Lead paint in older homes: what to know
Most Australian homes built before 1970 were painted with paints that contain lead. It is often under newer coats. Lead dust is toxic, most of all for children and pregnant women. It is safe while intact. The risk starts when you sand, scrape or blast it.
Does my home have lead paint?
Assume an older home may have lead paint until a test shows it does not. A painter can test the paint, or you can buy a test kit from a paint or hardware store. A lab test of paint flakes gives the most certain answer.
How painters work safely with lead
- No dry sanding, dry scraping or sandblasting of lead paint: these spread dust.
- Wet scraping and wet sanding, with drop sheets under the work area.
- Collecting and bagging the paint waste, and cleaning up with a HEPA vacuum.
- Keeping children, pregnant women and pets away until the area is clean.
Choosing a painter for an older home
Tell every painter when your home was built and ask how they deal with lead paint. A good quote says how the old paint is removed and how the site is cleaned up.
Questions about lead paint
Which Australian homes have lead paint?
Most homes built before 1970 were painted with lead paint. It can sit under newer coats.
Can I sand lead paint myself?
Never dry sand or sandblast it. Wet methods with careful clean-up are safer, and a trained painter is the best choice.
Checked in October 2026.
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