General (all surfaces)
Treat mould, moss and algae prior to other surface preparation. Wash with a bleach solution and/or de-mossing chemical then rinse with fresh water. Efflorescence on masonry (white crystalline deposits) should be removed by dry brushing with a stiff brush then wipe down the surface with a 5% solution of acetic acid (white vinegar). Thoroughly wash all surfaces with a mild detergent. Rinse with fresh water and allow to dry.

Previously Painted Surfaces
(1) Remove all loose or peeling paint. Test if previous coatings are in sound condition by cutting a small X through the existing paint with a sharp blade. Press cellulose tape firmly against the cut and then rip off. If paint comes off it is unsound and should be removed. Repeat in a number of areas to test. Wash down and sand all painted areas.
(2) Fill any cracks or holes with a suitable exterior grade filler. Sand all surfaces to a flat finish.

Bare or Unpainted Surfaces

Brick: Suitable over porous brick. Glazed terracotta bricks or unevenly laid bricks may not be suitable for coating. Test areas are recommended.

Cement Render: New cement render should be allowed to cure for 28 days prior to coating. "Block down" with a brick or masonry rubbing stone to remove any loose surface sand, and then broom.

Fibre Cement (FC): Refer to FC manufacturer regarding safety for handling and working with fibre cement. Do not sand or cut asbestos cement. Ensure nails and screws are non-corrosive. Flush joint recessed edge FC with a suitable jointing system according to FC manufacturer recommendations.

Helpful hints
Masking Application of any heavy bodied texture coating requires protection and masking of adjoining surfaces. Use a good quality external grade masking tape. Mask ground areas with disposable plastic drop sheets. When job is completed remove masking tape before material sets. Thoroughly dust down all floor and pavement areas before masking to ensure masking tape adheres.

Refer to the Dulux website for a step-by-step application guide and tips on applying Dulux Exterior Texture Primer.

Stirring: Stir well with a broad flat paddle using an up and down scooping motion.

Cutting in: Using a brush, apply sparingly to edges, internal angles and areas not accessible with a roller. Finish brushed areas with a “dabbing” motion and feather out. Do not leave thick straight edge lines as these will be visible after roller application. Alternatively, working in a team apply broad wall areas by roller, up to edges, allowing a partner to “dab” in edges whilst still wet.

Roller application: Generously load the roller and apply from the ground upwards in vertical strips.

TIP: The first few strips applied will essentially only fill the roller, with less material applied to the wall. Work these strips well to thoroughly wet out the roller. Successive strips will deliver more material to the wall
Apply the material in strips of approximately ½ –1m in length. Reload roller after each strip and repeat until a manageable section has been “delivered” (approximately 3 – 4 strips wide).
Spread the material evenly by rolling diagonally across the surface.
Apply a fresh strip of wet material to create a “working wet edge", then “lay-off”

Unused paint: Do not pour leftover paint down the drain. Unwanted paint should be brushed out on newspaper and allowed to dry, and then disposed of via domestic waste collections. Empty paint containers: Leave empty paint containers open in a well-ventilated area to dry out. When dry, recycle the container via steel can recycling programs. Disposal of empty paint containers via domestic recycling programs may differ between local authorities. Check with your local council first. Do not reuse container unless thoroughly decontaminated. For more information on responsible disposal of paint and packaging visit paintback.com.au or painttakeback.co.nz