How to Test Lead Paint on Old Wood
Prior to 1978, lead was a major component found in paint. On older wooden toys, furniture or walls, lead-based paint was simply painted over rather than being removed. Some older homes, furniture or toys still have layers of lead-based paint under newer paint coats. The only way to determine the presence of lead paint is to test the layers of paint. There are several ways to test for lead-based paint, including submitting a paint chip to a lab and swabbing paint with a home test.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Hold a utility knife at an angle that is parallel to the painted surface.
-
2
Slip the blade under the paint to peel back the paint layers.
-
-
3
Pull a paint chip free of the painted surface. Place the paint into a plastic bag.
-
4
Clean the exposed surface to remove any dust or old grime with a cleaning swab from the lead paint kit.
-
5
Pull out a testing swab from the packet that it is sealed in. A testing swab will be saturated with a chemical that changes color in the presence of lead. Swab the exposed surface where you pulled the chip of paint away with the testing swab from the kit. The swab will change colors in the presence of lead.
-
6
Take the paint chip in the plastic bag to a laboratory that specializes in testing for lead-based paint. The EPA recommends use of a lab for detecting lead-based paint rather than relying solely on the results made by a home-based test kit.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
An alternative method of testing is to hire a specialist to test your home or other items for lead paint. A specialist will use special lighting to detect the presence of lead.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
