Learn · Guide
lead paint in older Sydney homes.
If your home was built before 1970, the paint under the paint may contain lead. It’s perfectly safe when left alone and sealed. It is the dust from sanding that causes the trouble.
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the short answer.
- Homes built before 1970 may contain lead-based paint.
- Intact, sealed paint is low risk. Sanding dust and flakes are the danger.
- Never dry sand, scrape or heat old paint without testing first.
- If we suspect lead, we arrange testing before any sanding begins.
what is the risk?
Lead was used in house paint for many years, and older homes often have layers of it under newer coats. Lead is harmful when swallowed or breathed in as dust, and children and pregnant women are most at risk.
Paint that’s in good condition and sealed under new coats is not an immediate danger. Disturbing it is the problem.
how to spot paint that may contain lead.
- Your home was built before 1970, or was last painted long ago.
- Many layers of old paint, especially on trims, windows, doors, eaves and weatherboards.
- Paint that is cracked in a scaly pattern, flaking or chalking.
- Old glossy paint on timber windows and doors.
You can’t tell by looking. The only way to know is to test.
testing for lead.
Test kits from hardware stores give a quick indication. A laboratory test gives a firm answer. If we suspect lead, we arrange testing before any sanding or scraping and explain the safest way forward for your home.
what not to do.
Dry sanding
It turns old paint into fine, toxic dust that spreads through the house.
Heat guns and burning off
Heat can release lead fumes.
Pressure washing old paint
It sprays flakes and dust into soil and gardens.
Sweeping or normal vacuuming
Regular vacuums can blow fine dust back into the air.
what safe painting looks like.
- Test the paint before any preparation.
- Keep children, pregnant women and pets out of the work area.
- Use wet methods that keep dust down instead of dry sanding.
- Contain the work area and protect floors and garden beds.
- Clean up with proper equipment, not a household broom or vacuum.
- Where possible, seal and paint over sound paint instead of removing it.
The NSW Government and the City of Sydney both publish free advice for people painting older homes, and it’s well worth reading. Links are at the bottom of this page.
older home?
We paint a lot of period and older homes. Our approach is to test before we sand and to walk you through the safest option. See period home painting.
common questions.
Does every older home have lead paint?
No, but many homes built before 1970 do, often in older layers under newer paint. Testing is the only way to know.
Is it safe to live in a house with lead paint?
Generally yes, if the paint is intact and sealed. The risk comes from flaking paint and dust created by sanding or scraping.
Can I sand my own walls?
Not if your home was built before 1970 and the paint has not been tested. Please leave preparation to a painter who tests first.
How much does lead testing cost?
Test kits are inexpensive and give a quick indication. Laboratory testing costs more. We can arrange it and explain the options.
Do you remove lead paint?
Where possible we seal and paint over sound paint, which is often the safest option. If removal is needed, we explain the right approach and any specialist help required.
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