Dealing With Problem Surfaces

Polystyrene Ceiling Tiles

As a potential fire hazard (with the added danger of releasing poisonous fumes when burning), these tiles should be removed if at all possible. They will probably be stuck on with five blobs of adhesive, and whilst the tiles can usually be prised off with a broad scraper, the adhesive is more difficult to remove. If you can't scrape it off, try, in this order:

• soaking with warm water
• wallpaper stripper
• paint stripper
• soaking with a solution of half a cup of household ammonia and a squirt of washing-up liquid added to a bucket of cold water.

Because you'll be working above your head, protect your face and eyes from splashes. As an absolute last resort you could paint the tiles. Use emulsion - never an oil-based paint, as this would increase the risk of fire.

Distemper

This is an old form of paint, made up of powdered chalk mixed with glue and water, and is most likely to be found in old houses. It can't be painted over, and washing it off, though theoretically possible, creates a seemingly endless sludge. Brush off as much loose material as you can and then seal the surface with a stabilising solution.

Lead

Lead was used in the manufacture of some primers and woodwork paints until the 1960s. It is potentially dangerous when you disturb it by scraping, sanding, or stripping. To be on the safe side:

• Use wet-and-dry paper with water to rub down paintwork, so that you don't create dust.
• Use a chemical stripper if it's necessary to remove the paint - heat stripping can release toxic fumes.
• Collect all the paint debris, wet-and-dry paper, soiled newspaper, and so on, and seal them in a plastic bag before putting in the dustbin.
• Wash exposed skin and hair.

Lead paint test kits are available from hardware and DIY shops.