information on Dulux/Orica/paint for a school project?
A. Dulux receives hundreds of requests from students each year. We are very pleased to help you with information wherever possible. Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests we are unable to give personalised responses, however, we do have a lot of information in our Dulux website.

Q. Can I get a copy of your annual report?
A. Dulux is a fully owned division of Orica Australia Pty Ltd. To view Orica's annual report, click here

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Safety, Health and Environment

Q. How can I find out more about the safety of your products?
A. Basic safety information is included on the labels of our products. For more information, you need to obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet on the individual product. This information is not available from this Web Site. Either call Dulux Customer Service or e-mail us. Please be sure to specify the exact product you require, for example Dulux Wash and Wear 101 Semi Gloss

Q. What if there is an emergency?
A. If there has been a safety, health or environmental emergency involving one of our products, please contact our Emergency Response service on 1800 033 111 (24 hours). In the event of an emergency, DO NOT E-MAIL US as our e-mail service is not monitored with the intent to provide emergency response.

Q. Does my paint have lead?
A. None of Dulux's house paints contain any lead and have not done so for over 30 years. Information on how to determine if a paint contains lead can be found by clicking on the following link: Q: How do I know if there is lead in my old painted surfaces?

Q. How do I dispose of paint waste?
A. Never dispose of unwanted paint by pouring it down household or stormwater drains. To get rid of those last few drops of paint, pour the excess onto an absorbent material such as kitty litter, cardboard or shredded paper and allow to dry. Dry paint can be disposed of with your normal household garbage. Allow the empty can to dry out thoroughly and it can then also be disposed of with your normal household garbage. For information on the recycling of steel paint cans go to www.steelcans.com.au
To dispose of liquid paint contact your local council.

Q. Do you have a paint without fumes?
A. For a short period Dulux made an interior paint called BreatheEasy which contained no VOC's. This range of paint is now made by Berger Paints, who have expanded the range. Berger paints are also part of Orica Australia.

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Dulux Marketing and Advertising

 Q. What sort of dog is the Dulux dog? What is his name?
A. The Dulux dog is an old English sheepdog. As our brand mascot, he does not have a name, although the dogs who get to be 'the dog'; in our commercials obviously have their own 'real' names. The Dulux dog is selected from top registered breeders - and although they might all look the same to us, it is important that the Dulux dog is just the right look.

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Colour

Q. I have used the Dulux Mycolour software in my local hardware store - is it available from the Web Site?
A. Yes, this is available from the Painting Your Home - Colour section. Mycolour can also be purchased in a CDROM from your local Dulux stockist.

Q. Can I find out what colours were used in one of your television ads?
This is one of our most commonly asked questions and we keep all this information on hand whenever we release a new advertisement. In any of our ads in magazines, you should see a reference to the colour we used in the ad.

For colours used in other ads please contact customer service 13 25 25

WARNING: The colour may look different in your home that it appears in our ads due a number of factors including the lighting conditions for example sun or shade, fluorescent or incandescent or the colour of the surrounding floor coverings or furnishings. Be sure to obtain colour chips of the colour and check the colour in your home before purchasing your paint. Use Dulux Colour Solutions Sample pots to check the paint in place before you purchase the full quantity

Q: Why does a colour look different on my wall?
A: Apparent colour variations between the paint chips on colour cards and paint on the wall are usually caused by the reflection of another light source. For example, a pale yellow or cream can be affected by the green shrubbery close by. The same effect can be achieved by a reflection coming from floor coverings or curtains. Use Dulux Colour Solutions Sample Pots to check the paint in place before you purchase the full quantity.

Q. Can you match colours from other paint companies? I have a colour that I can't find on any of your colour charts? I am painting my home using a Dulux colour 15 years ago? Can I still get paint in that colour? Do you have a colour the same as my aluminium windows/colorbond roof or garage door.
A. Our colour charts represent only a fraction of the over 4000 current Dulux colours available. A larger range of 484 colours is available as individual colour chips from the Dulux Colour Solutions Colour board as seen in your Dulux stockist. A larger range again is available through the Dulux Colour Specifier range of colours which was designed for architects and colour professionals.

We keep the formula used to create many of the colours from our previous colour ranges, formulae for colours in the Australian and British standards ranges, colours matching our Powdercoating colours (used to coat aluminium windows), matches to many Colorbond colours and corresponding colours for many of the colours available in our competitor's ranges. Our total database of colour formulae has over 50,000 colours. Your paint retailer can access these formula through our formula books or by contacting Dulux Customer Service. Or contact us directly to check whether your colour is available.

If we cannot find your colour in our database, you can then visit a paint retailer who has the Dulux Colour matching system, which can create a special formula to match your required colour from a sample - whether that is a paint chip, or a fabric sample.

Q. Where can I get a colour chart? Can you send me a colour chart?
A.Colour charts containing Dulux colours are available from Dulux stockists You will usually find them at the Dulux Colour Solutions colour wall. To order a colour card, please contact customer service on 13 25 25.

Q. If I have used Dulux Suede (Interior) or Tuscan (Exterior) effects and want to use a complimentary colour for the trim. Can you recommend a colour?
A. Yes, we can, but remember to check for yourself before purchasing:

Suede Colour
Classic Suede
Suede Sand
Portsea Sand
Tuscan Gold
Carnivali Sun
Villa Straw
Almond Ochre
Cream Torta
Rustic Rome
Palermo
Etruscan Stone
Copper
Pisa
Sierra
Roman Clay
Burnt Firenze
Terrazzo Red
Scarlet Ayers
Nubuck
Stucco Tan
Fossil Beige
Latte
Charmed Lute
Mojave Peach
Resort Pink
Classic Red
Tosca
Da Vinci Red
Venezia Plum
Cranberry
Plum Blaze
Purple Storm
Mocha Earth
Cypress Green
Blue Mineral
Soft Sage
Aegean Green
Cactus Green
Grotto Green
Tango Vine
Lucca Leaf
Blue Diamond
Blue Tuscany
Azure Milan
Aqua Florence
Mediterranean Blue
Divine Mecca
Palio Navy
Radiant Casa
Fresco Violet
Tuxedo
Pompeii Ash
Deep Porto
Lively Blush
Suave Rose
Spirito Lime
Velvet Gum

Dulux Colour
Malt Shake
Soft Chamois
Mr Mustard
Golden Sand
SoftSun
Butterblond
Pale Mustard
Great Dane
Arava
Paper Brown
Apricot Sorbet
Paper Brown
Magic Melon
Magic Melon
Sassy
Terracotta Chip
Terracotta Chip
Pompeiian Pink
Coyote
Tan Wagon
Yardbird
Stetson
Grapple
Helena Rose
Luscious Lobster
Vin Cuit
Tangier
Strong Strawberry
Roulette
Night Romance
Creamed Muscat
Purple Statement
Nightshade
Sedge Green
Moncur
White Cabbage
Sea Pea
Bladed Grass
Lush Hosta
Deep Rift
Daintree
Love Pat
Shadow Blue
Seabrook
Blue Mediterranean
Dormitory
Casa Cobalt/Blue Glaze
Quantum Blue
Indigo Mecca/Astro Zinger
Captivated
Malay Grey
Western Myall
Ritual
MP 70RR 23/409
Lickedy Lick
Tropical Light
Disc Jockey

Q. Where can I get ideas on colour schemes for my home?
Click here to go to "Choosing a Colour"
Click here to go to "Order a Dulux Colour Consultant"
Click here to go to "Dulux Mycolour" - colour visualiser online

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Product Range

Q. In what countries are your products available?
A. The products featured in this Web Site are available in Australia only. Many of the same products are also available in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Please contact your local Dulux office or paint retailer for more information

Outside of these areas, any Dulux branded products that are available are manufactured and distributed by ICI Pty Ltd and are not related to any of the products featured in this website. ICI Pty Ltd are based in the UK. They have their own website.

Q. Do you export to other countries/Can I be your distributor?
A. We are unable to export any of the products featured in this website. We do, however, export a number of other brands and products in commercial quantities under the Orica Coatings name. Some of our brands are Levene, Walpamur, Orica Textured Coatings and Orica Protective Coatings.

Orica Coatings are keen to hear of export opportunities for our products. Click here to visit the Orica Coatings website.

Q. Do you make stains and varnishes?
A. Dulux does not make stains and varnishes. However, another Orica company, Orica Woodcare makes a wide range of woodcare products, including the Cabots, Intergrain and Feast Watson ranges. Find out more by calling their Customer Service Department on 1800 011 006 or visit the Cabots website.

Q. I thought Dulux used to make automotive and refinish paints but you don't have any on your website.
A. At one time Dulux Australia supplied a number of automotive paints for the manufacture of new vehicles, but this segment of the business was sold to PPG in 1997. Dulux now market a full range of Dulux AutoSpeed Refinish paints for the repair and repainting of vehicles. For more information on the Dulux AutoSpeed Refinish range, contact Dulux Refinish on 03 8368 7664, or the Dulux Refinish Customer Service department on 1800 810 114


Q. Does Dulux make marine or pool paints?
A. No we don't.

Q. What other products does Dulux make that are not featured on this Web Site?
A. Dulux also makes ranges of specialist products for the industrial markets including Dulux Powdercoatings, Dulux Protective Coatings and Acratex textured coatings.

For more information on these products, go to the Orica Web Site or call the following numbers:

Protective and Texture coatings:
13 23 77

Powder coatings
13 24 99

Q. Why are not all paints available in all sizes?
A. Our products are available in a range of sizes according to demand for the product. It is not possible to make every product in every size - paint retailers would not have enough room to stock them and unpopular sizes would sit in our warehouses until they were no longer fit for use.

As a general rule, products that are used for large areas (eg for broadwall areas) are available in larger sizes and products largely used for small areas (eg. trim) are available in smaller sizes. More popular products are available in more sizes. This is why less commonly used bases are available in less sizes.
Your retailer may not stock all the sizes for a particular product, but they should be able to advise you on the sizes available and may be able to order in unusual products or sizes for you.

We regularly review our product offering. If you have a comment to make, please call or e-mail us.

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Problems

Q. I have had an experience with a Dulux product and am not satisfied - what can I do?
A. When you purchase a Dulux quality product, you are also purchasing our excellent after sales service.
Dulux guarantees its products where they are used in accordance with the instructions. If you are in any doubt about those instructions, please contact us for more information before starting your painting.
If the painting was done by a painter or builder, you should first contact them and let them know of your problem. It is important that you do this as soon as the problem arises, particularly if the painting is still underway, as many problems can be easily resolved. Your painter will examine the problem and if they believe there is a problem with one of our products, they will ask Dulux for assistance in determining the problem.

If you have been painting yourself, please contact the paint retailer where you purchased the paint or contact Dulux Customer Service direct on 13 25 25. A trained Customer Service consultant, experienced in our products, will take the details of your problem and advise you of the appropriate action. On most occasions, problems can be sorted out in one phone call.

Again, it is important that you do this as soon as the problem arises, particularly if the painting is still underway, as many problems can be easily resolved. If we are unable to resolve the problem immediately, we may need to arrange for samples to be sent to our laboratories for analysis to be undertaken. Regardless of the cause of the problem, we will do our best to advise of the appropriate rectification required to achieve the desired result. If the problem is a result of a fault in our product we will replace the product.

Q. How can I give you Feedback?
A. If you have had an experience with one of our products or services, and would like to provide us with feedback, we encourage you to contact us. All feedback received is passed on to our marketing department on a regular basis for review and continuous improvement.

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Product Advice

Q. I have new gyprock walls & ceilings, what do I paint them with?
A. After removing all the dust from the surface by wiping down with a damp cloth, apply one coat of Dulux acrylic sealer undercoat to the walls & ceilings. For the walls you can use the Dulux Wash and Wear 101 in the gloss level of your choice and Dulux Ceiling White on the ceiling. Note: For a bathroom area we would recommend the semi gloss or gloss acrylic - see below.

Q. I want to paint my bathroom, what paint should I use?
A. Dulux Wash and Wear 101 in semi gloss or gloss acrylic is your best choice for a bathroom. If your bathroom has a tendency to form mould on walls or ceilings, then you should consider using Dulux Mouldshield (Click here to go to "Can I paint over mould?").

Q. What do I use to paint my gutters and fascias?
A. The best product for this area would be Weathershield Gloss.

Q. What paint do I use to paint my deck?
A. Dulux recommends Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen for decks.

Q: Can I paint over mould on my ceiling?
A: Mould should be treated and removed before redecorating. To remove mould, use a hypochlorite (household bleach) solution, diluted 1 to 3 with water. Wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes and protective clothing to protect skin from splashes. Apply the solution with a thick scouring pad and highly abrade the surface to ensure physical removal of any stubborn areas of mould growth.Leave the solution on the surface for 15 minutes then wash down thoroughly with clean water. If residual stains are left, spot undercoat with Dulux Prepcoat oil based undercoat. Mould grows in a particular environment. To discourage the regrowth of mould, try to improve the ventilation in the affected area. Recoat with Dulux Mouldshield low sheen or semi gloss when redecorating to discourage the regrowth of mould.

Q: What's the best way to prepare powdering, chalky and peeling surfaces?
A: Paint that peels or flakes away from the surface and is powdering or poorly bound, should be removed.

The surface should then be cleaned thoroughly and when dry, resealed with an oil based sealer such as Dulux Prepcoat Sealer Binder. When repainting allow sufficient time for the Sealer Binder to dry and cure if overcoating with an acrylic paint (water based) i.e. 2-3 days.

Q: Why does a colour look different on my wall?
A: Apparent colour variations between the paint chips on colour cards and paint on the wall are usually caused by the reflection of another light source. For example, a pale yellow or cream can be affected by the green shrubbery close by. The same effect can be achieved by a reflection coming from floor coverings or curtains. Use Dulux Colour Solutions Sample Pots to check the paint in place before you purchase the full quantity.

Q. How can I tell if the old paint in my house is enamel?
A. Apply methylated spirits to a rag and rub a small area of the paint. If the paint is not removed by the metho, you will find that it is enamel. If the paint reacts quickly to the metho, it is most likely a water based paint. If it takes a little longer to react, then it is probably an acrylic based paint.

Q: How do I paint over glossy enamel with acrylics?
A: Make sure that the old painted surface is clean and sound. Gloss enamels should be sanded to a flat finish, before you repaint with an acrylic. If you are using a flat or low sheen acrylic finish, an undercoat may not be necessary. If a gloss or semi gloss is to be used, an acrylic undercoat would be necessary to fill any imperfection left by the sanding. Lightly sand the undercoat to give a smooth flat finish.

Q: Why has my white enamel gone yellow?
A: All oil based paints share the problem of yellowing. White oil based paints in particular are more noticeable.

Yellowing is caused during the ageing process and it is particularly prevalent where enamels dry in the dark, in high humidity or if there is poor air circulation. A good example of yellowing is where a sliding door is left in the cavity - it will yellow if it is not exposed to sunlight. Yellowing may be evident sooner if enamels are allowed to dry in the same area where most water based paints are drying. Ideally you should allow 2-3 days for water based paints to dry before painting enamels in the same area. The only way to be sure that your white painted surfaces won't yellow is to use an acrylic (water based) paint.

Q: How do I test to see that my old paint is stuck on?
A: When repainting, it is important to know that the previously painted surface is sound and the old paint stuck on firmly.

The best way to find out is to test the paint in several areas by cutting a small cross with a sharp knife and press 10cm or so of adhesive tape firmly across the middle of the cut. Rip it away quickly after a few minutes and if any pieces of paint come with it you'll need to strip away the loose paint. If the paintwork has failed the adhesion test or is heavily layered, it should be stripped back to a firm clean base before repainting.

Q. How do I paint over the water stains on my walls and ceilings?
A. Firstly ensure that the source of the stains (ie the water) has been resolved. Then check the adhesion of the existing paint by doing an adhesion test (go to previous question)

You then need to wash the surface down with sugar soap and allow to dry before applying Dulux Prepcoat Oil Based undercoat to "seal" the stain before applying a topcoat.

Q: Should I use enamels or acrylics on the outside of my wooden windows?
A: The choice of an acrylic in preference to an enamel on exterior timber windows can be justified by the fact that the better UV protection and greater flexibility of the acrylic will allow the windows to look better and remain relatively maintenance free for up to ten years. It is good painting practice to open and close windows a number of times during the first few weeks to stop the newly painted surfaces sticking to each other. The actual durability will be affected by the quality of the surface preparation.

Q: Should I use enamels or acrylics outside?
A: We would generally recommend the use of acrylics in exterior situations. As enamels age they become very brittle and chalky and therefore have a tendency to crack and flake off the surface. On the other hand, acrylics retain their colour better, do not chalk to any great extent and do not get brittle, giving a longer lasting, more durable paint finish.

The greater flexibility and UV protection of Dulux Weathershield X10 (Exterior, acrylic, available in Low Sheen and Gloss), is the preferred option. This product comes with a 10 year warranty against blistering, flaking and peeling.

Q.Can I use acrylic paint on my interior doors and skirtings?
A. Yes you are able to use a Gloss acrylic on your interior doors and skirtings.

Q. Can I paint over stained timber skirtings inside my house?
A. Sand the timber, being sure to remove any clear coating, then wipe down with mineral turps and apply one coat of Dulux Prepcoat oil based pink primer or Dulux Prepcoat oil based undercoat. Finish of with two coats of finishing coat (Wash and Wear 101 gloss or semigloss or Dulux high gloss or semi gloss enamel).

Q: Why does my acrylic dry so quickly in summer, and can I slow it down?
A: Because most acrylics are touch dry in twenty minutes at 25 degrees and 50% humidity, the hottest weather in the summer months will accelerate this drying process. To slow down the drying rate, Dulux Hot Weather Thinner may be added to the paint at the rate of 50ml per litre. A good tip for painting in summer is not to paint in direct sunlight or onto a hot surface. Try to follow the shade where possible. You can add up to approx 5% water. Also using 2 brushes - keeping one in a bucket of water and alternating them, stops them drying.

Q: If I use a Dulux Brand top coat, must I use a Dulux Brand Preparation coat?
A: Yes. You should always use one brand of paint from the primer/undercoat up to the topcoat. Manufacturers make their paints to work together. They have no control over the products of other manufacturers, so mixing brands will void any warranties.

Q: Why is my paint blistering and peeling?
A: An improperly prepared surface or moisture are two of the most common reasons for paint failure. Other reasons may be improper application, selecting the wrong paint or using poor quality paint.

Common moisture sources which cause paint failure are:
  • Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens which have inadequate ventilation.
  • Frequent washing and lengthy boiling of foods put a lot of moisture into the air.
  • Seepage or leaks from roofs, eaves or plumbing.
  • Blocked gutters or stormwater drains causing water to back up and overflow.
  • Water running through caulked seams, especially around windows and doors.
  • Unsound substrate coupled with numerous paint layers and the extra weight of the new paint.
Q: Why does the surface I just painted with acrylic paint have droplets on it?
A: When acrylic paints are drying sometimes small light coloured droplets will appear on the surface. This usually happens if the newly painted surface is exposed to moisture, either by dew, high humidity or rain on the outside or steam etc. on the inside. These droplets cause no downgrading of the paint film's durability. They only affect the appearance. Wash the surface with sugar soap, then rinse with plenty of water. Sometimes droplets may continue to appear for a time and will need wiping down until they stop. These droplets are a surfactant which is drawn to the surface by moisture.

Q: How do I know if there is lead in my old painted surfaces?
A: In buildings which are very old it is possible that some of the original paint or primers may still contain lead. Extreme care should be taken with the removal of these coatings. They should not be sanded or burnt. Independent chemical laboratories can test paint flakes for lead. There are also small lead test kits available through a range of paint specialty stores, which can test individual paint chips for lead.

Further information can be obtained from the Environment Protection agency on 1800 803 772.

Q. Do you have paint that I can use to paint my old laminex benchtops, kitchen cupboards or table?
A. Laminex/Formica/Wilsonart/Melamine are all brand names of products commonly used in kitchen benches and cupboards.

Dulux PrepLock Shellac Base is a rapid drying preparation paint. It is perfect for painting ceramic tiles and melamine without the need to sand first. Dulux recommend PrepLock and a top coat of either Dulux Aquanamel or Super Enamel for cupboard surfaces. We do not recommend painting of work surfaces such as bench tops.

Q. Can I paint tiles/ ceramics/ bathtubs?
A. Due to the durability of these substrates we are unable to recommend any of our products.

Q. How long will paint last in the can, how can I tell if it has gone off?
A. Well, it depends. A can of paint can be like a good bottle of wine - how long it will last will depend on what you started with and how well it was stored.

Paint lasts the longest time when it the can is full, well sealed and has been stored in a cool dry place (not a damp garden shed!) Some paint types will last longer than others.

To check that old can of paint, open it, stir it well and apply it to a test area. Does it smell like paint? Is the consistency of the paint neither too think or too thin (like single cream)? Does the test area dry in the time indicated on the can? Then your paint is probably fine.

Q. Dulux used to make special roller called Duette for rolling on a special effect paint? Are they still available?
A. We stopped distributing this product in 1997. Most people seem to prefer sponges, rags and the other techniques demonstrated in the Special Effects pages of this Web Site which provide more options for personal creativity. Also, Rota Cota do make products suitable for the Dulux Effects range of products.

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