Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes 08 product guide
AI Summary
Product: Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes Brand: Selleys (manufactured by DuluxGroup Pty Ltd) Category: Acrylic paste filler / surface repair compound Primary Use: Ready-to-use water-based acrylic filler for repairing large cracks, holes, and voids on interior and exterior surfaces up to 6mm deep per application.
Quick Facts
- Best For: Confident DIYers and light commercial use repairing significant surface damage on plaster, concrete, mortar, primed or painted timber, and primed metal
- Key Benefit: Low-shrinkage formulation allows single-application results for many repairs within the 6mm depth rating, across multiple dissimilar surface types
- Form Factor: Ready-to-use acrylic paste; available as 230g tub, 450g tub, 1kg tub, and 230g squeezable tottle
- Application Method: Press firmly into crack or hole with a filling blade or scraper, overfill slightly, then scrape flush
Common Questions This Guide Answers
- What is the maximum repair depth per application? → 6mm; deeper voids require multiple layers with full drying between each
- How long does this product take to dry? → Approximately 2–3 hours for repairs under 2mm; approximately 24 hours for repairs up to 6mm, at or above 5°C with adequate airflow
- Can this product be used on exterior surfaces? → Yes, with mandatory priming before application and paint protection from rain until fully sealed with a paint coat
Product Overview
Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes does what it says. This ready-to-use acrylic filler is built for repairing significant surface damage: cracks, holes, and voids across a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces. Manufactured by DuluxGroup Pty Ltd under the Selleys name, it handles damage that standard fine-crack fillers simply can't touch, while staying straightforward enough for any confident DIYer to pick up and use successfully.
This is a water-based acrylic paste. It applies smoothly, cleans up with water, and bonds to surfaces through a combination of mechanical adhesion and acrylic polymer chemistry. It works on plaster, mortar, concrete, timber, and primed metal, covering the vast majority of surfaces found in residential and light commercial settings. Knowing what this product is, how it works, and where its limits are is the foundation of getting professional results every time.
Key Features and What They Mean
Adhesion across multiple surfaces
What defines No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes is its ability to bond reliably across dissimilar surface types. Plaster, concrete, mortar, timber, and primed metal each carry different surface energies and textures. This single formulation handles all of them, which means fewer products to buy, less guesswork about compatibility, and confident results even when a repair spans more than one material, like a crack running from a plaster wall into a concrete sill.
Adhesion in acrylic fillers works through polymer chains physically interlocking with the porous surface as the water carrier evaporates during drying. Surface preparation determines bond quality directly, which is why a clean, dry, and sound surface is the starting point for every successful repair.
Minimal shrinkage
Shrinkage is the enemy of any filler repair. As water-based fillers dry, water evaporates and the filler mass reduces in volume. Excessive shrinkage causes the repaired area to sink below the surrounding surface, forcing multiple fill-and-sand cycles, and in worse cases, cracking within the repair itself.
No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes is formulated to keep shrinkage low. That matters most given this product handles repairs up to 6mm deep. At that depth, a high-shrinkage filler forces multiple applications as a matter of course. With this formulation, many repairs within the product's rated depth come out right in a single application, saving real time on any job.
Water-based acrylic formula
The water-based acrylic chemistry delivers several practical advantages. The product is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe to use in enclosed interior spaces without heavy ventilation. Tools and hands clean up with water, no solvents required. And once fully cured, the acrylic binder provides a degree of flexibility that purely mineral-based fillers can't match, helping the repair resist minor movement and thermal expansion cycles so the result holds up long after the job is done.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the specific performance parameters of this product lets you plan repairs accurately and walk away with results that last.
Dry times
Dry time varies directly with repair depth:
- Repairs under 2mm: Dry in approximately 2–3 hours under normal conditions
- Repairs up to 6mm: Require approximately 24 hours to dry fully
These figures apply at or above 5°C with reasonable air circulation. Higher humidity, lower temperatures, or restricted airflow will extend dry times. The 24-hour figure for deeper repairs is a minimum. In cool or humid conditions, allow additional time before sanding or painting.
The practical takeaway: plan deep repairs as a two-stage process. Fill on day one, sand and finish on day two. Sanding or painting a deep repair before it has fully dried damages the repair surface and risks adhesion issues in the subsequent paint coat.
Maximum repair depth: 6mm
The 6mm maximum depth rating is a defined technical limit. Acrylic fillers rely on water evaporation to cure. Beyond a certain depth, the outer surface skins over before the interior has dried, trapping moisture and leading to poor adhesion, extended cure times, and potential cracking as the interior eventually dries and contracts.
For holes or voids deeper than 6mm, build up the repair in layers. Allow each layer to dry fully before applying the next. This approach maintains the integrity of each individual application while progressively filling the void to a professional standard.
Available formats
The product comes in four formats:
- 230g tub
- 450g tub
- 1kg tub
- 230g tottle (a squeezable tube for controlled dispensing)
Tub formats suit larger repairs or multiple repairs in a single session, with a filling blade as the primary application tool. The tottle delivers more precise dispensing for smaller repairs or narrow cracks where you don't want to overload the surrounding surface. Choosing the right format gives you better control and a cleaner result.
Suitable Surfaces and Applications
Interior applications
On interior surfaces, No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes works across the full range of common wall and ceiling substrates. Plaster and plasterboard repairs, nail holes, impact damage, settlement cracks, are the most common use case, and this product handles all of them. It works equally well on concrete and masonry surfaces inside the home: basement walls, rendered surfaces, and brick mortar repairs all respond well to this formulation.
For interior timber, the product bonds effectively to primed or painted surfaces, making it the right choice for repairing damage to architraves, skirting boards, and door frames. Prime the surface before application on timber to get the strongest possible bond.
Exterior applications
This product is rated for exterior use, extending its reach to outdoor walls, rendered facades, concrete paths and structures, and exterior masonry. Exterior use carries specific requirements that must be observed for the product to perform as specified:
- Prime the surface first. Exterior surfaces vary more in porosity and condition than interior ones. Priming before application ensures a consistent, sealed substrate that supports strong adhesion.
- Protect from rain until painted over. The acrylic filler is not waterproof until sealed with a paint coat. Rain on a newly applied or recently dried repair can damage the filler before it is fully protected.
These are not optional precautions. They are the conditions under which this product delivers its full, specified performance on exterior surfaces.
Where this product is not suitable
No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes is not the right choice in the following situations:
- Below 5°C: At temperatures below 5°C, the acrylic polymer cannot cure correctly. Application in cold conditions results in poor adhesion, extended or incomplete drying, and a repair that won't hold.
- Exterior timber with excessive water absorption: Timber that is frequently wet, unprimed, or highly porous will not provide a stable substrate. Repeated wetting and drying cycles cause the timber to move in ways that exceed the filler's flexibility limits.
- Surfaces subject to movement: Where a crack or joint is subject to ongoing structural movement, expansion joints, control joints, or movement cracks, a rigid filler is not the right solution. Selleys recommends using Selleys No More Gaps® in these situations. A flexible sealant accommodates movement without cracking, delivering the lasting result the job demands.
Using any filler in conditions it is not designed for won't produce a suboptimal result. It will produce a repair that needs to be stripped out and redone. Use the right product and you get it right the first time.
Application Method
Surface preparation
Surface preparation is the single most important step in achieving a repair that lasts and looks right. Before applying filler:
- Remove all loose material from the crack or hole. Use a scraper, wire brush, or vacuum to clear dust, debris, and any friable material.
- Ensure the surface is dry. Moisture in the substrate interferes with adhesion and extends dry times.
- For porous or dusty surfaces, and for all exterior applications, apply a suitable primer and allow it to dry fully before applying filler.
Get the preparation right, and the rest of the job follows naturally.
Applying the filler
- Using a filling blade or scraper, press the filler firmly into the crack or hole. Firm pressure ensures the filler fully contacts the substrate and eliminates air pockets that would weaken the repair.
- Overfill slightly, then scrape off the excess to leave the repair flush with or very slightly proud of the surrounding surface. This accounts for minor shrinkage during drying.
- For repairs deeper than 6mm, apply in layers. Allow each layer to dry fully, up to 24 hours for deep fills, before applying the next.
- For the tottle format, dispense directly into the crack and then work with a blade to press in and level off cleanly.
Finishing
Once the filler has dried completely, sand the repair smooth using fine sandpaper. The goal is a surface that sits flush with the surrounding material, with no ridges or edges that would show through a paint coat. After sanding, dust off the repair area before priming and painting.
Storage and Care
Store the product in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Seal the lid tightly after each use to prevent the filler from drying out in the container. Do not allow the product to freeze. Freezing damages the acrylic emulsion and renders the product unusable.
If a skin forms on the surface of the filler in the tub between uses, remove and discard the skin before using the remaining product. The filler beneath an intact skin is generally still in good condition, provided it has not dried out or been contaminated.
Safety Considerations
As a water-based acrylic product, No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes presents a low hazard profile compared to solvent-based fillers. Standard precautions apply:
- Avoid prolonged skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- In enclosed spaces, ensure adequate ventilation during application and drying, particularly for large repair areas.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Refer to the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available from Selleys or DuluxGroup, for full hazard and first aid information.
Expert Tips
- Dampen highly porous surfaces lightly before applying filler on interior jobs where priming is not being done. This slows the rate at which the substrate draws moisture from the filler, giving better adhesion and a smoother finish.
- Use the tottle format for cracks where precision matters. The controlled dispensing reduces waste and makes it easy to fill a narrow crack without overloading the surrounding surface.
- Respect the dry time on deep repairs. A repair that feels dry on the surface after a few hours may still carry significant moisture in its core. Sanding too early creates a rough, pitted surface and can pull material out of the repair.
- Sand between coats on multi-layer repairs to ensure strong mechanical adhesion between layers and a seamless final result.
- Prime before painting, even on interior repairs. A direct paint coat over raw filler can result in uneven sheen, called flashing, where the filler absorbs paint differently from the surrounding surface. Priming first guarantees a consistent finish across the entire wall.
References
- Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes – Product Page
- Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes – Safety Data Sheet (DuluxGroup)
- DuluxGroup Pty Ltd – Manufacturer Information
Note: Specific SDS and Technical Data Sheet URLs should be verified directly on the Selleys website, as document versioning may update URLs. All technical specifications in this guide are based on manufacturer documentation provided for Version 2 of the Technical Data Sheet for Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes: A ready-to-use acrylic filler for repairing cracks and holes
Who manufactures this product: DuluxGroup Pty Ltd under the Selleys brand
Is this product water-based: Yes, water-based acrylic formula
Is this product solvent-based: No, it is water-based
What type of filler is this: Acrylic paste filler
Is this product ready to use: Yes, no mixing required
What is the maximum repair depth: 6mm per single application
Can it repair depths greater than 6mm: Yes, by building up in multiple layers
How deep must each layer be for depths over 6mm: No more than 6mm per layer
What is the dry time for repairs under 2mm: Approximately 2–3 hours
What is the dry time for repairs up to 6mm: Approximately 24 hours
Does humidity affect dry time: Yes, high humidity extends dry time
Does temperature affect dry time: Yes, lower temperatures extend dry time
What is the minimum application temperature: 5°C
Can this product be used below 5°C: No, acrylic cannot cure correctly below 5°C
Does restricted airflow affect dry time: Yes, it extends dry time
Is this product suitable for interior use: Yes
Is this product suitable for exterior use: Yes
Does exterior use require priming first: Yes, priming before application is required
Is priming required for interior use on porous surfaces: Yes, for porous or dusty surfaces
Does exterior application need paint protection from rain: Yes, until painted over
Is the filler waterproof before painting: No, it must be sealed with a paint coat
Does it work on plaster: Yes
Does it work on plasterboard: Yes
Does it work on concrete: Yes
Does it work on mortar: Yes
Does it work on timber: Yes, primed or painted timber
Does it work on primed metal: Yes
Does it work on unprimed metal: No, metal must be primed first
Is it suitable for exterior timber with excessive water absorption: No
Is it suitable for movement cracks or expansion joints: No
What product does Selleys recommend for movement cracks: Selleys No More Gaps®
Why is it not suitable for movement cracks: A rigid filler cannot accommodate ongoing structural movement
Does this product shrink when drying: Minimally, it is formulated to minimise shrinkage
Why does shrinkage matter for deep repairs: Excessive shrinkage causes the repair to sink below the surface
Does low shrinkage allow single-coat application: Yes, for many repairs within the 6mm depth rating
How does the filler bond to surfaces: Polymer chains interlock with porous surfaces as water evaporates
Does surface preparation affect bond quality: Yes, directly determines bond quality
What surface preparation is required: Remove loose material, ensure surface is dry, prime if needed
Should the surface be dry before application: Yes
Should loose material be removed before application: Yes
How should filler be applied: Press firmly into crack or hole using a filling blade or scraper
Should the repair be overfilled initially: Yes, slightly overfill then scrape flush
Why overfill slightly: To account for minor shrinkage during drying
Should layers be sanded between coats on multi-layer repairs: Yes
When should the repair be sanded: After the filler has dried completely
What should be used to sand the repair: Fine sandpaper
Should the area be dusted after sanding: Yes, before priming and painting
Should the repair be primed before painting: Yes
Why prime before painting over filler: Prevents uneven sheen (flashing) in the paint coat
What are the available sizes: 230g tub, 450g tub, 1kg tub, and 230g tottle
What is a tottle format: A squeezable tube for controlled dispensing
What format is best for narrow cracks requiring precision: The 230g tottle
What format suits large or multiple repairs: Tub formats
What tool is used with tub formats: A filling blade or scraper
Is cleanup easy: Yes, tools and hands clean up with water
Are solvents needed for cleanup: No, water only
Does this product have a low VOC content: Yes, low VOC due to water-based formula
Is it safe to use in enclosed spaces: Yes, with adequate ventilation
Is heavy ventilation required during use: No, adequate ventilation is sufficient
Should skin contact be avoided: Yes, avoid prolonged skin contact
Should hands be washed after use: Yes, thoroughly after use
Should this product be kept away from children: Yes
Where is the full safety information available: Selleys or DuluxGroup Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
How should the product be stored: Cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat
Should the lid be sealed after use: Yes, tightly to prevent drying out
Can the product be frozen: No, freezing damages the acrylic emulsion
What happens if the product freezes: It becomes unusable
What if a skin forms on the surface in the tub: Remove and discard the skin before use
Is filler beneath an intact skin still usable: Generally yes, if not dried out or contaminated
Can highly porous interior surfaces be dampened before application: Yes, lightly dampening improves adhesion
Why dampen porous surfaces: Reduces rate at which substrate draws moisture from filler
Does this product handle damage that standard fine-crack fillers cannot: Yes
Is this product suitable for DIY use: Yes, suitable for confident DIYers
Is this product suitable for light commercial use: Yes
Can a crack spanning two different materials be repaired: Yes, it bonds to multiple surface types
Does the acrylic formula provide flexibility after curing: Yes, some flexibility compared to mineral-based fillers
Why does flexibility matter in a filler: Helps resist minor movement and thermal expansion cycles
Should deep repairs be treated as a two-stage process: Yes, fill on day one, sand and finish on day two
What happens if a deep repair is sanded too early: Creates rough, pitted surface and may pull material from repair
Label Facts Summary
Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.
Verified Label Facts
- Product Name: Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes
- Manufacturer: DuluxGroup Pty Ltd (marketed under the Selleys brand)
- Formula Type: Water-based acrylic paste filler
- Ready to Use: Yes, no mixing required
- Maximum Repair Depth (single application): 6mm
- Dry Time (repairs under 2mm): Approximately 2–3 hours at or above 5°C with reasonable air circulation
- Dry Time (repairs up to 6mm): Approximately 24 hours at or above 5°C with reasonable air circulation
- Minimum Application Temperature: 5°C
- VOC Content: Low (water-based formula)
- Cleanup: Water only; no solvents required
- Available Formats: 230g tub, 450g tub, 1kg tub, 230g tottle
- Tottle Format: Squeezable tube for controlled dispensing
- Suitable Surfaces: Plaster, plasterboard, concrete, mortar, primed or painted timber, primed metal
- Not Suitable For: Unprimed metal, exterior timber with excessive water absorption, surfaces subject to ongoing structural movement, application below 5°C
- Interior Use: Yes
- Exterior Use: Yes, with mandatory priming before application and paint protection from rain until sealed
- Priming Required (exterior): Yes, before application
- Priming Required (interior, porous/dusty surfaces): Yes, before application
- Waterproof Before Painting: No; must be sealed with a paint coat
- Freezing: Not permitted; freezing damages the acrylic emulsion and renders the product unusable
- Storage: Cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources; lid must be sealed tightly after each use
- Safety — Skin Contact: Avoid prolonged contact; wash hands thoroughly after use
- Safety — Ventilation: Adequate ventilation required during application and drying
- Safety — Children: Keep out of reach of children
- Full Safety Information: Available via Selleys/DuluxGroup Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Recommended Alternative for Movement Cracks: Selleys No More Gaps®
- Application Tool (tub formats): Filling blade or scraper
- Layers for Depths Over 6mm: Apply in multiple layers; maximum 6mm per layer; allow full drying between layers
- Humidity/Temperature/Airflow Effect on Dry Time: High humidity, lower temperatures, or restricted airflow extend dry times
General Product Claims
- Superior adhesion across dissimilar surface types
- Formulated to minimise shrinkage
- Low-shrinkage formulation may allow single-application results for many repairs within the 6mm depth rating
- Acrylic binder provides flexibility compared to mineral-based fillers, helping resist minor movement and thermal expansion cycles
- Handles damage that standard fine-crack fillers cannot
- Suitable for confident DIYers and light commercial use
- Overfilling slightly and scraping flush accounts for minor shrinkage during drying
- Dampening highly porous interior surfaces before application (where priming is not used) may improve adhesion and finish quality
- Sanding too early on deep repairs can create a rough, pitted surface and pull material from the repair
- Priming before painting prevents uneven sheen (flashing) in the paint coat
- Filler beneath an intact skin in a stored tub is generally still usable if not dried out or contaminated
- Deep repairs should be treated as a two-stage process: fill on day one, sand and finish on day two