Can you spray Weathershield Masonry paint and  what's the most appropriate sprayer?

Yes, you can spray Dulux Weathershield masonry paint. Below are guidelines for spraying Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint.

Conventional Spray: Satisfactory through most equipment.
Thinning: Normal use (not to be exceeded): Add up to 1 part clean water to 2.5 parts paint.

Airless Spray: Typical set up for airless spray application would be a minimum working pressure on paint of 133 bars (2000lb/sq in) with a spray tip size of 0.38mm (15 thou) and a spray tip angle of 65º. Suggested pump capacity is 5 litres/minute minimum.
Thinning: Add up to 1 part clean water to 5 parts paint.

What steps should I take to prepare before painting with Weathershield Smooth Masonry?

In terms of preparation, the guidelines are as follows:

1. To get the best results with Dulux Weathershield Masonry Paint, ensure surfaces to be painted are sound, clean and dry.
2. Wash down previously painted surfaces with a detergent solution to remove all dirt, grease or chalking paint where practicable.
3. Rinse off with clean water and allow to dry.
4. Carefully scrape back to a firm edge all areas of poorly adhering or defective coatings and rub down thoroughly to "key and feather" broken edges of existing coatings.
5. Treat any areas affected by mould, lichens, algae and moss with Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash.
6. Make good minor defects with an appropriate Polycell filler.
7. Use a sand and cement mix for larger holes and cracks. Allow to dry.
8. New or sound bare surfaces should be sealed with a thinned first coat of Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint (add up to 1-part clean water to 5 parts paint). Surfaces that remain powdery, friable or chalky after thorough preparation should be sealed with a coat of Weathershield Stabilising Primer.

For new window sills we would recommend letting them weather for a couple of months then smooth the surface and fully clean down. To paint follow the steps above.

If you need to paint new sills straight away, we recommend applying a thinned coat of Dulux Trade Alkali Resisting Primer (add up to 1-part White Spirit to 10 parts paint) followed by 2 full coats of Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint.

How do I use Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash?

SHAKE THOROUGHLY BEFORE USE. Apply by brush to all affected areas. Leave for 24 hours then thoroughly rinse and scrub with water to remove residues and dead growth; failure to do this may result in discolouration of subsequently applied coatings. Repeat the process if necessary. On badly affected areas or where lichen is present, the use of high pressure water-hosing may be necessary to remove all organic growth completely. Do not apply in wet weather. Do not use a wire brush.

I want to paint my front door, what are the steps involved?

To paint a Front Door correct preparation is vital. To get the best results:

• Ensure surfaces to be painted are sound, clean and dry and free from all defective or poorly adhering material such as dirt, grease or wax. New surfaces particularly must be fully dry.
• Thoroughly rub down previously painted surfaces, using "wet flatting" methods where possible, then wipe off with a damp, lint free cloth. Special precautions should be taken during surface preparation of pre-1960s paint surfaces over wood and metal as they may contain harmful lead.
• Treat any knots in wood with an appropriate knotting solution. Any surface defects should be filled with the appropriate Polycell Trade Polyfilla. Prime any bare metal with 1 coat of Dulux Trade Metal Primer.

• Dulux Weathershield QD Exterior Gloss System: (Water Based Gloss)
  Prime all bare wood with 2 coats of Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear, followed by 1 coat of Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior Undercoat. Finish with 2 coats of Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior Gloss.
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield QD Exterior Satin System: (Water Based Satin)
  
  • Prime all bare wood with 2 coats of Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear, followed by 1 coat of Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior Undercoat. Finish with 2 coats of Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior Satin.
  • Where a special process colour is to be used or a strong colour change is required, additional coats will be required.
  • Allow the Wood Preserver to dry for 16 hours before applying undercoat. Allow a minimum of 2 hours before overcoating Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior Undercoat. Allow up to 4 hours before applying a second coat of Weathershield Quick Dry Exterior Gloss or Satin.
     
• Sikkens Rubbol Satura plus(Oil Based Satin)
  If required prime all bare wood with 2 coats of Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear. Apply 1 coat of SIKKENS Rubbol Primer plus. Finish with 2 coats of SIKKENS Rubbol Satura plus.
  
  
• Sikkens Rubbol Xd Gloss: (Oil Based Gloss)
  
  • If required prime all bare wood with 2 coats of Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear. Apply 1 coat of SIKKENS Rubbol Primer plus. Finish with 2 coats of SIKKENS Rubbol Xd Gloss.
  • Where a special process colour is to be used or a strong colour change is required, additional coats will be required.
  • Allow the Wood Preserver to dry for 16 hours before overcoating. Allow a minimum of 16 hours before overcoating SIKKENS Rubbol Primer plus. Allow up to 18 hours before applying a second coat of Sikkens Rubbol Xd Gloss or Satin.

Can you use Dulux Weathershield Masonry on Paving Slabs?

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend Dulux Weathershield Masonry paint for use on paving slabs. Due to moisture absorption from the ground and the surface being walked on we could not guarantee either the performance or longevity of the product.

What's the best brush to use with Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint?

Masonry Brush - this is a generous long bristle brush with a firm texture, usually made of natural bristle. Perfect for applying water-based masonry paints to the exterior painted brickwork or render.
Tip: Grip the brush by the "stock" rather than holding it by the handle alone for more control.