AI Summary

Product: Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes Brand: Selleys (manufactured by DuluxGroup Pty Ltd) Category: Wall and surface filler / repair compound Primary Use: Repairing significant cracks and holes up to 6mm deep in interior and exterior surfaces where standard fine-surface fillers fall short.

Quick Facts

Best For: Homeowners and tradespeople repairing deep cracks, holes, and surface damage on plaster, concrete, masonry, timber, and primed metal
Key Benefit: Strong adhesion with minimal shrinkage, producing a flush, professional finish with fewer coats
Form Factor: Ready-to-use smooth paste, no mixing required
Application Method: Press firmly into the repair area with a filling blade or scraper, scrape flush, allow to dry, then sand and paint

Common Questions This Guide Answers

How deep a repair can this filler handle? → Up to 6mm
How long does it take to dry? → Around 2–3 hours for repairs under 2mm; around 24 hours for repairs up to 6mm under standard conditions
Can it be used on moving or structural cracks? → No — use a flexible sealant such as Selleys No More Gaps® for movement joints instead

Product Overview

Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes is a ready-to-use, water-based acrylic filler built for one purpose: repairing significant surface damage that ordinary fine-surface fillers can't handle. Manufactured by DuluxGroup Pty Ltd under the Selleys brand, the formula bonds well across a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces, including plaster, mortar, concrete, timber, and primed metal, with minimal shrinkage as it dries.

Where other fillers are designed for hairline cracks and cosmetic touch-ups, this one handles repairs up to 6mm deep. That makes it the practical choice for homeowners and tradespeople dealing with real surface damage. Its smooth paste consistency and broad surface compatibility put it among the more versatile repair products in the wall filler category.

What It Is and How It Works

No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes comes as a smooth, ready-mixed paste. No mixing, no measuring, no preparation of the compound itself. The water-based acrylic formula bonds to porous surfaces as moisture evaporates during drying, which is what gives it both its adhesion strength and its low-shrinkage performance.

Low shrinkage is worth understanding. All fillers shrink to some degree as they dry, because water leaves the compound and the material contracts. Too much shrinkage pulls the filler away from the edges of a crack or causes it to sink below the surrounding surface, forcing multiple applications. The acrylic formulation here is engineered to keep that contraction to a minimum, so you get fewer coats and a repair that sits flush with the surrounding surface.

The product comes in four sizes:

230g Tottle — a squeezable tube suited to smaller repairs and tight access areas
230g Tub — compact tub for occasional small-to-medium repairs
450g Tub — a mid-range option for moderate repair volumes
1kg Tub — suited to larger projects or tradespeople carrying out multiple repairs

Choosing the right size reduces waste and keeps the product fresh between uses. Reseal opened containers tightly after each use.

Surface Compatibility

Know your surface before you start. This filler works across a broad range of substrates, but using it on the right surface is what gets you a clean, lasting result.

Suitable surfaces include:

Plaster and plasterboard — the most common interior application; bonds reliably to both set plaster and the paper face of plasterboard
Mortar and masonry — including brick joints and rendered walls, interior and exterior
Concrete — good for filling surface cracks and spalled areas
Timber — suitable for interior timber and exterior timber that isn't prone to excessive water absorption (see limitations below)
Primed metal — the surface must be primed first; bare metal won't work

Key limitations:

Exterior timber with high water absorption: Timber that regularly takes on and releases moisture will cause the filler to crack or pull away over time. This product isn't recommended for those applications.
Moving cracks or joints: A crack caused by ongoing structural movement, seasonal expansion and contraction for example, needs a flexible sealant, not a rigid filler. Selleys No More Gaps® is the right product for movement joints.
Below 5°C: Don't apply in temperatures below 5°C. In cold conditions, water in the acrylic formula can't evaporate properly, which prevents correct curing and weakens adhesion.

Dry Times and What They Mean

Dry time is one of the most important practical specs for any filler. No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes has two distinct figures depending on repair depth:

Repairs under 2mm: approximately 2–3 hours
Repairs up to 6mm: approximately 24 hours

These figures are based on standard conditions, moderate temperature and humidity. Cold, damp, or poorly ventilated conditions will push those times out.

The difference matters for planning. A shallow surface scratch or slightly opened hairline crack can be painted over the same day. A deeper hole, say a screw anchor pulled out of a plaster wall leaving a 5–6mm void, needs an overnight wait before sanding and painting.

One more thing worth knowing: "dry" and "fully cured" aren't the same thing. The surface may feel dry to the touch before the full depth of the repair has hardened. For repairs at the deeper end of the range, waiting the full 24 hours before sanding ensures the filler has set uniformly and will hold up cleanly under sandpaper pressure.

Application Method

The application process follows a clear sequence. Get each step right and the result speaks for itself.

Surface Preparation

The repair area must be clean, dry, and free of loose material, dust, grease, and flaking paint. Remove any loose edges around a crack by scraping them away, or carefully widen the crack slightly with a scraper or filling knife to create clean, stable edges. This feels counterintuitive, but it's the right move: a clean, slightly wider crack with firm edges holds the filler far better than a narrow crack with crumbling sides.

For primed metal surfaces, make sure the primer is fully dry and well adhered before applying filler.

Filling the Repair

Using a filling blade or scraper, press the filler firmly into the crack or hole. Pressing firmly is the critical step — it eliminates air pockets within the repair, which would create voids that undermine the fill and cause the surface to sink after drying.

For deeper repairs approaching 6mm, slightly overfill the area. Even a low-shrinkage filler contracts a little. Once pressed in, scrape off the excess with the blade held at a shallow angle to the surface, leaving the repair as flush as possible. A cleaner application now means less sanding later.

Drying

Allow the repair to dry fully according to the timeframes above. Don't use heat guns or direct heat sources to speed things up — uneven drying causes surface cracking and undermines the repair.

Sanding and Finishing

Once fully dry, sand the repair with fine sandpaper until it's smooth and flush with the surrounding surface. Wipe away dust before painting. Prime or undercoat the repaired area before applying a topcoat, particularly on porous surfaces, to ensure even paint absorption and a consistent finish.

Exterior Use: Additional Considerations

This filler handles exterior applications well, but a few extra steps make the difference between a repair that lasts and one that fails in the first wet season.

Prime the surface first. On exterior masonry, concrete, or render, applying a suitable primer or sealer before filling strengthens adhesion and reduces the risk of moisture working its way under the repair over time.

Protect from rain until painted. The product isn't waterproof in its unfilled state. Once applied, keep the repair out of rain until it's been painted with an appropriate exterior paint. The paint coat seals the repair and provides the weather resistance the filler alone doesn't offer.

Temperature and conditions. The 5°C minimum matters most for exterior work in cooler months. Early mornings and late afternoons in autumn and winter can drop below this threshold even when midday feels comfortable. Check conditions before starting and allow enough time for the repair to dry fully before temperatures fall again.

Storage and Product Care

As a water-based product, No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes can't be frozen. Store it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, and well away from freezing temperatures, which permanently change the consistency of the acrylic formula and make it unusable.

After each use, reseal the tub or tottle tightly. This stops the surface of the paste from drying out and forming a skin. A dried skin doesn't always mean the product underneath is ruined — it can sometimes be removed — but proper resealing prevents the problem entirely. Keep the rim of the tub clean so the lid seals properly.

Shelf life depends on storage conditions, but a properly sealed product stays usable for a reasonable period. If the paste has dried out, separated significantly, or developed an unusual odour, discard it and start fresh.

Safety and Handling

No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes is a water-based product with a low hazard profile compared to solvent-based fillers. Standard precautions still apply:

Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact.
Eye contact: Flush with clean water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Ventilation: The product has the low VOC characteristics typical of water-based acrylics, but work in a well-ventilated space regardless, especially during extended indoor use.
Sanding dust: Fine dust from sanding dried filler shouldn't be inhaled. Wear a dust mask when sanding in enclosed spaces.
Disposal: Don't pour liquid product down drains. Allow unused product to dry fully before disposing of it with general solid waste, in line with local regulations.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Filler shrinking below the surface: Usually comes down to applying too little material or not pressing firmly enough to clear out air pockets. Apply slightly more than needed, press firmly, then scrape flush.

Cracking after drying: Most often caused by applying too thick a single layer, or working in conditions below 5°C. For deep repairs, apply in two layers: fill partially, let it dry, then complete the fill.

Poor adhesion or filler falling out: A surface preparation problem. Loose material, dust, or moisture on the substrate stops the acrylic from bonding. The surface must be clean, dry, and stable before you apply anything. No shortcuts.

Repair visible after painting: When the repaired area absorbs more paint than the surrounding surface, it shows up as a dull patch through the topcoat. Prime or undercoat the repair before painting to even out absorption and get a uniform finish.

References

Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes – Official Product Page
DuluxGroup Pty Ltd – Selleys Brand Information
Based on manufacturer Technical Data Sheet (Version 2) provided with product specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes: A ready-to-use water-based acrylic filler

Who manufactures this product: DuluxGroup Pty Ltd under the Selleys brand

What is the maximum repair depth: 6mm

Is mixing required before use: No, it is ready-to-use

What consistency does the product come in: Smooth paste

Is it water-based: Yes, water-based acrylic formula

Is it suitable for interior use: Yes

Is it suitable for exterior use: Yes

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 masonry: Yes

Does it work on timber: Yes, suitable timber applications

Does it work on bare metal: No, metal must be primed first

Does it work on primed metal: Yes

Is it suitable for moving cracks: No, use a flexible sealant instead

What product should be used for movement joints: Selleys No More Gaps

Is it suitable for structural repairs: No, not designed for structural movement

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

Are dry time figures based on standard conditions: Yes, moderate temperature and humidity

Does cold weather extend dry time: Yes

Does high humidity extend dry time: Yes

Is "dry" the same as "fully cured": No, surface may dry before full depth cures

When is it safe to sand after a deep repair: After the full 24 hours

Can a heat gun be used to speed drying: No

Why should heat guns be avoided: They cause surface cracking and poor repair quality

Does the filler shrink when drying: Yes, minimally

Why does low shrinkage matter: Fewer coats and a flush finish result

Does it require surface preparation before application: Yes

What must the surface be before applying: Clean, dry, and free of loose material

Should loose edges around a crack be removed: Yes, scrape away loose edges

Can the crack be slightly widened before filling: Yes, for cleaner, more stable edges

How should filler be applied: Press firmly with a filling blade or scraper

Why must filler be pressed firmly: To eliminate air pockets within the repair

Should the repair be overfilled slightly: Yes, for deeper repairs

What tool is used to apply the filler: A filling blade or scraper

Should the repair be primed before painting: Yes, especially on porous surfaces

Why prime before painting: To equalise paint absorption for a uniform finish

What causes filler to shrink below the surface: Too little material or trapped air pockets

What causes filler to crack after drying: Applying too thick a single layer

What is the two-layer method for: Deep repairs to avoid cracking

What causes poor adhesion or filler falling out: Inadequate surface preparation

What makes a repair visible after painting: Uneven paint absorption at the repair site

What is the minimum application temperature: 5°C

What happens if applied below 5°C: Water cannot evaporate, preventing correct curing

Is the unfilled product waterproof: No

How is weather resistance achieved on exterior repairs: By painting with appropriate exterior paint

Should exterior masonry be primed before filling: Yes

Must exterior repairs be protected from rain: Yes, until painted

What sizes is the product available in: 230g Tottle, 230g Tub, 450g Tub, and 1kg Tub

What format is the 230g Tottle: A squeezable tube

What is the 1kg Tub suited for: Larger projects or multiple repairs

How should opened containers be stored: Resealed tightly after each use

Why reseal the container tightly: To prevent the paste surface from drying out

How should the product be stored: Cool, dry location away from direct sunlight

Can the product be frozen: No, freezing permanently alters the formula

What happens if the product freezes: It becomes unusable

What should be done if the product has dried out: Discard and replace

What should be done if the product has separated significantly: Discard and replace

Is the product low VOC: Yes, typical of water-based acrylics

Should ventilation be used during application: Yes, especially for extended indoor use

What precaution is needed when sanding: Wear a dust mask

What to do if filler contacts skin: Wash off with soap and water

What to do if filler contacts eyes: Flush with clean water

Should eye irritation persist after flushing, what is recommended: Seek medical advice

How should unused liquid product be disposed of: Do not pour down drains

How should dried unused product be disposed of: With general solid waste per local regulations

Is sanding dust harmful: Yes, should not be inhaled

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 (under the Selleys brand)
Formula type: Water-based acrylic
Form: Ready-to-use smooth paste (no mixing required)
Maximum repair depth: 6mm
Interior use: Yes
Exterior use: Yes
Suitable surfaces: Plaster, plasterboard, mortar, masonry, concrete, timber (suitable applications), primed metal
Unsuitable surfaces: Bare metal, moving/structural cracks, exterior timber with high water absorption
Minimum application temperature: 5°C
Dry time (repairs under 2mm): Approximately 2–3 hours (standard conditions)
Dry time (repairs up to 6mm): Approximately 24 hours (standard conditions)
Available sizes: 230g Tottle (squeezable tube), 230g Tub, 450g Tub, 1kg Tub
VOC profile: Low VOC, consistent with water-based acrylic formulations
Storage: Cool, dry location; away from direct sunlight; away from freezing temperatures
Freezing: Permanently alters formula; renders product unusable
Container care: Reseal tightly after each use
Disposal — liquid product: Do not pour down drains
Disposal — dried product: Dispose with general solid waste per local regulations
Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water
Eye contact: Flush with clean water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Sanding dust: Should not be inhaled; wear a dust mask in enclosed spaces
Recommended alternative for movement joints: Selleys No More Gaps®
Reference: Manufacturer Technical Data Sheet (Version 2)

General Product Claims

Strong adhesion with minimal shrinkage across a wide range of surfaces
Engineered to keep contraction during drying to a minimum, resulting in fewer coats and a flush finish
Produces professional results comparable to trade-standard application
Among the more versatile repair products in the wall filler category
Pressing filler firmly eliminates air pockets and prevents surface sinking after drying
Priming before painting evens out paint absorption for a uniform finish
Painting with appropriate exterior paint delivers weather resistance the unfilled filler doesn't provide on its own
Applying a primer or sealer before exterior filling strengthens adhesion and reduces moisture ingress risk
Choosing the correct size reduces waste and keeps product fresh between uses
A dried skin on the surface doesn't always mean the product underneath is unusable

Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes 12 product guide