Hello!
I’m in the middle of doing prep work for decorating the hallway of my new flat (Victorian conversion). I’ve been filling loads of holes in the walls where book shelves used to be and it suddenly occurred to me to test for lead. I didn’t really think there would be lead on the wall paint as opposed to woodwork, it was more an abundance of caution given it’s a Victorian property. Lo and behold the swab came up pink. I then used a different brand and that swab was clear, but the wall itself had a red mark where I’d done the test. I know these tests aren’t the most reliable (hence trying a few) but am erring on the side of caution now.
I don’t know what to do though, as there is filler everywhere on the wall (I was quite liberal applying it, thinking I’d sand it after). I don’t want to sand it off now just in case the tests are accurate and there is lead in the paint. Can I wet sand the filler or will something like kling strip work (or will I just be back to square one with holes in the walls! 😭). Was then thinking maybe I should wallpaper, but I really can’t afford a decorator (hence doing it myself!) and the ceilings are v high so I wouldn’t feel able to wallpaper myself - painting it was already out of my comfort zone! Any advice gratefully received as I am stumped as to what to do! Thanks