How to Safely Remove Lead-Based Old Paint from Wood
Painted wooden furniture finished prior to the 1970s is likely coated with lead-based paint --- and it's especially hazardous if the paint is chipping off. Removing it and repainting is not always a popular option for lovers of old painted furniture but it is the safest way to keep these items in your home, especially if you have small children. While safety is a concern when using any kind of paint remover, you need to be especially mindful of the hazards when removing lead paint. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Old clothes or disposable coveralls
- Rubber gloves
- Duct tape
- Respirator
- Goggles
- Disposable plastic dropcloth
- Sponge
- Paint removal paste
- Plastic putty knife
- Nylon brush
- Heavy-duty trash bag
Instructions
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Protect yourself beforehand. Wear clothes you will discard afterward. If you have no clothes you want to discard, purchase old thrift store clothes or a disposable coverall. Wear heavy-duty gloves and duct tape the tops to your clothes. Cover your footwear with plastic and wear a respirator and goggles.
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Place the plastic sheeting in an area removed from your living area, if possible, such as a garage or outdoors.
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Place the painted wood piece on the plastic and wipe off any loose dust or dirt with a damp sponge.
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Apply a coat of paint removal paste to all painted surfaces of the wood and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Apply a second coat and leave it for 30 to 60 minutes, until the paint buckles.
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Remove the paint, scraping it away with a plastic putty knife. Use a nylon brush to remove paint in crevasses or other hard-to-reach areas.
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Rinse the stripped piece with a wet sponge. Clean away any remaining paint residue with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.
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Move the piece from the plastic. Place your gloves, footwear covers and clothing in the center of the plastic, on top of the removed paint. Fold the corners of the plastic over itself and place the whole thing into a heavy-duty trash bag. Dispose of as required for lead-contaminated waste in your community.
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Tips & Warnings
Some communities have restrictions on residential lead-contaminated waste. Check with your city's waste removal policies before putting the contaminated items in the trash.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
