r/HomeDecoratingUK

Hello Leeds DIY hive mind!

Living in a Leeds and recently bought a terrace house built 1903. I want to knock all this paint off in the basement as it’s flaking away quite badly and looks like maybe moist underneath. My idea is to knock it all off and perhaps repaint in breathable masonry paint or leave the bricks to breathe.

Is it possible there is lead in this paint and does anyone know what the paint type is likely to be just from images?

Or any tips for how I should work with it or leave it to help with damp, breathabilty, brick salts and all the usual concerns in these old Victorian properties.

Pictures attached so you can see what I’m working with.

Thanks!!
George

I’ve been going back and forth on flooring and could really use some opinions before I make an expensive mistake.

I really like the look of chevron parquet (attached a couple of reference photos of the style I mean), especially the lighter oak finishes. It looks amazing in showrooms and online, but I’m not sure how well it translates into a normal home long term.

Part of me loves how “clean” and put together it looks, but another part of me is worried it might feel a bit too polished or even dated after a while compared to simpler straight boards.

I did visit Hoff Parquet in Morningside to see some options in person, and it definitely looks even better up closely, which didn’t help my indecision at all.

For anyone who has gone with chevron (or considered it):

Does it still feel nice to live with day-to-day?

Does it make rooms feel smaller/busier?

Would you choose it again or go simpler?

Would really appreciate honest opinions before I commit.

Looking for some advice on how to prepare the wall for painting after wall paper removal. I plan on mist coating the bare plaster and filling cracks/gaps etc.

Question is how much to remove what looks like old paint from the wall. In some areas it comes off quite easily but others it’s absolutely fixed on and barely protrudes from the surface. How far would you go getting the wall completely back to bare plaster?

TIA