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Specialist paints provide a world of inspiration, from metallic and sparkling finishes, to revamped benchtops and speckled garage floors. Explore some of the surprising ways you can transform your home with a brush and roller.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment and always follow the product’s instructions for safe and effective application, as well as clean up and disposal. Keep all paint and chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
Elevate walls and objects with a lustrous gold finish. “Specialty effects paints like Dulux Duramax are perfect for decorative surfaces, shelving, wall hooks, furniture and accessories,” says Brittney Gardiner of Dulux. It is available as a spray paint. Make sure to apply it in a well-ventilated space, and use drop sheets to catch any overspray. “Mask off any areas you want to protect from paint with a good-quality masking tape, and then mix your paint by giving the spray can a good shake,” says Brittney.
Gold paint can also be brushed on in enamel form, and a more muted metallic finish can be brushed or rolled onto an entire feature wall. Specialised wall paints are also available in steel effect, tintable metallic and pearl sheen.
For a unique shimmering effect, try a glitter paint. “Incorporating glitter, metallic-sheen or pearl finishes into an interior will set the scene for a hotel-inspired space,” says interior designer Amanda Pocock (acpstudio.com.au). “The subtle light reflection created with these speciality finishes will evoke feelings of opulence and relaxation.”
This feature wall was painted with Dulux Wash & Wear in Namadji, then given a coat of Dulux Design Glitter Effects in Rose Gold.
Transform tired-looking wet rooms with paint designed for tiling, benchtops and cabinets, like the Dulux Renovation range. To prepare the surfaces, remove all silicone, thoroughly clean using sugar soap, then apply specialised primer. (This requires careful pre-planning because the primer must dry for eight hours.) Mix the additive into the paint – which can be tinted to a range of colours – and then apply it using the same size brushes and rollers as for the primer. You’ll need to apply at least two coats.
This bathroom is given a new lease of life using the Dulux Renovation Range, with tiles in Lexicon and benchtop and vanity in Ticking.
Liquid stone paint makes inexpensive pots look like they were hewn from rock. The paint is available in a range of finishes including granite, sandstone and basalt. It’s also a great way to give pavers a sleek new appearance.
“Before applying a stone-effect finish, prepare raw terracotta and similar porous surfaces using a suitable primer such as Crommelin LiquidStone Primer,” says Dayne Watkins at Crommelin. “The finish should be applied using a standard synthetic multipurpose paintbrush.”
Need a safer non-slip surface outdoors, or wanting a luxe look for a paved patio? Choose a low-sheen paving paint that improves friction as well as making a style statement. Today’s solvent-based options, such as Berger Jet Dry, are ready for recoat in two hours, and can be tinted to match Colorbond fencing or roofing.
Before painting concrete, you will need to give it a thorough clean and, if water beads on it once it’s dry, scrub with an etching agent. Rinse off and check the concrete is fully clean with masking tape – if there is debris left on the tape when you peel it off, repeat the process.
Give your concrete garage floor a showroom sheen with an interior epoxy finish. The Dy-Mark garage floor kit has everything you need for a striking result, including etch primer and colourful decorative flakes, and includes enough paint for a standard two-car garage. Once you’ve mixed the two parts together and waited for them to activate as per the instructions, simply apply by cutting in around the edges using an ordinary paintbrush. For the main part of the floor, it’s best to use a long-handled roller with an 8-16mm nap.
For steel garden features and furniture, try a hammered-effect metal paint such as White Knight’s Rust Guard hammered finish. It only takes one step to apply this dimpled coating to unprimed steel. (Prep by using a wire brush and sandpaper to get rid of any flaking rust first.)
You can also upcycle metal objects by coating them in cold gal, like White Knight’s Rust Guard cold gal product. This heavy-duty, zinc-rich coating bonds to ferrous metals and prevents them from corroding, and can be painted over or simply left as-is.
Take a deep dive into specialty paints for every surface.
Photo Credit: Cath Muscat, Dulux Australia, Dulux Australia/David Mitchener, John Downs and Dy-Mark.
Paint colours may vary on application. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
