Meet Bree Banfield, formerly known as Bree Leech [The Maestro of Colour & Interiors]
1 April 2026
Rope Access vs Scaffolding for Painting Work [Real-World Guide for Australian Projects]
20 April 2026
Live in a House with Lead Paint?
If you're one of the many people living in an older home in Sydney, there's a pretty good chance you've got some paint history to contend with. In Australia, until the late 1970s lead based paint was the go to choice for homes, and many gorgeous heritage homes in suburbs like Parramatta, Ashfield, and Marrickville still have it lurking under the newer coats.
So the big question is a pretty simple one : is it safe to live in a house that's got lead paint in it ?
The straight answer isn't simple - it's a depends. And if you're looking at doing some renovations or painting, having a clear head about all this is going to make a big difference to your well being & safety - or lack of it.
What is Lead Paint & Why Was it a Favourite ?
Lead paint used to be a real winner because it was tough, didn't let the water in & gave a super smooth finish - and back then, that made it a premium choice for painting both the inside & outside of a house.
But as time went on, the problems with your health became clear. That's whey Australia changed the rules on lead in paint & these days safe handling is pretty much guided by some strict standards from Safe Work Australia & NSW Health.
Is it really that Safe to Live with Lead Paint?
Here's the thing most homeowners tend to overlook
Just because a house has lead paint on the walls it's not automatically a health risk - so long as it's not chipped or damaged in any other way.
If the paint is:
- still in good condition
- not exposed to all the wear and tear like it would be on doors and windows
- no peeling, flaking or crumbling
When Lead Paint Goes From Being a Nonissue to a Serious Problem
The real problem with lead paint is what happens when it starts to turn into dust or tiny chips. And that's often the case during things like:
Renovation work which goes on long enough to strip the paint away
When building materials are getting worn away (think years of weather beating down on the place)
When you start sanding or scraping the old paint to give the place a repaint
Even just opening and closing old windows a lot can cause it to start breaking down.
It's this dust that can be inhaled or swallowed - especially by kids who are always putting their hands in their mouths and touching whatever's around.
Why is this such a big deal?
Lead is just toxic, plain and simple. Once it gets inside your body it can build up over time and start causing problems in all sorts of areas - including the brain development of young children, the nervous system, your kidneys and other vital organs.
Even small amounts can have a big impact and cause long term health issues.
Which Group is Most at Risk?
Some people are more vulnerable to the dangers of lead paint than others:
- Young kids - they're always putting their hands in their mouths and touching things
- Pregnant women - their unborn child is completely dependent on them
- Pets - who are also very likely to be eating the dust off the floor or chewing on bits of old paint
- People who are doing DIY renovations on old houses - because they tend to be the ones that are going to be doing the actual sanding and or scraping.
I was on a project in Western Sydney for example, where some homeowner had sanded their old window frames without taking the proper precautions. It seemed alright at first, but before long the place was covered in dust and we had to be called in to deal with the mess.
Safe Ways to Tackle Lead Paint
If your house has lead paint, you've got a few options to consider
Leave it alone - if the paint is still in good condition
Encapsulation - give it a fresh coat
Enclosure - cover it up
Removal - be very cautious
What About Renovations and Older Sydney Homes?
Sydney has a lot of character homes. Think:
- Federation houses
- Weatherboard cottages
- Older brick homes with timber trims
These often have multiple layers of paint history.
During renovations, disturbing these layers can release lead dust quickly.
That’s why before any renovation, it’s worth asking: "Has this surface ever been tested for lead?"
Tips for Homeowners
- Avoid sanding old paint unless you’re sure it’s lead-free
- Keep painted surfaces clean and dust-free
- Repair peeling paint quickly
- Use wet sanding instead of dry sanding
- Always use professionals for large areas
FAQs about live in a home with lead based paint
Final Thoughts
Living in a house with old lead paint isn't a disaster waiting to happen... until you start messing with it that is. It all comes down to how that paint is taken care of.
If it's lasted the test of time and hasn't been touched, then you're probably okay. But as soon as you start getting out the sandpaper, scraper or renovation gear - that's a whole different story.
What we've seen time & time again in Sydney is that the best way to avoid problems is to get in front of them from the start:
- Spot the risks early on
- Do it the right way, not some makeshift fix
- Work with people who know their stuff
At Painters Link, we do things the responsible way. Every project we take on is all about getting the job done safely, doing it by the book and making sure you get a great result. Whether you just need a pick-me-up with a fresh coat of paint or a full blown renovation, we'll keep your space safe & looking good while you're at it.
If you're planning a repaint or renovation and you want to feel confident that everything is going to turn out alright, then make sure you talk to a team that knows painting inside & out - and can spot the potential pitfalls that come with older paint jobs.
