Lead-based paint can pose serious health risks, especially in homes built before 1978. In this guide, you’ll learn what lead-based paint is and why it’s dangerous, how to determine whether your home contains it, whether you can legally remove it yourself, and the essential safety precautions you must take before starting any work.
We’ll also walk through the tools and materials needed, explain different removal methods such as encapsulation, wet scraping, sanding, and chemical stripping, and cover proper cleanup and disposal procedures. Finally, we’ll help you decide when it’s safer and smarter to hire a certified lead paint removal professional.
What is lead-based paint and why is it dangerous?
Lead-based paint is paint that contains significant amounts of lead, a toxic heavy metal that was widely used in residential properties before 1978. It was popular because it increased durability, moisture resistance, and color longevity. However, once research confirmed the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, residential use of lead-based paint was banned in the United States in 1978 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead becomes dangerous when painted surfaces deteriorate—creating dust, chips, or flakes that can be inhaled or ingested. The EPA emphasizes that even small amounts of lead dust can cause significant health problems, especially in children and pregnant women.
How to know if your home has lead-based paint?
If your home was built before 1978, there is a significant chance it contains lead-based paint. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homes built before 1940 are especially likely to have high concentrations of lead paint, with decreasing use between 1940 and 1978. However, the only way to confirm its presence is through proper testing.
Call me for your estimate: 1(904) 217-9681 – Peter Hando professional painter in Saint Augustine
Check the age of your home
Start by verifying your home’s construction date through property records, tax documents, or building permits. The EPA estimates that:
- 87% of homes built before 1940 contain lead-based paint
- 69% of homes built between 1940–1959 contain lead-based paint
- 24% of homes built between 1960–1978 contain lead-based paint
Use an EPA-recognizedl ead test kit
DIY lead test kits are available at hardware stores and online. The EPA recognizes specific kits that meet federal performance standards. These kits typically involve swabbing the painted surface and checking for a color change that indicates the presence of lead.
While convenient, DIY kits may not always detect lower levels of lead or layered paint contamination.
Call me for your estimate: 1(904) 217-9681 – Peter Hando professional painter in Saint Augustine
Hire a certified lead inspector or risk assessor
For the most accurate results, the EPA recommends hiring a certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor. These professionals use specialized equipment, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, to detect lead without damaging surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises professional testing particularly if children under six live in the home, as they are most vulnerable to lead exposure.
Watch for warning signs
While visual inspection cannot confirm lead content, certain conditions increase risk:
- Cracking, peeling, or chipping paint
- Friction surfaces (windows, doors) creating dust
- Renovation projects disturbing old paint
- Lead-contaminated soil around the foundation
If any of these are present in an older home, testing should be done before scraping, sanding, or demolishing painted surfaces.
Is it legal to remove lead-based paint yourself?
Whether you can legally remove lead-based paint yourself depends on who is performing the work and where the property is located. Federal law allows homeowners to perform lead paint removal in their own single-family residences. However, landlords, property managers, and contractors must follow strict federal regulations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, which requires contractors working in homes built before 1978 to be certified and follow lead-safe work practices.
According to the EPA:
- Firms must be EPA-certified.
- Renovators must be trained and certified.
- Lead-safe work practices must be used to prevent contamination.
- Proper documentation must be maintained.
What about DIY homeowners?
If you own and live in your home, federal law does not prohibit you from removing lead-based paint yourself. However:
- You must still comply with state and local regulations.
- You are responsible for proper containment and disposal.
- You may face liability if contamination spreads to neighboring properties.
Even when legal, DIY removal carries significant health risks if not performed correctly.
Call me for your estimate: 1(904) 217-9681 – Peter Hando professional painter in Saint Augustine
Safety precautions before removing lead-based paint
Before attempting to remove lead-based paint, proper safety preparation is absolutely critical. Disturbing old paint without containment can release microscopic lead dust into the air, which can remain in your home for years. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), unsafe renovation practices are one of the leading causes of lead contamination in residential properties.
Isolate the work area
Containment is the first and most important step.
- Remove furniture, rugs, curtains, and personal belongings.
- Seal doorways, vents, and HVAC openings with 6-mil plastic sheeting.
- Cover floors with heavy plastic sheeting taped securely at the edges.
- Post warning signs to keep children and pets out of the area.
The goal is to prevent dust from spreading beyond the workspace.
Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
Lead dust is dangerous when inhaled or ingested. Proper PPE significantly reduces exposure risk.
You should wear:
- A NIOSH-approved respirator (N100 or P100 rating)
- Disposable coveralls
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Shoe covers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the importance of respiratory protection when working with lead-containing materials.
Avoid high-dust methods
The EPA strictly advises against:
- Dry sanding or dry scraping
- Using power sanders without HEPA filtration
- Open-flame burning or torching
- Heat guns above 1,100°F
These methods can vaporize or aerosolize lead particles, dramatically increasing contamination risk.
Use HEPA Filtration Equipment
Standard household vacuums are not designed to capture microscopic lead particles. Always use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter specifically rated for hazardous dust.
HEPA filtration is a core component of EPA lead-safe work practices.
Keep children and pregnant women away
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies children under six and pregnant women as the most vulnerable to lead exposure. During removal work, they should not be present in the home if possible.
Even small amounts of airborne lead dust can cause developmental harm.
Never eat, drink, or smoke in the work area
Lead dust can settle on hands, clothing, and food. Always:
- Wash hands thoroughly after leaving the work area
- Change clothing before entering other parts of the home
- Launder contaminated clothing separately
Call me for your estimate: 1(904) 217-9681 – Peter Hando professional painter in Saint Augustine
Tools and materials needed for lead paint removal
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Safety gear is non-negotiable when dealing with lead.
Required PPE:
- NIOSH-approved N100 or P100 respirator
- Disposable coveralls
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Protective goggles
- Disposable shoe covers
A properly fitted respirator is especially important, as microscopic lead particles are easily inhaled.
Containment materials
Preventing dust spread is one of the most important steps.
You will need:
- 6-mil plastic sheeting (for floors and doorways)
- Duct tape or painter’s tape
- Heavy-duty trash bags (contractor-grade)
- Warning signage
These materials help isolate the work area and protect other parts of the home.
Removal tools (Low-dust methods only)
The EPA strongly advises against high-dust removal methods. Instead, use:
- Hand scrapers
- Putty knives
- Wet sanding sponges
- Spray bottles filled with water (to keep surfaces damp)
- HEPA-filtered power sanders (if using mechanical tools)
Keeping surfaces damp during scraping significantly reduces airborne dust.
HEPA Vacuum
A standard household vacuum is not safe for lead dust. You must use a HEPA-certified vacuum designed to capture hazardous particles.
HEPA filtration is a core requirement in EPA lead-safe renovation practices.
Chemical paint strippers (If applicable)
If using chemical stripping methods, you’ll need:
- Lead-safe chemical paint stripper
- Disposable brushes
- Plastic scrapers
- Neutralizing solution (if required by the product)
Avoid products containing methylene chloride unless professionally trained, as they pose additional health risks.
Call me for your estimate: 1(904)217-9681 – Peter Hando professional painter in Saint Augustine
How to remove lead-based paint using encapsulation
Encapsulation is often the safest and least disruptive method when learning how to remove lead based paint — especially if the existing paint is in good condition. Instead of physically removing the lead paint, encapsulation seals it under a specially formulated coating that prevents lead dust from being released.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), encapsulation is an approved lead hazard control method when performed correctly. It is most effective when the underlying surface is stable and not peeling or deteriorating.
When encapsulation is appropriate
Encapsulation works best when:
- The paint is intact and not heavily chipping
- The surface is not exposed to friction (like windows and doors)
- There is no significant moisture damage
- You want a lower-cost, lower-risk alternative to full removal
It is not recommended for high-impact areas where paint may crack over time.
Prepare the area
Even though encapsulation produces minimal dust, containment is still required.
- Remove furniture and cover floors with plastic sheeting
- Seal vents and doorways
- Wear PPE, including a respirator
Safety precautions should match EPA lead-safe work practices.
Clean the surface thoroughly
Before applying encapsulant:
- Wash the surface with a detergent solution
- Remove dirt, grease, and loose paint
- Use wet scraping for minor flaking
- Allow the surface to fully dry
Encapsulants adhere best to clean, dry surfaces.
Repair damaged areas
Fill cracks or holes with patching compound and sand lightly (wet sanding only) if needed. The surface should be smooth and stable before application.
Apply the lead encapsulant
Use a product specifically labeled as a lead encapsulant, not standard paint.
- Apply using a roller or brush
- Follow manufacturer thickness requirements
- Allow proper drying time
- Apply a second coat if recommended
Encapsulants are thicker and more flexible than standard paint, designed to resist cracking and wear.
Inspect and monitor
Encapsulation is not “permanent removal.” The surface must be monitored periodically. If the coating cracks or deteriorates, it must be repaired immediately to prevent exposure.
Schedule your lead based-paint consultation today
Ready for a fresh look in your home or office? Contact Multicolor Paint today to schedule a free consultation. Our professional house interior and exterior painting services in Saint Augustine are clean, fast, and hassle-free.
Let our experienced team handle the hard work while you enjoy a smooth, damage-free finish.
Visit us at https://localpainterflorida.com to learn more or book your appointment.
Call me for your estimate: 1(904) 217-9681 – Peter Hando professional painter in Saint Augustine
I perform a quick on-site survey with my team and give you apersonalized quote.
