If your property has lead paint, one mitigation option you might be considering is painting over it. It sounds easy, but is it too good to be true? How safe and effective is this technique? The good news is that painting over lead paint can be a safe, effective, and affordable management method, but the key is doing it properly.
Taking improper shortcuts while painting over lead paint can introduce serious long-term and short-term safety hazards. This guide will walk you through the correct process.
At Atlas Labs, Inc., we provide accurate and fast lead testing services, so we frequently work with homeowners who are weighing the pros and cons of lead paint encapsulation. Our goal is to make sure these homeowners do it the right way, so they get a safe and reliable lead management solution for the long term.
Can You Paint Over Lead Paint?
Yes. The process of painting over lead paint is a method formally recommended by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is known as “encapsulation.”
However, this is not a job for a leftover can of paint and a free afternoon. This is a potentially dangerous job that requires careful planning.
Lead Paint Encapsulation: How to Do It Safely
Encapsulation requires a specific process and specialized materials to be successful. Dealing with lead paint carries significant risks, and the difference between doing it the right way and the wrong way is critical for ensuring long-term safety.
Step 1: Confirm the Presence of Lead with Professional Testing.
Before you begin, you must verify that the surface contains lead-based paint. A professional assessment is the only way to be certain. This critical first step ensures you are taking the proper precautions for the right reason.
As a dedicated environmental testing firm, Atlas Labs, Inc. specializes in fast and accurate lead testing in Oregon and Washington. We provide certified results that empower you to make informed decisions about your property.
Step 2: Select the Right Paint and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
You cannot use standard wall paint. You must purchase a product specifically designed as a “lead encapsulating paint” or “encapsulant.”
For your safety, you will also need the necessary PPE: a NIOSH-approved respirator (N95 or P100), disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection. Don’t even attempt the job without those items.
Step 3: Contain and Ventilate the Area.
Seal off the work area from the rest of the property using plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. Turn off your HVAC system to prevent any potential dust from circulating. If possible, ventilate the immediate work area by opening a window to the outside.
Step 4: Clean the Surface Gently.
The surface must be cleaned of dirt and oils before painting. Use a damp cloth with a gentle cleaning agent. It is absolutely essential that you do not disturb the paint film.
Step 5: Apply the Lead Encapsulating Paint.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, apply the encapsulant to the prepared surface. These products are often thicker than standard paints and require careful application to achieve the recommended thickness.
Step 6: Let the Lead Encapsulating Paint Dry.
Allow the encapsulant to dry and cure completely for the time specified by the manufacturer. Do not rush this step, as it is critical for forming a durable, protective barrier.
Step 7: Paint Over the Encapsulant with a Topcoat.
Once the encapsulant is fully cured, you can apply a high-quality latex or oil-based paint. This serves as a final layer of protection and provides your desired color and finish.
Important Safety Reminders When You Paint Over Lead Paint
Here are a few more important reminders before you get started:
- Treat surfaces with lead paint delicately. The single most important rule is not to scrape or sand lead paint. These actions create large amounts of friable lead dust, which is the primary source of lead poisoning.
- Avoid spreading dust from the contained area. When you are finished, carefully roll up all plastic sheeting and dispose of your PPE within the contained area to prevent cross-contamination.
- If you are not confident, call a specialist. This guide is for informational purposes. If the paint is already peeling or chipping, or if you are not comfortable performing this work yourself, contact a certified lead abatement professional to handle the encapsulation for you.
We’ll Handle the Lead Testing, So Your Lead Paint Encapsulation Project Gets Off to the Right Start
Painting over lead-based paint is an effective strategy for lead mitigation, but as we hope this guide illustrates, it must be completed safely and properly. The safety and long-term success of your project depend entirely on this.
Our mission at Atlas Labs, Inc. is to ensure your project is built on a foundation of safety and accuracy. That means reliable testing. Before you buy a single roll of tape or lead encapsulating paint, it’s important to know the precise nature of the hazard you are dealing with.
Are you ready to take the first step with accurate and reliable testing? Contact Atlas Labs, Inc. today. As the trusted testing company in the Portland area, we provide the results you need to proceed with confidence.