The Art of Preservation
The Art of Childhood Living
"This isn't just timber and paint — it's where your children will build their first friendships and create the kind of magical memories that stay with them forever."
You've just invested in a gorgeous cubby house for your little ones. It's going to be the backdrop for a thousand imaginary adventures, tea parties, and secret club meetings. Every scraped knee, every whispered secret — these moments deserve a backdrop that lasts.
Chapter One
The Factory Finish
isn't permanent
Here's something a lot of people don't realise: when your Hide & Seek Kids cubby arrives, it comes with a temporary water-based stain. This stain is designed to protect the timber during storage and transport — basically, it's there to keep your cubby looking good on the journey from our workshop to your backyard.
But — and this is important — it's NOT a permanent finish.
Think of it like the protective film on a new phone screen. It does a job temporarily, but you wouldn't rely on it forever, right? Same deal here.
Your cubby needs proper paint to stand up to the Australian sun, rain, and everything in between.
And here's the thing — you can't half-heart it. A quick once-over won't cut it. Every single surface needs to be covered. The backs of panels. The undersides. The bits you can't see. The bits you think don't matter. They all matter. Paint it like you mean it, because the timber doesn't know which side is facing the sun — it all needs protection.
Without Proper Protection
01
UV Damage
The sun will fade and break down the timber
02
Water Damage
Rain and moisture will seep in, causing warping and rot
03
Tannin Bleed
Ugly brown stains that leach through unprepared timber
04
Shorter Lifespan
Years lost to neglect — and nobody wants that
Chapter Two
The Two-Step System
that actually works
We're big fans of Dulux for a reason — their products are designed specifically for Australian conditions. Here's the system we recommend:
Step One — THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP
Prime It
This is the step that makes or breaks your cubby. Two thick, generous coats of Dulux 1 Step Prep on every single surface. Don't be stingy — really lay it on. This water-based primer is your cubby's armour: mould resistance, stain blocking, tannin blocking, flash rust prevention, and superior adhesion. Skip this or do it half-heartedly? Everything else falls apart. Do it properly? You've just added years to your cubby's life.
Step Two
Protect & Colour
Two coats of Dulux Weathershield — again, everywhere. Weather protection, UV resistance, any colour you want, and a durable finish that stands up to years of play. This is the fun part, but it only works if Step 1 was done right.
The Evidence
The Proof is in the Paint
Three Years
Properly painted and maintained — still looking absolutely gorgeous!
Nine Years
On a cattle farm in North Queensland. Yes, really. Those iconic arched windows are still going strong.
These cubbies have been through everything — sun, rain, dust, and years of play — but they've been painted properly and maintained regularly. That's the difference.
More Than Just a Cubby
Where Memories Live
Think about it — in that little wooden house, your children are learning to negotiate, to share, to dream. They're hosting teddy bear picnics and plotting grand adventures. They're learning independence in a safe space that's entirely their own. These are the memories they'll carry into adulthood, the stories they'll tell their own children someday.
That's worth protecting.
Chapter Three
Let's Talk About Mould
it's not as scary as you think
Here's something we get asked about a lot: mould. And honestly? It's completely natural. Regardless of timber type or treatment, mould will eventually find its way to outdoor timber products — it's just part of life outdoors.
The good news is that there are proven measures you can implement to slow mould growth and protect your investment. Knowledge is power here!
How Mould Develops
Mould needs four things to thrive:
01
Moisture
From rain, dew, or humidity
02
Oxygen
From the air (can't avoid this one!)
03
Host Material
Like timber or leaves
04
Humidity
Especially in damp, shaded areas
Mould spores travel through the air until they find suitable conditions. In damp, humid environments, they can rapidly flourish, resulting in dark spots on timber surfaces. The key is staying on top of it with regular maintenance — catch it early, clean it off, and keep that airflow moving.
The Annual Guide
Seasonal Maintenance
September – November
Spring
- Deep clean after winter
- Inspect paint for damage
- Check for mould growth
- Tighten all fasteners
December – February
Summer
- Monitor UV exposure
- Clean weekly during heavy use
- Check drainage areas
- Ensure ventilation
March – May
Autumn
- Remove fallen leaves
- Prepare for wet season
- Seal any gaps or cracks
- Plan repainting projects
June – August
Winter
- Check for water pooling
- Monitor for mould
- Cover fabric accessories
- Order spring supplies
The Final Word
Built to Last
with a little love
We build our cubbies to last, but like anything outdoors, they need a little love to stay looking their best. Most cases where a cubby hasn't held up come down to one thing — it was left sitting in the backyard with zero maintenance for years.
Years from now, your kids won't remember what colour the walls were painted. But they'll remember the feeling of having their own special place. The secret passwords. The club rules written in crayon. The quiet moments reading books in their own little world.
They'll remember the magic — and that magic lives in a cubby that's been loved and looked after.
"Your kids are going to LOVE their cubby. Let's make sure it stays loveable for as long as possible — through every tea party, every adventure, every precious memory."