Explore the most frequently asked questions about our range, covering key topics such as Sustainability & Innovation, Product Features & Comparisons, Usage & Compatibility, Care & Maintenance, Availability & Purchasing, Technical Details, Special Applications, Troubleshooting, and DIY Tips & Tricks. For a more comprehensive set of FAQs, click here. If you still have specific questions about a product, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help!
FAQ’s
Sustainability & Innovation
Do Axus Decor products support sustainability?
We understand the importance of sustainability for both decorators and their customers. That’s why many of our products are designed with the environment in mind. Our brushes feature handles made from responsibly sourced timber, and our roller sleeves are crafted using recycled materials. We also offer reusable solutions like the Flex-e-Bowl and Flex-e-Liners, helping to minimise waste while making every project more efficient.
How are Axus Decor tools innovative?
Axus Decor tools are thoughtfully designed with innovative features, high-quality materials, and ergonomic designs to make every project smoother and more efficient. Whether you're a professional decorator, a DIY enthusiast, or an upcycler, our in-house team uses rapid prototyping to develop practical solutions that meet your needs and elevate your results.
Usage & Compatibility
Can Axus brushes be used with oil-based paints?
Yes, Axus brushes are versatile and suitable for both water- and oil-based paints. The Silk Touch Ultra brushes are specially designed with advanced chemically tipped filaments that flag the ends to mimic the texture and performance of natural bristle. This feature enhances their ability to hold and release oil-based paints smoothly, ensuring superior coverage and a flawless finish. For longevity, always clean your brushes thoroughly after use.
Are your roller frames compatible with extension poles?
Yes, nearly all Axus Decor roller frames, including our mini frame handles, are designed with universal threaded ends. This makes them fully compatible with standard threaded extension poles, ensuring versatility and ease of use for both professional decorators and DIYers.
Do Axus brushes work well for cutting in?
Absolutely. Our angled brushes, such as the Silk Touch Shortcut Ultra, are specifically designed for precise cutting in.
Product Features & Comparisons
What’s the difference between Axus Decor Silk touch rollers and Pro-Finish?
Axus Silk Touch rollers are designed for superior paint pick-up and deliver an ultra-smooth finish, especially on walls and ceilings. The fabric is specifically crafted to evenly release paints with high solid content, reducing the risk of orange peel effects for a flawless result. Pro-Finish rollers, on the other hand, are ideal for achieving consistent coverage on larger surfaces with a professional-grade finish.
Why are synthetic brushes better for water-based paints?
Synthetic bristles are specially designed to resist swelling, ensuring a smooth and consistent application without drag. In fact, the filaments in the Silk Ultra range are hydrophobic, meaning they actively repel moisture and resist absorbing water. As paint chemistry evolves and oil-based paints are gradually phased out, brushes like these are essential for keeping up with modern water-based formulations.
What is the difference between Silk Ultra and Pro-Finish range brushes, what is X-Coat, and why are there so many different shapes?
The Silk Ultra range is crafted for precision and delivering premium finishes, making it ideal for detailed work and top-quality results. The Pro-Finish range, on the other hand, is designed for high-volume, professional use, offering durability and efficiency for large-scale projects. X-Coat brushes are specifically developed for industrial coatings, built to handle the most aggressive paints and harsh application environments. As for the variety of shapes, these cater to user preferences and specific tasks. Handle designs, angles, and filament thicknesses are tailored to suit different surfaces, painting contexts, and individual comfort, ensuring you have the right tool for the job.
What is this hype about microfibre?
Microfibre rollers are a favourite among decorators, DIYers, and upcyclers for their ability to hold more paint, ensuring better coverage with fewer trips to the tray. They release paint evenly, reducing roller marks and delivering a smooth, professional finish. However, not all microfibres are created equal. Axus Silk Touch rollers stand out due to their advanced dual-polarity design, achieved through a precise ratio of polyamide and polyester fibres. This makes them far superior for achieving ultra-smooth finishes, especially on walls and ceilings. In comparison, Pro-Finish rollers, which are also microfibre, are better suited for general coverage and larger-scale applications where efficiency is key. The difference lies in the finer engineering of Silk Touch rollers, making them the go-to choice for premium results.
Wood Finishing & Laying Off Brushes vs Silk Touch Ultra?
While the Silk Touch Ultra brush is an excellent all-rounder, providing smooth, streak-free application for most coatings, water-based trim paints—particularly high-sheen finishes—can sometimes demand additional steps for a flawless result. This is where our Wood Finish Laying Off Brush shines. Designed specifically for those finishing touches, it helps to refine and smooth out the surface after initial application, eliminating imperfections and enhancing the finish. For decorators and DIYers working with high-sheen or water-based trim paints, it’s the perfect companion to ensure a professional, flawless look.
Care & Maintenance
How do I clean and store my Axus brushes?
To clean Axus brushes, rinse them thoroughly with warm water after using water-based paints. For a deeper clean, especially to remove stubborn latex from the brush stock, use Pretty Boy Paint Cleaner. For oil-based paints, clean using a suitable solvent. When storing brushes, shape the bristles and ensure they are kept in a dry place. Avoid leaving brushes immersed in water for extended periods, as our unvarnished birch wood handles can swell. Similarly, submerging brushes entirely in solvent is not recommended. If you choose to soak brushes used with oil-based paints, immerse only the filaments below the ferrule to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan.
How do I prevent roller sleeves from shedding lint?
Our roller sleeves are designed to minimise shedding and provide a professional finish. To further reduce the chance of lint, follow these steps:
- Rinse Before Use: When working with water-based paints, rinse the roller sleeve thoroughly before its first use. This removes any loose fibres and primes the roller, which can actually enhance its performance.
- Condition the Pile: Adding a small amount of Pretty Boy Paint Cleaner during the rinse can help condition the pile for an even smoother application.
- Lint Removal: For a dry roller, wrap it tightly in Razor 25 tape and then unravel it. This process effectively removes any loose lint.
Availability & Purchasing
Where can I buy Axus products in the UK and Ireland?
Our products are available at major decorating centres, hardware stores, and online retailers. Use our store locator for details.
Are Axus Decor tools suitable for professional use?
Yes, our tools are trusted by professional painters and decorators for their reliability and performance.
Technical Details
What does Thermobonded mean in your roller sleeves?
Thermobonded means the fabric is heat-fused directly to the core of the roller sleeve, eliminating the need for adhesives. This ensures exceptional durability, prevents shedding during use, and significantly extends the roller's lifespan and reuse cycle. Additionally, thermobonded rollers are more resistant to aggressive solvents compared to traditionally adhered rollers, making them ideal for use with a wider range of coatings and cleaning solutions.
What is HD Foam, and why is it used in your sanding blocks?
HD Foam stands for High-Density Foam, a material designed to provide even pressure across the surface during sanding. This ensures consistent contact, reduces the risk of uneven sanding, and helps achieve a smoother, more professional finish. Its durability also makes it ideal for both detailed work and larger projects, ensuring long-lasting performance.
What is washi tape and why should I pay more for them?
Washi tape is a high-quality masking tape made from natural fibres like rice paper, offering superior precision and performance. Its delicate adhesive ensures clean, sharp lines without bleeding, while being gentle enough to prevent damage to delicate surfaces like freshly painted walls, wallpapers, or woodwork. Paying more for washi tape can save you time and money on projects by reducing the need for touch-ups and repairs caused by surface damage or paint bleed. It’s an investment in efficiency and professional results, making it a must-have for decorators, DIYers, and upcyclers who value quality and a flawless finish.
Troubleshooting
Why does my brush lose bristles during use?
Bristle loss can occur due to improper cleaning, storage, or excessive wear. While Axus brushes are specifically designed to minimise bristle shedding, it’s important to properly care for your brushes. Rinse them thoroughly after each use, avoid leaving them submerged in water or solvent for extended periods, and store them in a dry, upright position. Proper maintenance helps preserve the quality and performance of your brushes over time.
How can I avoid roller marks on walls?
To avoid roller marks on walls, use a consistent rolling technique, overlapping your passes slightly to ensure even coverage. Choosing Axus Silk Touch rollers can also help achieve a streak-free finish. These rollers are designed with a tapered end to prevent tram lines, making them ideal for creating smooth, professional results on walls and ceilings.
There is a noticeable texture difference between my brushed-out cutting-in and the rolled surface.
To address this, we recommend blending the rolled texture by going over the brushed-out cutting-in as close to the corner as possible with a mini roller that matches the pile of the larger wall roller. Additionally, where cutting in is not required, using a corner roller can help achieve a consistent finish.
Special Applications
Can Axus Decor tools be used for furniture upcycling?
Yes, Axus Decor tools are ideal for furniture upcycling projects. Our brushes provide precision and smooth application for paints and varnishes, while our sandpapers and sanding blocks are perfect for preparing and finishing wood and metal surfaces. Whether you're restoring vintage furniture or giving new life to old pieces, Axus tools help achieve professional, high-quality results.
Are Axus sanding tools suitable for wet sanding?
Yes, Axus sanding sheets and sponges are designed for both wet and dry sanding applications. Many of our sandpapers feature a stearate coating, which helps to reduce clogging and improve durability during sanding. This makes them especially effective for creating smooth finishes on wood, metal, and painted surfaces, even in wet conditions.
Are Axus roller sleeves suitable for textured walls or ceilings?
Absolutely. Our long-pile roller sleeves are specifically designed to handle textured surfaces such as Artex, rough plaster, or masonry. They ensure even paint distribution without missing crevices. For particularly challenging surfaces like pebble dash, our Captain Chunk rollers feature a foam core and long pile, making them the ideal choice for achieving smooth, consistent coverage.
Can Axus sanding tools be used on curved or contoured surfaces?
Yes, our Arystox flexible sanding pads adapt to curved or contoured surfaces, making them ideal for furniture, rails, banisters, or other non-flat areas.
Are Axus tapes safe for use on freshly painted surfaces?
Yes, our Razor LT is designed to protect delicate and freshly painted surfaces. They remove cleanly without peeling or damaging the underlying paint, making them perfect for precision masking.
DIY Tips & Tricks
What’s the best Axus tool for painting furniture edges?
Our Precision Point detail brushes and Silk Touch Ultra brushes are perfect for painting furniture edges with accuracy and control. The Precision Point brushes feature finely tapered bristles for smooth application on intricate or narrow surfaces, while the Silk Touch Ultra brushes offer superior paint pick-up and an ultra-smooth finish, making them ideal for detailed furniture work.
How do I achieve a smooth finish when sanding?
To achieve a smooth finish, start with a coarser grit sandpaper or sanding block to remove imperfections, then progressively work your way through finer grits to refine the surface. Our fine-grit Axus sanding blocks are perfect for creating a flawless, professional finish. Before painting, use Axus Tac Cloths to remove any surface dust left from sanding. This step ensures a clean surface, allowing paint or finish to adhere better and resulting in a high-quality, smooth finish.
How can I create sharp, clean lines when painting?
Apply Axus Razor tape along the edges where you need clean lines. Press down firmly to ensure a tight seal, then remove the tape while the paint is still slightly wet to prevent peeling or tearing.
How can I prevent paint from going down the sink and into waterways?
To prevent paint from contaminating waterways and going down your sink, use an Axus Flex-e-Liner in your paint tray. Once you’ve finished painting, allow the leftover paint in the liner to dry completely. Once dry, you can easily crack out the paint and dispose of it responsibly. This simple step helps to protect the environment while keeping your sink clean and free from paint residue.