determining if there is lead in paint - how to?? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Zeebo · 02-17-2008, 10:33 AM

I am now living in an area where many of the homes are 50-100 years of age. Customers are requiring repaints of baseboards, walls, ceilings, etc.

Most of these homes have been repainted with latex or oil 10-20 years ago. So if there is lead, it has been covered up with paint. However, I am still somewhat anxious about potential health problems. It is my understanding (whether this is correct or not) that I am ok if I don't sand it.

Should I be concerned about lead in paint??
More specifically, is there a "do it yourself" test that I can do (without the need to call in the lead experts) to determine if there is lead in paint??
How do I protect myself....simple respirator with filter??

Thanks

Zeebo

neolitic · 02-17-2008, 10:38 AM

Lead was banned in 1978.
Before that...
be surprised if it doesn't
have lead in it.

Lead tastes sweet,
if you want to try the
"Pepsi Challenge" method.

**ProWallGuy** · 02-17-2008, 10:38 AM

You can use one of these to check for exposed lead.

Forry · 02-17-2008, 10:38 AM

Yes, yes, and yes.

Be concerned about lead in paint for more than one reason... Your health, your clients health, your everything. You can go to prison. Don't remember the source, but prison is definitaley sp? an option.

A lead test kit is available at most hardware stores.

A dust mask is ok, but there's better systems.

neolitic · 02-17-2008, 10:43 AM

Remember, the test kit is testing
the surface not what's under
the latest coat of latex.
When it comes to wood work,
stripping is better than sanding,
as far as containment goes.

ibsocal · 02-17-2008, 11:23 AM

yes it was banned from production in 78 but whatever stock was left over it was used up after 78.if u have to prep below the safe top coat try make as little / no dust you can use tyvec suit head to toe respirater with hepa filters and cover nearby areas with visqueen,if u have to make a lot of dust use a vent system with hepa filters and enclose work area.post signs secure area.but who really does all this = expensive for home owners.

Frankawitz · 02-17-2008, 11:57 AM

Well heres the thing, The EPA Law states "That if your going to remove any surface bigger then a 2'x2' area and the house was built before 1989 you have to tell home owner that there could be lead base paint under the surface paint" as long as you don't sand it I would not worry about it, the problem comes when you sand it and turn it to airborn dust that you can breathe in. If you don't sand it your good to go.

Zeebo · 02-17-2008, 08:01 PM

Guys Thanks For All Feedback And Suggestions...i Knew I Could A Lot Of Info From Your Expertise. I Definitely Learned Something.

Zeebo

plazaman · 02-17-2008, 10:09 PM

epa should have a list of approved coatings to encapsulate the paint.

Zeebo · 02-18-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolitic

Remember, the test kit is testing
the surface not what's under
the latest coat of latex.
When it comes to wood work,
stripping is better than sanding,
as far as containment goes.

Ok good info. But what about sanding the top coat??? Let's say that the lead paint has had a number of top coats, either latex or oil, over the the years. Is it safe to just do a light sanding of the top coat (the latex / oil) to establish a grab surface for a new coat of latex?? If I sand the top surface (which results in minor dust) will I be inadvertantly releasing lead from the original surface??? I don't think so, but your comments are very welcomed.

Thanks again.

Zeebo

neolitic · 02-18-2008, 09:57 AM

One could lightly sand some trial
patches and test.
Or TSP then Cover Stain.
And I'd like to hear what experience
the pro's have had with chemical
"sanding" agents? This might be
a good place to use one, if they're any good.

Zeebo · 02-18-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolitic

One could lightly sand some trial
patches and test.
Or TSP then Cover Stain.
And I'd like to hear what experience
the pro's have had with chemical
"sanding" agents? This might be
a good place to use one, if they're any good.

Thanks for the suggestions Neo