There was a time when lead paints were the most commonly used paints for homes and buildings. In the late 70s, use of lead paint was stopped due to the hazardous effects of lead on the health of adults, children and pets. The lead paint can enter our body by breathing in its dust or by swallowing lead chips through food and water. As a result, the levels of lead in the blood can increase significantly and cause lead poisoning.
Preparation
Before undertaking the paint removal task, it is better if you can shift all your furniture and furnishings like curtains and carpets. If removing them is not possible, cover them well with large pieces of plastic sheet. Cover the floor as well and seal it up with the help of tapes. You should secure the site in a manner such that the lead flakes and dust do not fall on the furniture. If the paint removal is to be done on the outer walls of your house, cover the garden and lawn properly with plastics and do not undertake the work of paint removal if there is too much wind. Children and pregnant women should be kept away from the paint removal site. For your protection, wear safety gears like disposable overalls, gloves, safety goggles, and shoe covers. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working on lead paint removal.
Procedure
The first step is to take all possible measures to prevent the formation of lead dust and fumes. Therefore, the safest method of lead paint removal is with the help of chemical strippers as they do not cause dust or fumes. Use the paste variety of chemical strippers as they stick well to the molding and other uneven surfaces. The stripper should be applied with the help of a brush, but make sure you do not brush the surface too much as it can evaporate the essential components of the stripper and render it ineffective. Allow the strippers to settle, and you will find that the paint has softened, which will result in formation of bubbles. Then start removing the layers of paint using a broad putty knife. To remove paint from the molding, use brushes that have bristles made of brass.
After having completed the first round of removal, if you find that certain parts still have layers of lead left behind, use some alkaline stripper to get rid of these layers of paint. Alkaline strippers are also available in the form of paste and are water-based. They do not produce any fumes and will ensure protection of your hands and eyes. Apply an alkaline stripper with brush and then keep it untouched for full 24 hours. Cover the surface with freezer paper and press the paper well over the surface to ensure that maximum possible air is eliminated. The next day, remove the paint layers along with the freezer paper with the help of narrow putty knife. Then wash off thoroughly with sponge and water and you can see that all the paint and stripper are gone. Finally, cleaning the surfaces from which you have removed lead paint, as well as the surrounding area, using mild detergent and water is a must after paint removal.
As the final phase of lead paint removal, pack up all wastes and debris in plastic bags and seal them up and throw them into the dustbin. Remember, you should not burn these as the fumes that will be released, are toxic in nature. All the clothing and overalls that were used during the process should be separately and thoroughly washed using detergents.
