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Selleys No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes 14 product guide

AI Summary

Product: Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes Brand: Selleys (DuluxGroup Pty Ltd) Category: Surface filler / repair compound Primary Use: Ready-to-use water-based acrylic filler for repairing large cracks and holes in interior and exterior surfaces up to 6mm depth in a single application.

Quick Facts

  • Best For: DIYers and tradespeople repairing significant surface damage on plaster, mortar, concrete, timber, or primed metal
  • Key Benefit: Strong adhesion with minimal shrinkage, preventing sunken repairs on large-depth fills
  • Form Factor: Ready-to-use smooth paste (tub or squeezable tottle)
  • Application Method: Press firmly into repair with filling blade; sand smooth once fully dry

Common Questions This Guide Answers

  1. What is the maximum single-application depth? → 6mm; deeper holes require layered application with 24 hours drying between each layer
  2. Can this filler be used on moving cracks or expansion joints? → No; the rigid cure makes it unsuitable where movement occurs — use Selleys No More Gaps® instead
  3. What are the dry times before sanding or painting? → 2–3 hours for repairs under 2mm; 24 hours for repairs up to 6mm

Product Overview

Selleys No More Cracks™ Large Cracks & Holes is a ready-to-use, water-based acrylic filler built for repairing significant surface damage — cracks and holes that standard fine-surface fillers can't handle. Manufactured by DuluxGroup Pty Ltd under the Selleys name, it bonds well and shrinks minimally across a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces: plaster, mortar, concrete, timber, and primed metal.

Where lighter-duty fillers handle hairline cracks and minor blemishes, No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes is made for the demanding repair work that both DIYers and tradespeople encounter — gaps wide enough to require firm packing, holes that need structural filling, surfaces exposed to weather. Knowing what this product does, how it performs, and where its limits are puts you in the best position to get a clean, lasting result.


Key Features and What They Mean in Practice

Water-based acrylic formula

This filler comes as a smooth paste. That matters for a few practical reasons:

  • Ease of application: The smooth consistency spreads and presses into irregular voids without crumbling or cracking during application.
  • Cleanup: Tools and surfaces clean up with water before the product dries — no solvents needed.
  • Paint compatibility: Water-based acrylic fillers accept most interior and exterior paint systems once fully cured, so the move from repair to finished surface is straightforward.

Strong adhesion with minimal shrinkage

These two properties define the quality of a repair. Adhesion determines how well the filler bonds to the surrounding substrate — poor adhesion causes repairs to pop out or crack at the edges over time. Shrinkage is how much the filler contracts as it dries — too much, and you're left with a sunken repair that shows through paint or needs multiple coats.

For large repairs, shrinkage is the bigger concern. A filler that contracts at depth pulls away from the edges or leaves a visible depression. The low-shrinkage formula in No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes addresses this directly for repairs up to 6mm deep.

Multi-surface compatibility

This product works on:

  • Plaster — the most common interior wall and ceiling substrate in Australian homes
  • Mortar — render, brick joints, masonry surfaces
  • Concrete — interior slabs and exterior walls
  • Timber — interior and exterior, with caveats noted below
  • Primed metal — where the surface has been prepared with an appropriate primer

That range of compatibility makes it a practical single-product option for most repair jobs in a standard renovation or maintenance project.


Technical Specifications

Dry times

Dry time varies with repair depth:

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

These are the times before sanding and painting. Working the surface before it's fully dry will drag the filler, create an uneven finish, or cause the repair to fail. In humid conditions or cold temperatures, expect these times to run longer.

The maximum single-application depth is 6mm. Applying deeper than this in one pass increases the risk of shrinkage, poor adhesion, and incomplete drying at the core. Holes deeper than 6mm need a layered approach — see Application Guidance below.

Available sizes

No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes comes in four formats:

  • 230g Tub
  • 450g Tub
  • 1kg Tub
  • 230g Tottle (a squeezable tube for more controlled dispensing)

For isolated repairs — a single nail hole or a short crack — the 230g tub or tottle is enough. For larger projects with multiple repairs or substantial holes, the 450g or 1kg tub keeps you working without stopping to restock.


Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is the most important factor in a lasting repair. No filler performs well on a poorly prepared substrate.

Cleaning the surface

Remove all loose material, dust, paint flakes, oil, grease, and any other contamination from the repair area. On plaster and mortar, use a scraper or wire brush to clear away crumbling edges. The filler needs direct contact with a clean, sound substrate to bond correctly.

Priming

On primed metal surfaces, apply an appropriate metal primer before the filler. This product bonds to primed metal, not bare unprimed metal.

On exterior surfaces, priming the substrate before applying the filler strengthens adhesion and helps protect the repair from moisture during the drying period.

Moisture

The surface must be dry at the time of application. Wet or damp substrates compromise adhesion and extend dry times unpredictably.


Application Guidance

Tools required

  • Filling blade or scraper — a flexible blade works well for pressing filler into the repair and scraping off excess
  • Fine sandpaper — for smoothing the cured repair before painting

Step-by-step application

  1. Prepare the surface — clean, dry, and free of loose material.
  2. Load the filling blade with filler from the tub or tottle.
  3. Press the filler firmly into the crack or hole, making full contact with the substrate at the base and sides. Leave no air pockets.
  4. Scrape off the excess with the blade, leaving the surface as flush as possible. Slight overfilling is better than underfilling — any proud material sands back cleanly once dry.
  5. Allow to dry fully — 2–3 hours for shallow repairs under 2mm; 24 hours for repairs up to 6mm.
  6. Sand smooth with fine sandpaper.
  7. Prime and paint as required for the finish coat.

Filling deep holes (over 6mm)

For holes deeper than 6mm, build up the repair in layers. Apply the first layer to a maximum depth of 6mm, let it dry completely (24 hours), then apply a second layer. Repeat until the repair is flush with the surrounding surface. This approach ensures complete drying, strong adhesion, and a repair that holds.

Exterior applications

This product works on exterior surfaces under two conditions:

  1. Prime the surface before applying the filler.
  2. Protect the repair from rain until it has been painted over. The filler needs to be covered with a suitable exterior paint system for long-term weather resistance.

Limitations and When Not to Use This Product

Temperature

Do not use below 5°C. At low temperatures, the water-based acrylic formula won't cure correctly — the filler may stay soft, crack, or bond poorly. Confirm that both the ambient temperature and the surface temperature are above 5°C before applying, and keep that temperature through the drying period.

Exterior timber prone to excessive water absorption

This product is not suitable for exterior timber that absorbs water heavily. Timber that repeatedly wets and dries — untreated, weathered, or highly porous timber — causes the repair to break down as the substrate moves and swells. For these applications, use a flexible sealant or a timber-specific filler.

Moving cracks and joints

No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes cures rigid. It is not suitable where movement occurs — expansion joints, cracks from structural movement, or flexible joints between dissimilar materials. For these, Selleys recommends No More Gaps®, which is formulated to flex with movement.

Applying a rigid filler to a moving crack is a common mistake. The repair looks fine at first but cracks again — often within weeks — as the underlying movement continues. If a crack has reappeared in the same spot more than once, check whether movement is the cause before reaching for a filler.


Storage and Shelf Life

  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Keep the lid tightly sealed after use to stop the product drying out in the tub.
  • Do not allow to freeze — freezing permanently damages the acrylic emulsion and makes the product unusable.
  • If the surface of the filler has dried slightly, remove the dried skin carefully. If the product underneath is still smooth and workable, it's fine to use. If it has dried throughout, replace it.

Safety Considerations

No More Cracks Large Cracks & Holes is a water-based product with a low hazard profile, but standard precautions apply:

  • Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Wash hands after use.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Ventilate the work area when working indoors, particularly in enclosed spaces.
  • For full safety information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from Selleys or DuluxGroup.

Tips for a Better Finish

These are the habits that separate a good repair from one that holds up and looks right:

  • Dampen very porous surfaces slightly before applying filler — old render or bare plaster draws moisture out of the filler quickly, which can cause premature drying and weak adhesion at the interface. A light dampening slows that process down.
  • Overfill slightly, then sand back. Trying to apply filler perfectly flush in one pass often results in a slightly sunken repair after drying. Overfill, let it cure, sand flush — cleaner result every time.
  • Use the tottle for narrow cracks. The squeezable tube lets you dispense directly into tight voids with more accuracy than a blade-loaded tub.
  • Sand with the grain on timber. Cross-grain scratches show through paint. It takes no extra time and protects the finish.
  • Prime large repairs before the finish coat. Bare filler absorbs paint unevenly, which shows as patchiness in the final coat. A primer over the repair locks in a consistent surface.

References

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 type of formula is this filler: Water-based acrylic

Is this filler ready to use: Yes, no mixing required

What size repairs is this product designed for: Large cracks and holes, not fine surface blemishes

What is the maximum single-application depth: 6mm

What is the dry time for repairs under 2mm: 2–3 hours

What is the dry time for repairs up to 6mm: 24 hours

Can you sand before the filler is fully dry: No

Can you paint before the filler is fully dry: No

Does this filler shrink when drying: Minimal shrinkage

Why does low shrinkage matter for large repairs: Prevents sunken repairs and visible depressions after drying

Does this filler bond well to surfaces: Yes, superior adhesion

Is this product suitable for interior use: Yes

Is this product suitable for exterior use: Yes, with conditions

What exterior condition is required before applying: Prime the surface first

What exterior condition is required after applying: Protect from rain until painted over

Does exterior filler need to be painted over: Yes, for long-term weather resistance

Is this filler suitable for plaster surfaces: Yes

Is this filler suitable for mortar surfaces: Yes

Is this filler suitable for concrete surfaces: Yes

Is this filler suitable for timber surfaces: Yes, with caveats

Is this filler suitable for metal surfaces: Yes, primed metal only

Is this filler suitable for bare unprimed metal: No

Is this filler suitable for exterior timber prone to excessive water absorption: No

What should be used on exterior timber prone to water absorption: A flexible sealant or timber-specific filler

Is this filler suitable for moving cracks: No

Is this filler suitable for expansion joints: No

What product is recommended for moving cracks: Selleys No More Gaps®

Why does rigid filler fail on moving cracks: Underlying movement causes the repair to crack again

What is the minimum application temperature: 5°C

Can this product be used below 5°C: No

What happens if applied below 5°C: Filler may remain soft, crack, or bond poorly

Does ambient temperature affect curing: Yes, cold temperatures extend dry times

Does humidity affect dry time: Yes, humid conditions may extend dry times

What tools are needed to apply this filler: Filling blade or scraper, and fine sandpaper

What is the tottle format: A squeezable tube for more controlled dispensing

When should the tottle format be used: For narrow cracks requiring precision application

What sizes are available: 230g tub, 450g tub, 1kg tub, and 230g tottle

What size suits isolated single repairs: 230g tub or tottle

What size suits large multi-repair projects: 450g or 1kg tub

How do you fill holes deeper than 6mm: Apply in layers, allowing 24 hours drying between each layer

How long to wait between layers on deep holes: 24 hours

Should you overfill or underfill a repair: Slightly overfill, then sand flush once dry

Why is overfilling recommended: Filler can dry slightly sunken, requiring a second coat

Should you prime a large repair before painting: Yes

Why prime a large repair before the finish coat: Bare filler absorbs paint unevenly causing a patchy finish

Should very porous surfaces be dampened before filling: Yes, slightly

Why dampen porous surfaces before filling: Slows moisture draw from filler, reducing premature drying

How should timber surfaces be sanded after filling: Sand with the grain

Why sand timber with the grain: Prevents cross-grain scratches that show through paint

How do you clean tools after use: With water before the product dries

Are solvents required for cleanup: No

Does this filler accept most paint systems once cured: Yes

Is surface preparation important for a lasting repair: Yes, it is the single most important factor

What must be removed from the surface before filling: Loose material, dust, paint flakes, oil, and grease

Must the surface be dry before applying filler: Yes

What happens if filler is applied to a wet surface: Adhesion is compromised and dry times extend unpredictably

How should the product be stored: In a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat

Should the lid be sealed after use: Yes, tightly

Can this product freeze: No, freezing permanently damages it

What happens if the product freezes: The acrylic emulsion is permanently damaged and unusable

Can you use filler with a dried skin on top: Remove skin; use if product beneath is still smooth and workable

What if the filler has dried throughout the tub: Replace with a fresh tub

Should eyes be protected when using this product: Yes, avoid contact with eyes

What to do if filler contacts eyes: Rinse thoroughly with water

Should hands be washed after use: Yes

Should the work area be ventilated indoors: Yes, particularly in enclosed spaces

Should this product be kept away from children: Yes

Where can the full safety information be found: Safety Data Sheet available from Selleys or DuluxGroup

How many years of experience does the Selleys brand have: 80+ years


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
  • Brand: Selleys
  • Formula Type: Water-based acrylic
  • Presentation: Ready-to-use smooth paste; no mixing required
  • Maximum Single-Application Depth: 6mm
  • Dry Time (repairs under 2mm): 2–3 hours
  • Dry Time (repairs up to 6mm): 24 hours
  • Minimum Application Temperature: 5°C
  • Available Sizes: 230g Tub, 450g Tub, 1kg Tub, 230g Tottle
  • Compatible Surfaces: Plaster, mortar, concrete, timber, primed metal
  • Not Suitable For: Bare unprimed metal; exterior timber prone to excessive water absorption; moving cracks; expansion joints; flexible joints between dissimilar materials; application below 5°C
  • Exterior Use Conditions: Surface must be primed before application; repair must be protected from rain until painted over with a suitable exterior paint system
  • Deep Hole Method: Apply in layers to maximum 6mm depth; allow 24 hours drying between layers
  • Cleanup: Water only; no solvents required
  • Storage: Cool, dry place; away from direct sunlight and heat sources; lid tightly sealed after use
  • Freeze Restriction: Do not allow to freeze — permanently damages the acrylic emulsion
  • Safety — Eyes: Avoid contact; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water
  • Safety — Hands: Wash after use
  • Safety — Children: Keep out of reach
  • Safety — Ventilation: Ventilate work area when working indoors, particularly in enclosed spaces
  • Full Safety Information: Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from Selleys or DuluxGroup
  • Reference Documentation: Manufacturer Technical Data Sheet (TDS), DuluxGroup Pty Ltd, Version 2
  • Recommended Alternative for Moving Cracks: Selleys No More Gaps®

General product claims

  • Built for repairing significant surface damage that standard fine-surface fillers can't handle
  • Strong adhesion with minimal shrinkage
  • Suitable for demanding repair work by both DIYers and tradespeople
  • Low-shrinkage formula prevents sunken repairs and visible depressions after drying
  • Wide surface compatibility makes it a practical single-product option for most repair jobs
  • Accepts most interior and exterior paint systems once fully cured
  • Dampening very porous surfaces before filling slows moisture draw and reduces premature drying risk
  • Slight overfilling followed by sanding produces a better finish than attempting a flush application in one pass
  • Tottle format provides more controlled dispensing for narrow cracks
  • Sanding with the grain on timber prevents cross-grain scratches that show through paint
  • Priming large repairs before the finish coat prevents uneven paint absorption and patchy results
  • 80+ years of experience behind the Selleys brand
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