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|  | | | Lead alert facts: lead in house paint
Before 1970, paints containing high levels of lead were used in many Australian houses. Exposure to lead is a health hazard. Even small amounts of dust or chips of paint containing lead, generated during minor home repairs, can be a health risk.Anyone painting a house or doing maintenance that could disturb paint containing lead should avoid exposing themselves and their families, neighbours or pets to its hazards.The recommended amount of lead in domestic paint has declined from 50% before 1965, to 1% in 1965. In 1992, it was reduced to 0.25%, and in 1997 it was further reduced to 0.1%. |
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| The dangers of lead in house paints
Lead in house paint is a problem only if it is damaged or disturbed. Paint in good condition that is not flaking or chalking, or is covered by well maintained lead free paint is not a hazard in itself.Lead can also be a hazard when it is on surfaces subject to friction or impact such as windows and doors, or on railings where children can chew it. High concentrations of lead found in garden soils in older residential areas can be due to residue from lead-based paint. Lead-based paint is most likely to be found on window frames, doors, skirting boards, kitchen and bathroom cupboards, exterior walls, gutters, metal surfaces and fascias. It can also be found on interior walls, ceilings and areas with enamel paint. Pink and red primer both contain lead, so you should think twice before disturbing any surface which has had any of these paints applied.
People renovating their houses are in the most danger
Home renovators can create lead hazards without realising it. If old paint is not handled properly, lead dust and paint chips can remain in the home or on the garden years after the work is completed. Paint removal by blasting, burning, dry scraping, dry sanding and using power tools creates the most serious dangers because the particles are small enough to be inhaled or deposited in furnishings or carpet, making complete removal extremely difficult. |
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| | | What you can do if you are concerned
The simplest way to see if those at risk in your family have been affected by lead in paint containing lead is to have a blood lead test through your family doctor. Even if the blood test shows that your child does not have an elevated blood-lead level, a paint hazard could still exist if deteriorating paint is present. You will also need to reassess the situation as children grow. Young babies have less hand to mouth activity than toddlers, who might place dust covered toys or soil containing lead in their mouths. Children who can walk might rub their hands along the walls, collect the dust from the chalking paint and later put their hands in their mouths. Other people's children might be put at risk when they visit and pets might be in danger of lead poisoning from eating paint chips or dust. The only way to be certain that your paint does not contain lead is to have it tested. For information about testing for paint containing lead, see our free booklet Lead Alert — The Six Step Guide to Painting Your Home.
Avoid lead exposure
When renovating or doing maintenance that could disturb old paint, care must be taken to avoid exposing yourself, your family, your neighbours or your pets to lead residues. An experienced home handy man or woman can repaint a house containing lead if he or she takes the recommended precautions. These are outlined in our free booklet Lead Alert — The Six Step Guide to Painting Your Home |
| Domestic Painting & Decorating Your Family Home.... |
| | | | Paint not only decorates a surface, it also protects it. Paint can be used on the interior or exterior of the home and the wide range of paints and paint finishes That are available today means that you are only limited by your imagination. It is the cheapest way of redecorating, so if you’re after a new look without a lot of outlay then getting your home painted may be the way to go.There are some basics to consider when repainting, however. What is the function of the room/s that will be repainted? What direction does the room face? How big is it? What mood do you want to create? The basic rule is that light colours make a room feel larger and dark colours will make a room feel smaller. When choosing a colour scheme, it is best to stick to one of the following types: monochromatic – different shades of the same colour; harmonious – where similar colours are used; and contrasting – where two or more very different colours are used i.e. black and white. |
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| Painting & Decorating Types Of Paint... |
| There are many different types of paint, and what you use will depend on the area to be painted and the kind of conditions that it has to endure. Outdoor areas will need to be painted with a special exterior paint that will be able to handle the harsher conditions. Most exterior paints come with UV protection. Interior paints need to suit their purpose. Bathrooms and other wet areas will require a more resistant paint that can stand up to moisture such as a semi gloss or gloss while living areas can get by with a flat surface. If you have kids or need a paint that is more durable, a wash and wear paint may be a good option. When it comes to the interior of the home, there is a vast range of paint and paint effects available including metallic, pastel, suede, pearl, colour washing, marbling, rag rolling, ragging, sponging dragging, crackling, stencilling, stainless steel, lime washes and rusted iron, among others. There is even blackboard paint available – great for the kitchen or study areas! With such a wide variety of choice, consulting a professional will help you to choose the right look for your home. Many painting companies will offer a colour consultancy service, or you may choose the services of an interior decorator or designer. |
| What Painters Do... |
| | | | | Painters are responsible for the following: | | | protecting areas from paint by laying drop sheets
erecting scaffolding necessary to complete job
preparation of surfaces – includes filling holes, sanding, repairing woodwork, removing old paint or wallpaper, sealing surfaces
selecting and preparing paint
using brushes, rollers or spray guns to apply the paint to the surface
clean equipment, work areas and any splatters that may have resulted while painting
safe removal of lead based paint | |
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| Painters may also apply waterproofing systems to wet areas such as the bathroom and the laundry. They can also install wallpaper, as stated above. |
| | | Selecting A Professional... | | | When selecting your professional, there are a few steps to adhere to. Firstly, tell the painter what you require in terms of colour scheme, area to be painted, timeframe etc. Get a quote for the project, ensuring that it is as thorough as possible in terms of the brand of paint, the amount of paint required and labour costs. The quote should also ideally include how long the project is expected to take, when progress payments should be paid, and provide for the protection of surroundings and cleanup. Working out all these things before commencing the project will save any potential problems later. | | |
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