The Gordon resident, 40, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with assault after a verbal dispute in the kitchen of their home turned physical.

The defendant allegedly approached the woman after throwing the mixture and began to rub it into her hair and face before striking her in the face several times, according to court documents.

Moving to the bathroom, the defendant continued to strike the woman and said "I'll finish you, that's not a threat it's a promise", the documents said.

The woman attempted to call triple-zero but dropped her phone. Police arrived about 8.50pm, with the woman telling them the defendant had punched and kicked her a number of times. She said she had pushed the defendant while in the bathroom to try and stop him hitting her, and believed the defendant meant the threat and would kill her, documents said.

Police observed small cuts on the woman's left hand and slight bruising to her right cheek, with several images tended in court.

Prosecutor David Swann opposed bail, saying the defendant posed a risk of harm to his partner and may also interfere with evidence and try to persuade her not to pursue charges.

Mr Swan told the court the woman also feared the defendant may take their young son and leave the ACT.

Magistrate Robert Cook said the evidence suggested the defendant had engaged in "unacceptable conduct", but noted there was a presumption in favour of bail. No pleas were entered.

The defendant was granted bail on conditions including that he reside as directed by Corrective Services and not approach within 100 metres of the Gordon property. The matter returns to court on February 16.