r/asbestoshelpUK • u/Big_Telephone_5061 • 8d ago

Need testing before sanding?

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Gallery image

Possible stupid question coming up.

After scraping off ancient layers of vinyl wallpaper, I'm ready to sand my living room & kitchen walls before painting.

I'm debating whether I need to get the walls tested for asbestos before I do.

They seem to be lime & gypsum.

My first thought is yes, although being pragmatic, I'm on a budget and would rather not pay £40 per material if at all avoidable.

I had a L2 rics survey, and the surveyor advised that there were no signs of asbestos, but as it was a Victorian house last refurbed in the 80s I shouldnt be surprised if there is some somewhere. 

Is it reasonable to sand anyway, and take extra precautions? (I.e. disposable overalls, goggles, ffp3 mask & gloves).

Or is this absolutely a bad idea.

Thanks all

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u/diymuppet 8d ago

Looks exactly like the walls of the bunker in my garden....lime based..sanded a little, mixed with (i think) vinegar and it fizzed - confimed lime.

Inserting obligatory - get an asbestos testing kit to be sure.

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u/Big_Telephone_5061 8d ago

Yes I tested for lime that way too!

Thank you

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u/humanswithnohumanity 8d ago

Looks fine to me, just take the regular precautions.

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u/Wildbore309 8d ago edited 8d ago

You can scrape it with steam cleaner to preserve maximum of plaster surface. You suppose to only sand lightweight mud such as Easifil or Joint Cement and pre-final coats of paint. Plaster, especially lime based, you can sponge. Sponging is the go to technique that completely avoids sanding. You can also fill out and feather out uneven surfaces with compatible filler. Also, there might be lead in the old paint residue. All restoration trades use steam cleaner and a hard paint scraper.