How To Guides

Repainting interior and weather affected surfaces

The products you will need to use depend on whether you are painting over affected surfaces or painting new surfaces. Refer to the below information, in conjunction with label instructions, to guide you in your product selection.

Advice for repainting existing surfaces

Conduct an adhesion test

Conduct an adhesion test on all previously painted surfaces. To do this, ensure surface is sound by cutting a small X through the existing paint with a sharp blade, press sticky tape firmly across the cut and then rip off the tape. If the paint comes off, it is unsound and should be removed. Repeat at random in a number of areas to test the surface.

Scrape off

Scrape off all loose and flaking paint and ensure surface is dry. If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact your local qualified tradesperson.

Does the substrate exhibit mould?

Checking

Check the substrate for black, green, grey or brown spots. If present, you may be dealing with mould. This can often be accompanied by a musty odour, water stains or discolouration.

Preparation

Wearing a mask, goggles and gloves, mix one part bleach with three parts water and spray the mixture onto mould. Alternatively, you can use Selleys Rapid Mould Killer.

Scrubbing

Scrub the mould with a stiff brush and allow the mixture to sit for a further 15 minutes.

Rinse the area

Rinse the area with clean water and Selleys Original Sugar Soap, and allow to air dry. In severe cases, you may need to repeat this process to ensure all mould has been removed.

Sand back old paint

Sand back old paint as required, and fill any cracks or holes. Once dry, wipe down the substrate and prime with Dulux PRECISION Stain & Mould Blocker.

Prevent regrowth

To help prevent regrowth, consider repainting with Dulux Wash&Wear® +PLUS Kitchen & Bathroom or Dulux Ceiling White +PLUS Kitchen & Bathroom.

Reduce the chance of mould

Where possible, it can also be a good idea to install an exhaust fan to encourage airflow and prevent condensation, to help reduce the chance of mould returning.

Does the substrate exhibit stains?

Ensuring

Firstly ensure that you know the source of the stains e.g. water.

Check the adhesion

Check the adhesion of the existing paint by doing an adhesion test (refer to ‘Determine if the surface is sound’ section above). If the existing coating is sound, you then need to wash the surface down with Selleys Original Sugar Soap and allow it to dry.

Prime the surface

Prime the surface with Dulux PRECISION Stain & Mould Blocker.

Discourage the regrowth of mould

To discourage the regrowth of mould in cool, damp or humid areas, apply Dulux Wash&Wear +Plus Kitchen & Bathroom. For all other areas, apply Dulux Wash&Wear.

Advice for painting new plasterboard

Remove all the dust

Remove all the dust from the surface by wiping down with a damp cloth.

Prime the surface

Prime the surface with Dulux 1 Step Acrylic Primer Sealer Undercoat.

Paint you can use

For interior walls use Dulux Wash&Wear and for ceilings, you can use Dulux® Ceiling White.

Interior how to guides

Person preparing by masking the floor before painting the walls

Prepare interior surfaces

Nothing beats a great paint job, especially one you’ve done yourself. Give yourself the best chance at success by following these instructions.

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How to paint walls

The walls of your home colour your world. They are what set the mood for everyday life. So, the way you apply your paint can be just as important as the colour itself.

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How to use a paint brush

Brush up your painting skills with these simple tips and tricks from Dulux.

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a paint roller rolling pink paint onto a white wall

How to use a paint roller

To use a roller you'll need a tray, frame, roller cover and possibly an extension pole. Make sure you have the right roller for the job.

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Help & Advice

Make confident decisions about your project needs with support from our wide network of painters or speak to one of our Help & Advice consultants now.

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Connect with the right local painter to suit your needs.

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Help & Advice

Want to change but don’t know where to start? Dulux Help & Advice are expert consultants who can help you with colour advice, product selection and application, everything you need for your next paint project.

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