Painting & Maintenance Information
Important Information:
The information below is offered to you as recommendations. If you are unsure with painting, assembling or how to place your cubby house than please consult professional advice.
Delivery & Storing:
All unassembled cubby house parts or cartons must be stored in a cool and dry place indoors (out of the weather).
Painting:
Our cubbies are finished in a water-base stain. This is solely used for colour and only offers minimal protection from natural elements. This is a temporary measure the cubby house will need to be painted as per the below recommendations, failing to paint your cubby house will void your warranty
You should paint the cubby house prior to assemby, it will save you plenty of time and more importantly your back.
After consulting Dulux, we recommend painting the entire cubby house (min 2 coats each) with:
- Dulux 1 Step Prep (water based) primer, sealer & undercoat
- Dulux Weathershield (exterior) paint
Note: Using the 1 Step Prep provides mould resistance and stain blocking of tannin and flash rust. It also prepares the timber for a superior paint finish extending the life of the cubby house. Avoid using just the exterior grade paint with the undercoat built into it, they do not offer the same features of the 1 Step Prep.
Do you want discounted paint? Hide & Seek Kids and Dulux have teamed together to offer you discounted paint and supplies. Simply visit any Dulux Trade or Outlet stores such as Inspirations Paint (not available at major hardware stores) and present our trade account details for discounted pricing. You will find the trade account details at the bottom of your invoice. Please use your name as the order number. You can find your closest store here.
Paint Brush vs Spraying:
We do not recommend using a spray gun when painting the cubby house. Spraying usually applies a thinner coat of paint requiring more coats. Using a paint brush will apply a thick coat, providing an excellent smooth finish.
Weatherproof:
For ultimate protection from leaks and rain we recommend using (prior and even after assembly):
- Selleys Storm Sealant
Selleys Storm Sealant delivers a waterproof seal on any material, perfect for any fine timber cracks that you want to seal. Storm Sealant can be painted over too! Find out more here.
Expecting bad weather? Sometimes our weather can be extremely wild. During these times we recommend removing items from the cubby house and putting a tarp over the cubby to reduce damage from heavy rain/hail or extreme wind.
Assembly:
Please ensure when assembling the cubby house that screws and bolts are not over tightened. Over tightening will cause damage to the thread and cracking in the surrounding timber, damage caused is not covered under warranty.
Using a lower torque setting on the drill will minimise these damages.
Play Gym Rope Help:
We have compiled some instructional videos to help with the assembly of the Play Gym rope. Check them out here.
Placement:
Placement of your cubby house is just as important as painting it. As the cubby house is made from timber it is not recommended placing directly onto the ground. We recommend creating a barrier between the cubby house and the ground to minimise the risk of moisture build up. Extended moisture build up will result in timber becoming waterlogged, mouldy and eventually will rot the timber.
How to avoid moisture build up? Placing the cubby house in a well-ventilated area that receives plenty of sunlight. Trees are perfect in providing shade but extra maintenance is required to remove animal dropping from the paint as this will deteriorate the paint over time.
Level Ground? A level surface is required for the cubby house, this will ensure the cubby house panels are assembled correctly. If your roof, windows or doors on the cubby house look a little crooked, grab a level and check to see if the cubby house is sitting level.
Securing the Cubby: Securing the cubby house to the ground/platform may be required for your backyard (or if your area is prone to severe storms). Have a chat to a professional for the best method if needed.
Support Base: The easiest base to construct for your cubby house (on the ground cubby) is using timber sleepers. Support must be used for all floor joins and under all walls to limit movement.
Examples of a cubby house placements:
Cubby House Maintenance:
We recommend the following at least once per season:
- Give the cubby house a wash with some mild soap and warm water, removing any dirt/grime build up on the paint.
- Inspect the paint for any cracks and imperfections and re-apply paint if needed
- Re-tighten screws and bolts
Wood Advice:
Timber is a natural product and may experience changes throughout the course of its life. It may develop minor cracks and gaps; this is known as thermal timber expansion and contraction.
Timber cracks and gaps sometimes occur due to the moisture content within the timber and the external surroundings. You will notice in drier times of the year the timber will show some minor gaps and cracks as the moisture in the timber is dried out. These gaps and cracks are totally normal and will eventually close back up once moisture in the area around the cubby house is returned. Each piece of timber can react differently to the climate. A crack in the timber does not affect the strength or durability of the wood or structural integrity of the cubby house.