Applicator how-to guide
How we can help
FX Australia places a high value on the experienced and technically savvy applicators who take our products to the marketplace. Whether you are using simple architectural coatings for cost-effective projects or your own special effects ideas for large commercial contracts, we are here to help.
We can:
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• Assist with getting your design ideas from planning to project
• Advise on appropriate coatings and application methods
• Help estimate quantities and pricing
• Offer great trade discounts when you order from us direct
• Arrange prompt delivery of orders straight to your project site.
FX Australia manufactures the most comprehensive range of special effects, architectural and commercial coatings in the Asia Pacific region, and technical excellence and product performance are our priorities. If they’re also yours, we’ll make perfect partners.
Professional Courses
FX Australia Special Effects Training Courses are hands-on and specifically designed to give professional painters, plasterers and renderers expertise in the use of our coatings.
Custom Finishes
If you have a need or an idea for a one-off, custom-made finish, FX Australia will create it for you, from inception to completion. Our coatings are manufactured on site at our Sydney factory, where Alberto Sanvito and his team will develop your custom finish using the finest raw ingredients and technical expertise available. Through cooperative on-site and in-field testing, your manufactured custom finish will serve its intended purpose precisely, with the FX Australia guarantee standing behind it.
Check out our helpful Check Lists
As a trade professional, you understand the value of having all the information you need on hand right from the word go. To help you start every job with confidence, FX has prepared a series of Check Lists, so that you and your team can move ahead fast and efficiently, and produce the results that you (and your client) will be proud of.
CHECK LIST - STAGE 1 - Preparation
Mould: Clean off mould using bleach and rinse off with fresh, clean water. Reduce recurring mould issues by providing adequate ventilation. Areas that are constantly damp should be addressed by a builder or plumber.
Water damage: Before preparing areas where there is, or has been, water damage, check first that the area is dry. Water travels and the water issue may not be directly behind the damaged surface. Once you are satisfied that there are no further traces of dampness, undercoat with FX Max Superprep before applying any finish coat. Areas that are constantly damp should be addressed by a builder or plumber.
Hairline cracks: Cracks should be filled with the appropriate putty/filler and sanded when dry. Spot prime with FX Max Superprep before proceeding with the finish coat. Large cracks may be a sign of structural movement. This should be investigated either by a builder or Structural Engineer.
Flaking, chalking, or loose paint or plaster: Scrape off any loose paint and sand before applying FX Max Solar Superprep. DO NOT SAND, SCRAPE OR DISTURB SURFACES THAT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS OR LEAD. SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND REMOVAL FROM A LICENCED PROFESSIONAL BEFOREHAND.
Dirt: OUTSIDE: Hose down dirty surfaces. Use a broom to remove dirt sitting in crevices. A gurney may be required for stubborn dirt.
Dirt: INSIDE: Wash down walls and ceilings with sugar soap. Ensure the soap film is rinsed off thoroughly before painting.
Access: High and or difficult areas will require scaffolding or a cherry picker. Check with a local accredited equipment hire company for advice, safety regulations and the appropriate equipment for your project. In older style houses where electrical wires are attached to the outside of the house, these need to be covered. This is a specialised job. Do not attempt to do yourself.
Contact your local electricity provider to carry out this job before commencing a project.
Roof: Any person carrying out works on a roof requires appropriate safety gear, including but not limited to a safety harness.
Colours: When changing from dark to light colours, undercoat the surface before re-coating in a lighter colour to ensure a professional finish. Dark colours may ‘bleed’ through if not undercoated. To ensure colour consistency, consider purchasing all your products at once.
CHECK LIST - STAGE 2 - Preparation Tools and Products
You may need some or all of the following:
• Brushes
• Scraper
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Dust mask/breathing apparatus
• Spray equipment (if necessary)
• Roller Cover
• Roller Frame
• Extension pole
• Tape
• Sanding pad / paper
• Drop sheets (to protect floors & furnishings)
• Undercoat
• Putty / Filler
Note: Check relevant FX Product Information Sheets to select the FX undercoat that is appropriate for your project and the surface to be painted.
Preparation, Finishing Tools & Application Techniques
Before commencing a project using FX products, whether the choice is an architectural or special effects coating, it is important to read the Product Information Sheet relevant to each product you will use.
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Correct preparation of the particular surface to be painted can mean the difference between a poor job and a perfect end result. Because all FX products are water-based, surface preparation for most products is standard and simple. But for some products, there may be an extra step required, so check the relevant Product Information Sheet before you begin surface preparation.
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FX Product Information Sheets also guide you to the FX undercoat that is right for the project and the surface to be painted.
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Each FX special effects product requires specific finishing tools and application techniques to create the range of different finishes that can be achieved with that particular product. The relevant FX Product Information Sheets identify which tools and techniques to use to create which finishes.
Discover our great range of specialist finishing tools
FX is the only authorised Australian distributor of the highly regarded range of specialist applicator tools manufactured in Italy by CO.ME. This company also supplies the high-grade tools required by Italy’s great fraternity of stone masons and sculptors, so the quality of all their production is top-of-the-line, designed to do a perfect job and manufactured to last.
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At the FX Shop, you’ll find our full range of CO.ME specialist finishing tools. For further information, or assistance to choose the right tool, phone or email FX Australia direct.
CHECK LIST - STAGE 3 - Choose an FX Product
Product choice is based on many factors. Before choosing a product from any of the FX Ranges, consider the following:
Personal taste: Your space, your choice! Choose products and colours that express your personality, and the way you live in the space. Soft colours are calming, strong colours enliven.
Inspiration: If your client is looking for new finishes and colours, inspire them with the many exciting ideas you’ll find on this website for a wide range of domestic, retail and commercial projects.
Function: Is the finish serving a purpose? Decorative, protective, or both? Many FX products are both decorative and protective.
Consistency: For every aspect of every project, there’s an appropriate FX Australia product, so by recommending a complete suite of FX products, you save your client’s time and can be confident of consistent high quality. FX high-performance architectural coatings – FX Pro, FX Max and the ultra-safe FX Lemon Tree Creek – are perfect for standard walls, ceilings and trims and can be used alongside FX Special Effects coatings and combined with FX purpose-formulated coatings such as the FX Elastomeric Membrane.
Cost: Look at the total cost to commence and complete a project. Include preparation work and specialist tools. Do you require hire equipment? Do you need to add a specialist FX applicator to your team?
Proficiency: All FX products are water-based: they’re easy to use, won’t create clean-up problems, and most can be applied by a professional trade painter. A few of our special effects products require the skills of an FX-trained applicator. Our Product Information Sheets will identify these for you, and the FX Network will locate an FX specialist applicator in your area if required. Read the relevant FX Product Information Sheets to assess whether your skills are appropriate to the product selected by your client.
Need more help? Log into the individual product and projects pages on this website for more detailed information and ideas.
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We are here to assist with your project needs. Your success is our success!
FX Australia now services an international market, but our products are still proudly Australian-made, and our company 100% Australian-owned.
Thank you for your support!