Painting with Glasses
If you wear glasses, simply cover the lenses with plastic cling wrap, then when you peel it off, all the paint spots go with it.

Knobs and Things
Always remove as much hardware as you can before you paint. Carefully scrape old paint out of screw slots before you try to unscrew them.

Paint Spills
First contain the spill from spreading. Scrape up as much paint as possible working from the outside of the spill inwards to help prevent further spreading. Kitty litter can also be used to soak up paint.

Wet paint on carpet & materials
Most acrylic paints can be washed out of carpet & material so long as it is attended to immediately & the paint stains are kept wet. Rinse the affected areas immediately with water, sponge out & rinse with clean water, detergent cleaners can also assist.

(Ensure that no diluted paint run off flows into sewer, stormwater or any natural waterways.)
Most oil-based paint can be thinned with mineral turps & then washed out with warm water & detergent, then rinsed with clean water.

Caution must be taken with the use of thinners & cleaning products. Do a small discrete test area on the affected material with the cleaner/thinner to ensure that it will not damage the material to be cleaned.

For paint spills that have dried
In some situations dry paint can be scraped off with a razorblade scraper (eg glass & glazed tiles). In most cases acrylic paint can be softened with methylated spirits this can aid in removal of the paint. Oil based paints dry harder; mineral turps may soften them if they have not fully cured. If methylated spirits or mineral turps do not affect dry paint spills a paint stripper may need to be used.

For advice on paint strippers & paint removal products contact Selleys Customer Service on 1300 555 205.

Caution must be taken with the use of thinners & cleaning products. Do a small discrete test area on the affected material with the cleaner/thinner to ensure that it will not damage the material to be cleaned.

Unmasking
Always remove masking tape before the paint is completely hard so it wont chip and crack. Removing tape while the paint is still relatively wet will prevent most problems.

Stop Mould
Lack of ventilation and moisture encourages mould growth. Exhaust fans and Dulux Mouldshield can help prevent re-growth.

Clean Start
Thorough washing with sugar soap will remove grease and dirt and ensure the best possible performance from the finish coats.

Surface Preparation
To ensure you have the best possible finish under your paint, always use good quality fillers such as those under the Polyfilla brand when filling holes and surface imperfections on the inside or outside of your home.

Polyfilla has a range of ready mixed fillers that are easy to sand and clean up with water. They are already mixed for you so there is no messy mixing or wastage.

Plaster Cracks
For a superior smooth finish on your plaster and plasterboard surfaces use Polyfilla Plaster Cracks. There is minimal shrinkage with this product so there is no need for you to overfill your holes. As Plaster Cracks is extremely fast drying, you will have your job done in no time. Plaster cracks comes in two convenient sizes, 160gm and 350gm.

Large Cracks
For deep and wide cracks on surfaces such as mortar, concrete, timber, plastic and primed metal use Polyfilla Large Cracks. It is smooth and easy to apply and extremely durable. Large cracks comes in three convenient sizes, 330gm, 770gm and a 2.1kg tub.

Skim Coat
When filling fine imperfections on interior surfaces use Polyfilla Skim Coat. It is extremely easy to apply and sand. After sanding your walls will be ready for painting. Skim Coat comes in three convenient sizes, 520gm, 1.17kg and a 3.1kg tub.

Mirror Finish
For a superior mirror-like finish under gloss paints use Polyfilla Mirror Finish. It is smooth and easy to apply. It has excellent adhesion to timber, plaster, concrete, mortar and primed metal. Mirror Finish comes in two convenient sizes, 425gm and 950gm.

Interior Timber
When filling interior timber use Polyfilla Interior Timber. It will give you the best finish with your stain or varnish. It is strong enough even to be nailed. Interior timber comes in two convenient sizes, 425gm and 950gm.

Surface Preparation Techniques

For Small holes
Force plaster crack into the holes using a narrow filling knife. Level off the patch with the surrounding surface with the filling knife..

For Cracks
Use a utility knife to clean out the loose debris. Use a filling knife to scrape out a thin bottom layer of undamaged material. Dampen the undercut crack using a small brush and minimal amount of water. Fill the crack with plaster crack using the filling knife. Use one stroke down the length of the crack to remove excess compound. Allow time to dry. Sand with a sanding block.

For Large holes
Place patching tape over the cleaned hole. Apply plaster crack with the filling knife. Remove excess compound with downward strokes of the filling knife. Allow time to dry. Sand with a sanding block.
Polyfilla offers a variety of surface preparation products including - Poly Gap Sealant, Poly Paint Stripper, Poly Powdered fillers, Poly Sugar Soap, Poly Putty, Poly Brush restorer, Poly Wallpaper products.

Painting Techniques

• Before commencing your painting take a little extra time to use masking tape and newspaper to protect switch plates, light fittings etc and drop cloths to protect furniture and surfaces that could be accidentally damaged or splattered by the paint.
• When painting an entire room always work on the ceiling first. The advantage of this is that any paint that splatters on the walls can be cleaned up easily or painted over.
• Make sure you are using clean rollers, trays and brushes. Tip some paint into the tray. Do not put too much as it makes loading the roller difficult and spillage easy.
• Paint the edge of the ceilings first. Using a 60mm brush to paint a border between the ceiling and wall slowly and accurately.
• Once the roller cover is firmly fitted onto the roller frame, take the roller and put it into the paint and let it saturate all the fabric. Roll the roller over the ribbed area of the paint tray to squeeze out the excess paint.
• Apply the paint in a zig zag pattern so you form a large M or W. Smooth out the paint without reloading the roller.
• Having used masking tape to protect the edges of wood work or glass, use a brush to paint around the edges of doors, windows and baseboards.
• Fill in the open area with the roller. Never stop painting mid wall. If you stop the paint mark will show when the job is finished. If you need to take a break stop at a window or door or better yet after an entire wall.